It's a Wonderful Life
Directed by:
Frank CapraComposer:
Dimitri TiomkinCast:
James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, Gloria Grahame, H.B. Warner (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
Frank Capra’s heart-warming masterpiece has been embraced as a cherished holiday tradition by families around the world! George Bailey (James Stewart) sets aside his dreams of world travel to run his father’s small community bank, and protect the people of Bedford Falls from greedy businessman Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). When a costly mistake pushes George to the brink of despair, a visit from a kindly angel (Henry Travers) will show George how the life of one good man can change the world forever. (Paramount Home Entertainment)
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This film is not without flaws. In the second half, the complications of the main character become overly stretched, and the final walk with the angel is incredibly irritating in that George, even after the x-th clear demonstration of his hypothetical nonexistence, cannot understand which one matters. But that is not what Capra's Christmas family celebration of life is about. It's not about the details, it's not about the viewer studying the story. It's just about the fact that it's worth living, loving someone, and not stopping in the pursuit of anything, even if it means giving up on our life dreams. It's a strange coincidence that I watched the movie exactly when I was in the mood that personal, academic, or any other situation was simply wrong, and no movie could distract me from my any problems. And It's a Wonderful Life awakened something in me. That feeling that in moments when we think it can't get any worse, our life happiness may be just close to us.
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If someone other than James Stewart played the character of George, he probably wouldn't be as believable even in the positive moments, which are almost unbearable. Maybe Cary Grant could handle it. But thanks to James, this is such a beautiful work that everyone should see. It doesn't matter that it's an American masterpiece, it primarily showcases human kindness and the meaning of life. That alone is beautiful and will endure for generations. At least in the movies, if not so much in reality.
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