It's a Wonderful Life (1946 movie)- Review

Directed by: Frank Capra
Released: 1946
Country: United States

Main cast: James Stewart, Henry Travers, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Beulah Bondi, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, H. B. Warner, Gloria Grahame

Genres: Drama, Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

''It's a Wonderful Life'' is a charming film with an immense significance- be it it's story, be it it's emotions, or be it it's qualities. But one thing to be remembered is that, while the film is not a deeply serious one, it's depth, story and message make it one of the best movies ever made.

I just finished watching this movie, and I- you can say- fell in love with this movie. An awesome movie it is. ''It's a Wonderful Life'' presents it's subject matter so deeply and wonderfully (the excellent screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Jo Swerling and Frank Capra contributes much to the brilliance of the film) that I believe, you cannot dislike this film. Rather, I think everyone would love this movie.

James Stewart plays George Bailey. He has spent all his life making sacrifices and contributions for the welfare of the people whom he loves. His contribution for the development for the hometown and the people of this hometown has been immense. He always had the dream to leave Bedford Fall, and to explore the world. But his humane heart and his love for his relatives has always made him ignore this wish. His contributions for the happiness of other people has been so immense that on Christmas Eve, everyone is praying for him.

But George is terribly depressed and nervous. After his uncle Billy had lost a large amount of money belonging to their bank, everything seems to go wrong. George feels his life is awful, his life is terrible; he decides to commit suicide.

But however, an angel named Clarence is showed what George had did all his life, and Clarence is sent to earth to help George realize how beautiful his life actually is. In return, Clarence would get his wings.

Clarence shows George how the lives of his dear ones would have been if he had never been born, what his importance is in this world, and how wonderful life really is... would George realize, after all?

The storyline is so wonderful and pretty that it makes us staring at the screen. We see each and every actions of George, wondering how good people can be. And when he is so depressed, we feel sad, we feel bad. That's among the greatest things about this movie. It is such a great movie that has the power of moving us deeply.

Henry Travers gives the one of the best performances in this film. As Clarence, Travers is great, sometimes amusing, sometimes childish, sometimes loveable. He is physically present in this film only for about twenty minutes, more or less. Earlier, we hear only his voice. But within that time, he makes us adore his character. The background music of Clarence is the tone of ''Twinkle Twinkle Little Star''.

The others also give great performances: Donna Reed as George's wife Mary who had admired George since they were kids, Lionel Barrymore as the evil and greedy antagonist Henry F. Potter, Beulah Bondi as George and Harry's mom, Todd Karns as George's younger brother Harry, Thomas Mitchell as the uncle of George and Harry, Frank Faylen as Ernie the cab driver, Ward Bond as Bert the cop- and so many more actors who give great performances... Praises to them all!

Life is wonderful and it is to be enjoyed. Sacrifices for others, when made, make us satisfied for what we did for them. And this company, sacrifices, and contributions, and friendship, make life so beautiful. Sometimes, we get depressed thinking of something depressing, but why not take a look at the bigger positive and great things that come in our life?

Lastly, one thing I'd strongly recommend you is that watch this one with your family. It's a wonderful movie with a strong and beautiful message. Capable of bringing tears at the eyes, it's a beautiful movie, and definitely not to be missed.

5 out of 5