It's a Wonderful Life

Rating:
Summary: ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES EVER!
Review: My mother got me this DVD for Christmas and I watched it that night and I was amazed. James Stewart gives his greatest performance ever as George Bailey(Even better than the classic performance he gave in 'Mr Smith Goes To Washington')and one of the greatest performances ever by any actor in any movie. THe casting is excellent. Donna Reed is great and beautiful as George Bailey's wife. To me, George and Mary Bailey are the best onscreen couple ever. Old man Potter, played excellently and villianously by Lionel Barrymore was great casting. I think it is one of the best screenplays ever written and one of the best movies ever, if not the best. Of course I love Schindler's List and rank it very high. My favorite scene in It's A Wonderful Life(It is a very small and simple scene) is when George is outside Ma Bailey's house as Harry's return from college party is going on inside the house. He lights his cigarette from a match he strikes on the outside steps. Music begins to play as we see people inside the house having a good time. George is alone, smoking his cigarette. He pulls out brochures of other countries he always wanted to go to. To me, this scene sums up the theme of the whole movie. George sacrifices his dreams, his aspirations, his whole life for other people because that's what kind of a man he is, a kind man, who thinks of himself last. That's why he chose to run Bailey Building and Loan. Every scene is classic and Frank Capra's direction is great as usual. Many people have the misconception that It's A Wonderful Life is only a great holiday movie that should be watched only around Christmas. To me, the film is about life, love, things taken away, sacrifice, and faith, the faith to keep on going when you can't go on any longer. Jimmy Stewart brings so much love, life, and sympathy to the character of George Bailey. To me, George Bailey is the most memorable character in screen history. I have a complaint. Just last year, the American Film Institute(AFI) announced it's 100 Greatest Heroes and Villians in Screen History. I was outraged to see Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch in TO Kill A Mockingbird win the Number 1 hero. Not to take anything away from Peck, who delivered a strong, great performance as Atticus, but it is George Bailey who is the Number 1 hero. He sacrificed his whole life for other people and he found the goodness in that.

Rating:
Summary: This movie will lift your spirits !!
Review: I have seen hundreds of movies that move me, but "It's a Wonderful Life" has been my favorite as long as I can remember. Many people find it corny and old fashioned, I find it uplifting and as true in content today as the day it was made. No one could have portrayed the character of George Bailey like the unforgettable Jimmy Stewart....and Donna Reed and the entire cast.......Wow!! I think Frank Capra must have had a sixth sense when it came to knowing who would cast well with whom. I cannot count how many times I have viewed this movie, and every time I do it's as though it's the first time I have seen it. I am hard pressed to pick a favorite scene, but if I did I think it would be when the druggist, Mr. Gower, realizes that George did not deliver the capsules that contained poison, and hugs him. Without being asked, George tells him he will never tell a living soul......and does not. In closing, I would say there is probably not a person alive that could not benefit from the message in this movie. If you have not seen this film you are truly missing out.

Rating:
Summary: From contemplating suicide to being ¿the richest man in town
Review: It's a Wonderful Life is one of the staples of any cinematherapy collection. It is a remarkable feat to show us a man metaphorically drowning in despair and contemplating his literal suicide by drowning, and then to guide us through a deft tour de force that transforms that rejected/disowned life into one of joy, affirmation, and triumph! This film is Capra's greatest achievement, and Jimmy Stewart reported it as his personal favourite of his career.

I have recommended this film to many clients, and it has its own meaning to each of them. A number find it difficult to embrace a film that in many ways preaches the virtues of self-sacrifice and constantly putting the needs of others before that of the self: and in many ways, this does run counter to much of the emphasis that is ascribed to self-fulfilment and 'personal actualization' in popular psychology. Despite these perceived difficulties, most of them find it to be up-lifting and a splendid affirmation of the human spirit. Not least because many of them have personal heroes or family members who have made remarkable personal sacrifices for the benefit of others: significantly, like George Bailey, it was enough for these people to have had the privilege of serving others, the sacrifices were not made with the intention of forming a network of obligation and guilt.

Bailey word paints a wonderful life for himself:

I'm shakin' the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I'm gonna see the world. Italy, Greece, the Parthenon, the Coliseum. Then, I'm comin' back here to go to college and see what they know. And then I'm gonna build things. I'm gonna build airfields, I'm gonna build skyscrapers a hundred stories high, I'm gonna build bridges a mile long...

He makes a valiant defence of the civilising effect of giving working people the opportunity to benefit by their labours, and making them stake-holders in the community to which they belong. "This town needs this measly, one-horse institution if only to have someplace where people can come without crawling to Potter."

Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about. They do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him, but to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book, he died a much richer man than you'll ever be.

