I enjoy writing about all sorts really. I love travel and am pregnant at the moment so expect a lot ...
I enjoy writing about all sorts really. I love travel and am pregnant at the moment so expect a lot of baby reviews to come. I also post on Dooyoo under the name Whizz11
Member since:07.09.2007
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It's a Wonderful Life is a truly magical Christmas film, a beautiful classic that is really traditional and perfect for all the family. There are no bad words, rude jokes etc like most of today's Christmas films, just pure, and simple with a great message.
It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American film shot in black and white. It features arguably one of the greatest actors ever, James (Jimmy) Stewart in the lead role of George Bailey.
It's Christmas Eve and George Bailey is feeling sorry for himself, worse than that actually, he is contemplating suicide. He has a loving wife and kids but is not really pleased at how his life has turned out. He had high hopes for himself when he was younger but circumstances dictated that he didn't always achieve those goals, sometimes by cruel twists of fate. He has to put off going away to college (university) and then when his father dies he is stuck with running the family business that turns into a soul destroying career option. The business is failing and George does not know what to do, he needs the town to help him but so far they are not.
His state of mind attracts the attention of an angel (we have to suspend belief here just a bit and after all, it is a Christmas movie). The angel is called Clarence Odbody. He is only a second class angle, to become a fist class angel and thus earn his wings, he needs to come to earth and save somebody and George is that lucky man.
The movie then goes through a number of flashbacks showing George his life growing up. Clarence wants to show him all the good things he has done and how by touching these lives he has changed the course of history and those around him. I think this shows us such a positive message and is a really good thing. Sometimes we don't always appreciate what ewe do for others but to know they are touched and may go on to do good things because of us is quite heartwarming.
Clarence shows George how he saved his brothers life and offered help to his boos during his time of crisis.
My favourite part of the movie is when Clarence shows George what life in his town would have been like if he hadn't been born. The town is dark and unfriendly, his wife is a lonely spinster, his brother did actually die and his friends are all worse off. It's a very interesting twist of fate to see how George reacts to all of this, especially when he recognises everybody but nobody recognises him. I would think this would be quite scary and I'm so glad that would never happen to me.
After Clarence has shown George all this he is moved to the point of realising that he really does has a wonderful life. I will not spoil the ending but it's just very nice and pleasing to watch.
The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including James Stewart for best actor but did not win any of them. In fact, when the film first came out it was considered a bit of a flop as it had very high productions costs that it did not initially cover and also competition from other films out at that time. However, now, the film is pretty much regarded as a classic and a must for Christmas. It has been named as one of the 100 best American films ever made by the American Film Institute and various other similar accolades. In my opinion this is a great film for all the family and one that will become part of your Christmas.
Amazon have this film on sale for approximately £12 and you can find it in pretty much all DVD shops.
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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
Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Shelagh Fraser, Barbara Flynn, Keith Drinkel, Felicity Kendal, Pam Ferris, Colin Douglas
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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: 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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