Last night, my husband and I sat down with a nice glass of wine and an Indian takeaway, all set to indulge in watching one of our all time favourite films - 'It's a Wonderful Life!' This is not one of those fast moving, glossy, sleek, Hollywood Blockbusters that constantly fill our screens at the moment. No, this is a black nd white film made in 1946 which moves at a gentle pace but is one of the most uplifting films I have ever watched! And what's more - there's no sex, violence or swearing - just a good old fashioned story about an ordinary man!
That ordinary man is George Baily, played superbly well by one of my favourite actors, James Stewart. George lives in a small town - Bedford Falls - somewhere in America. It is a small town where nothing ever happens and George's greatest dream is to leave the town, visit the big wide world and then eventully go off to college. However, events keep conspiring against him, so much so tht
he never leaves the town at all. He has to take over his father's business after his death and allows his younger brother to go off to college in his place. That brother, Harry, is supposed to come back and take his place so that George can leave, but Harry is offered a wonderful opportunity that George can't let him turn down.
And so it goes on - even when George marries Mary (Donna Reed) and they are set to go off on their honeymoon, other things happen which mean they can't leave. You see, essentially, George is a very good man but that is really his undoing. Because he can never let other people down, he never ever follows his dreams which make him become more and more frustrated until things come to a head on Christmas Eve when he seriously considers taking drstic action. However, all this time he has been watched over by a rather novice nd slightly ancient angel called Clarence. At a critical point, he comes to George and he shows him what life might have been like if he had never been born and it looks like it would have been quite catastrophic for a number of people!
Can Clarence really persuade George that his wife is worth living? Well, that is the essence of the film and if you have not seen it, it's well worth watching to find out!
As I said earlier this film is in black and white and was made well over half a century ago. I think probably then, filmgoers probably did not demand so much action. I'm not sure whether 'It's a Wonderful Life' would make it at the cinema in the 21st century, and I feel sure that if there were to me a remake someone would decide to spice it up with sex and violoence which would be such shame as it does not need it! No, this is a very simple, lovely film which tells the story of everyday people. It also shows the very best of human nature.
George is a fascinating complex character and he is thoughtfully played by James Stewart. He is a charming character and there's certainly an appeal for the way it portrays how gentlemen behaved back then. I also liked Donna Reed's portrayal of his wife. Mary is a very optimistic character but as the film progresses we see her struggling to support her husband as he comes more frustrated and depressed. There are a number of supporting charcters who all add to the interest of the film, especially the very unlikeable Mr Potter (played by Lionel Barrymore).
It's not a sad film although there are some quite poignant moments. Also it's not a funny film even though there are some quite subtle comical moments. Above all, I think this is a happy, uplifting film which tells the story of one good man and how being good is actually a very worthwhile thing.
I really love this gentle film and if you have never seen it I do thoroughly recommend it.
There are also a couple of extras on our collector's edition DVD. There's a twenty three minute clip looking at the making of the film which is narrated by Tom Bosley. This is fascinating especialy when you compare it with all the sophisticated film making techniques these days. There is also an introduction by and an interview with Frank Capra jnr, the son of the director which is also very interesting.
Overall, it's definitely one to add to the collection and at the moment can be bought on Amzon for £11.98!
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 2000 - Drama - Director: Giuseppe Tornatore - Original Language: Italian - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Monica Bellucci, Giuseppe Sulfaro, Luciano Federico, Matilde Piana
Hollywood's best-loved star teams up with America's favourite director to create one of ... more
the most popular films.It's A Wonderful Life is the ultimate 'feel-good' film. Starring the unforgettable James Stewart as George Bailey, the man who receives the g...
Advantages: It's heartwarming, moving , and hey, it's a Jimmy Stewart film. Disadvantages: Some people are put off because they've heard of it but think it might be corny, being an old Christmas Classic
Maximus-Qualitus 05.09.2008 (05.09.2008)
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Review of It's A Wonderful Life (DVD)
Advantages: A great Christmas film, with a real meaning and emotion Disadvantages: Maybe depicts a too perfect family scenario
christianfilmcritic 11.12.2006 (02.12.2007)
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