When I first saw "Forrest Gump," the opening sequence made me think of the mystic Hildegard von Bingen's statement that we are all just "feathers on the breath of God."
Well, I interpret the quotation as meaning that God (or the Divine or Fate, whatever you want to call it) controls our lives, not us, and therefore, we should just accept what comes our way and roll with it, so to speak. And Forrest Gump was certainly that way. He never railed against the unfairness of life or judged people harshly for the circumstances of their existence.
I've always been puzzled by that 'life = chocolate box' analogy since I first heard it in this film, as it's so patently false - unless you're purposely NOT looking at the 'key' which comes with every box - and how many do THAT?.
The pastor of the Lutheran church we used to attend did a whole sermon as Forrest Gump. He was dressed like him and sat in a folding chair in front of the congregation and held a box of chocolates. He did the whole thing in character, accent and all, without notes of any kind. It was riveting.
Years before Forest Gump, I made up a saying, “ Men are like a box of chocolates. They all look good but you have to take a bite of each because there are always some jellies in the mix.” Some screenwriter must have overheard me and stole my line.
Great movie! After my mother died, I used to say and write that I felt like a feather or a leaf carried away by the breeze until it falls on the ground. Mother is roots, home, stability, unconditional love. With her gone, that's a different reality.
When Forrest Gump came out, I was a single mother of teenagers trying to be and do everything for everybody. I fell asleep about 10 mins into the movie and napped right through it as I did most movies in that time period! You all make it sound better than I remember so I'm going to watch it all the way through soon. Thanks for bringing it up.
I haven't watched this film for years. We were convinced for years that Gary Sinise really had no legs, we used to watch him running in CSI and marvel at how well he did ... brillant CGI for it's time.
A white feather landing in your path is the same as being visited by a Robin ... a sign that someone departed is watching over you with love.
When I first saw "Forrest Gump," the opening sequence made me think of the mystic Hildegard von Bingen's statement that we are all just "feathers on the breath of God."
ReplyDeleteI never understood the feather in the movie can you explain the meaning?
DeleteHaving said this your quote seems to fit very well I love it
Well, I interpret the quotation as meaning that God (or the Divine or Fate, whatever you want to call it) controls our lives, not us, and therefore, we should just accept what comes our way and roll with it, so to speak. And Forrest Gump was certainly that way. He never railed against the unfairness of life or judged people harshly for the circumstances of their existence.
DeleteSo your first quote was right x
DeleteI do love this movie.. Tom Hanks at his best.. There are very few of his movies i don't care for... Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteI never warmed to him until I heard him on desert island discs
Delete"My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."
ReplyDeleteSally field at her " Steel magnolia" best
Delete"Boy, yo' momma shore does care about yo' education!" Ha!
DeleteRun forest run!!!
Delete"I had run for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours. I'm pretty tired... I think I'll go home now."
DeleteMy mama always said, dyin' was a part of life. I sure wish it wasn't.
DeleteI've always been puzzled by that 'life = chocolate box' analogy since I first heard it in this film, as it's so patently false - unless you're purposely NOT looking at the 'key' which comes with every box - and how many do THAT?.
DeleteOne of my go to late-night-can't-sleep-need-distracting movies...
ReplyDeleteMy mama always said, dyin' was a part of life. I sure wish it wasn't.
ReplyDeleteI sure agree with that one ! .. I might have to watch it again, it has been yeas.
I loved that movie! Another Tom Hanks fan, here. He can do no wrong.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Now I'm craving chocolates, thanks guys.
ReplyDeleteThe pastor of the Lutheran church we used to attend did a whole sermon as Forrest Gump. He was dressed like him and sat in a folding chair in front of the congregation and held a box of chocolates. He did the whole thing in character, accent and all, without notes of any kind. It was riveting.
ReplyDeleteI’m a big Tom Hanks fan! “Run Forest Run!” Truthfully, this isn’t my favorite he’s done 🙃
ReplyDeleteGabs
Years before Forest Gump, I made up a saying, “ Men are like a box of chocolates. They all look good but you have to take a bite of each because there are always some jellies in the mix.” Some screenwriter must have overheard me and stole my line.
ReplyDeleteHard caramels, yuk. But in life as in boxes of chocolates, we all like different fillings!
DeleteNo comment MrsC. It's best to avoid incriminating oneself.
DeleteGreat movie!
ReplyDeleteAfter my mother died, I used to say and write that I felt like a feather or a leaf carried away by the breeze until it falls on the ground. Mother is roots, home, stability, unconditional love. With her gone, that's a different reality.
When Forrest Gump came out, I was a single mother of teenagers trying to be and do everything for everybody. I fell asleep about 10 mins into the movie and napped right through it as I did most movies in that time period! You all make it sound better than I remember so I'm going to watch it all the way through soon. Thanks for bringing it up.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't one of those who were over-enamoured by this film, though haven't seen it again since it's release back in (goodness!) 1994.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched this film for years. We were convinced for years that Gary Sinise really had no legs, we used to watch him running in CSI and marvel at how well he did ... brillant CGI for it's time.
ReplyDeleteA white feather landing in your path is the same as being visited by a Robin ... a sign that someone departed is watching over you with love.
That was such a lovely and memorable opening to a film. Thank you for reminding me.
ReplyDelete