It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – George Bailey was a young man with dreams.  Dreams that he set aside so that he could take care of those around him.  Finally, one Christmas Eve, he’s pushed too far and wishes that he had never been born.  What the world looks like without him isn’t what he expected.

Directed by Frank Capra                                    Starring: Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed

I am not sure how I have never reviewed this movie before.  It’s a family tradition at Christmas in my house.

Yes, it’s sentimental.  By the cynical standards of today, it might even be called maudlin. Or hokey.  Or trite.

And if that is all you see when you watch this movie then you have forgotten what Christmas is supposed to be about.

No, I’m not going on a religious tear here.  I don’t care if Little Baby Jesus or Santa is the star at your house.  Christmas is about the kind of simple sentimentality shown by George, Clarence, Zuzu and the rest of the clan.  It is about wonder and joy and the worldview of a child.  So drop your cynical pose at the door, curl up and enjoy the ride.

No one has ever done this kind of movie better than Frank Capra.  He brings top quality filmmaking skills to the task at hand, and then layers the movie in his trademark optimism.  Capra never denies that George is in a lot of trouble at the pivotal moment of the story.  Far from it.  It is Bailey’s own optimism and trust that puts him in that position.  (Seriously, would YOU trust Uncle Billy with a bent paperclip?)

I will confess that this movie holds a very special place for me personally.  I went through a time similar to George Bailey’s (though with no threat of jail, lol), and much like George I found that I was a truly rich man.  I will love this movie till I die.

It also happens to be a damn fine movie.

What I Liked About It – Capra and Stewart tell an amazing story of sacrifice and the question of what makes a truly successful man.

What You Will Like About It – It will remind you of that simple Christmas joy you knew as a child.  And maybe remind you that there is more to success than Mr. Potter will ever know.

Rating – ***** Must See