Where to Watch:
9/10
FilmFascination Rating
There are mystery movies that once seen cannot be rewatched because they give themselves away. Then there are movies like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ which turn out to be the most rewatchable movies. It surely is a timeless classic. The more you watch it the more familiar you get with it. This was the first movie Frank Capra (director) made after returning from service in World War II. He wanted it to celebrate the lives and dreams of America’s ordinary citizens, who tried their best to do the right thing by themselves and their neighbours.
George Bailey (James Stewart), the hero of the movie, is a man who never quite makes it out of his birthplace of Bedford Falls. Sometimes you plan things so much further, sometimes even till death, but things turn out the way you never could have imagined. As a young man, he dreams of traveling to far-off lands and building roads, bridges, and plan cities, but one thing and then the other keeps him at home. Especially his responsibility of saving the family-owned savings and loan association from greedy Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), the money-grubbing local banker.
As his dream of leaving his birthplace for his adventures does not succeed, George eventually marries his childhood sweetheart Mary Hatch (Donna Reed). George’s realization of his love for Mary gives us a beautiful romantic scene – the telephone scene where an angry Stewart and Mary find themselves helplessly drawn toward each other. The love passages between Stewart and Donna Reed are delightfully done. Sure, George has his ups and downs but things start to settle until the Building and Loan Association misplaces $8000.
Bailey is wretched with fear to face the consequences of such a horrible mishap. It’s Christmas and George comes to such a dead-end, feeling that taking his life is the only option left with him, until his guardian angel second class, Clarence Odbody gives him a chance of looking at how his little town would have turned out if he never existed. It is very interesting to see how each man’s life touches so many others’. One of my favourite dialogues in the movie comes when Clarence asks his higher authority about George – “Is he sick? No, worse. He is discouraged”.
The film is based on a story by Philip Van Doren Stern called “The Greatest Gift”. But It’s a Wonderful Life hasn’t always been this popular. The movie initially gained mixed reviews on release. But it became wildly popular after its copyright lapsed and fell into the public domain, allowing it to be broadcast without licensing or royalty. Today it has become a movie people will have a good time watching with their families for enduring decades. Its audience has grown to such an extent that it has become an annual family ritual for some.
As Boseley Crowther said “the weakness of this picture, from the reviewer’s point of view, is the sentimentality of it—its illusory concept of life. Mr. Capra’s nice people are charming, his small town is a quite beguiling place and his pattern for solving problems is most optimistic and facile. But somehow, they all resemble theatrical attitudes, rather than average realities.” Despite this, you may think why have I given it such a high rating and included it in my movie recommendation. It’s simple- because it nails every other aspect – the big-time laughs, touching sentiments, wonderful performances, adorable romance, and pragmatic problems. It gets an elated charm of its own with its imagination and, energetic and beautifully rendered tone.
Frank Stewart is a master in his art. He lights up the screen. His scenes of frustration and anger are realistic and well-portrayed. It is impressive to see how he brings humour in the film and at the same time, his face becomes so dark and sad when he starts having unavoidable hardships. To support him is Donna Reed who perfectly depicts Mary, as a loving and supportive wife and even a responsible mother. Also, the set is something where the efforts can be seen. In fact, the set is a few acres large and was a big thing at the time of release.
The movie’s conclusion has a heartwarming effect on the audience. In the end, the movie tries to tell the viewer that what we have is enough. And that is the reason why it has lived up till now and will probably go on to live for ages. Every person is running behind something. Once he achieves it, he runs behind something else. This constant dissatisfaction holds a person from appreciating what he actually has. In a way “It’s a Wonderful Life” has become a movie I visit once in a while just to remind me to appreciate all the beautiful things I already possess.
Favourite Quotes
Clarence: Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?
Mr. Potter: George, I am an old man, and most people hate me. But I don’t like them either so that makes it all even.
Pa Bailey: All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.
Senior Angel: A man down on Earth needs our help.
Clarence: Splendid. Is he sick?
Senior Angel: No, worse. He’s discouraged.
Clarence: [In book inscription] Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends.
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