Ironically, his verbal skills are partially responsible for the dashing of his dreams when his impassioned defence of his father's vision leads to the board voting to save the Bailey Savings and Loan Co. if George will agree to sacrifice his dreams, and stay on to succeed his father.

Throughout It's a Wonderful Life, we see George Bailey as all too human in his discontent, frustration, and despair, yet we also see him demonstrate the strengths and virtues that are the affirmation of what is best about the human spirit. Ironically, one of the strengths that he seems to lack is gratitude (see "Character Strengths and Virtues" by Peterson and Seligman; or "Authentic Happiness" by Marty Seligman, which also describes the 'Gratitude Visit', of which the closing scenes of this film are such a triumphant example). The arc of the story gives us (and George) an opportunity to see what life would have been like if he had not been there: we have the nightmarish Pottersville, and a film noirish re-introduction to characters whom we have already 'met' but now see in their degraded guise, because George was not there to help them (the degradation of the druggist, Mr. Gower, who is imprisoned for his dispensing error, and becomes the town drunk, is especially moving). Unbeknownst to him, George's compassion, love, and empathy have saved the human dignity and spirit of Bedford Falls.

We learn that George Bailey may be poor in material terms but he is spiritually rich in the goodwill and love that his actions have garnered. In contrast to the abuse of talents that is embodied in the sterile, spirit-destroying Potter, Bailey has social capital and learns the truth of his father's motto "All you can take with you is that which you've given away." Clarence (the Angel/Guide) sums it up when he says,

You see, George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?

Ultimately, George Bailey leads a very different wonderful life to the one that he envisaged, but his reality is no less powerful or influential than the one he had constructed in his dreams. He may not have built the structures of which he dreamed, but he was responsible for the utopian/usonian Bailey's Fields, and shares some of the kudos for all of the social order and advantages that flowed from that strong community of families. Bailey may have been measured and categorised as 4F and unfit for military service, but his courageous actions as a child in saving his war-hero brother are shown to have indirectly influenced the survival of hundreds of soldiers.

George Bailey is one of those unsung heroes who is destined for 'valour without renown': it is a moving irony that it takes the collapse of his world and a descent into despair for him to learn how much his life has enriched the lives of both those he knows, and those whom he will never know. It's A Wonderful Life is one of the finest cinematic affirmations of the human spirit.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, Indeed
Review: I didn't discover this jewel until I caught it on cable television in the 1980's. Now I own a copy, and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE is watched faithfully each Holiday Season--often several times.

Frank Capra's endearing classic is the ultimate feel-good movie, like a sip of hot chocolate to warm the throat following a festive night under the stars looking at lights. All of us readily identify with George Bailey, a common man with big dreams and grand expectations. But when George's life consistently fails to meet his expectations, he becomes more disillusioned, disappointed. If only he could have traveled the world, designed and built the skyscrapers and bridges he talked about as a boy, his life would be meaningful.

And then George faces the ultimate conflict: possible bankruptcy, scandal, and imprisonment. He contemplates what, quite frankly, many of us would contemplate at such a time--suicide. Instead, he is given the ultimate gift: a chance to see what life would be like had he never been born. What he sees is bleak, even hopeless, and suddenly George realizes: his life has been meaningful, all along. And the majestic magnitude of his life is manifested during the film's final scene, when George's family and friends embrace him and rush to his aid.

James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore lead an exceptional cast in this wondrous film. Released in 1947, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE is a timeless classic that will be just as entertaining in 2047 and all the years to follow.

"To George Bailey, the richest man in Bedford Falls!"

Rating:
Summary: Zuzu's Petals......
Review: This review refers to the Republic Pictures (Dist by Artisan)DVD edition of "It's a Wonderful Life".......

You do NOT have to wait until Christmas to open this gift. Now that Frank Capra's wonderful film from 1946 is on this pristeen DVD it may be enjoyed anytime of the year. "It's A Wonderful Life" is the feel good movie of the all time.It should be watched anytime you need a lift!(Okay, Okay , you can watch it at Christmas time too!).

ASC(Angel Second Class), Clarence Oddbody needs to get his wings.George Bailey is desperatley in need of an Angel. So the powers up above arrange a meeting. It's a story made in heaven.

Clarence gets to view George Bailey's life from the time he was a young boy until the present, when George is having so many problems he thinks he would be better off if he'd never been born (it may be safe to say we have all had days like that!). We watch as George touches the lives of so many from boyhood to adulthood. He saves his brother's life,he stops his boss(a druggist) from making a fatal mistake, he saves the family business, "The Building and Loan Assoc" from the hands of the Scroogelike Mr. Potter, is friend and mentor to so many, and although never gets to follow his dreams of travel, settles down with the girl next door in his town, "Bedford Falls".

But things start going amiss for poor George,an accidental misplacemnet of a large sum of money, and the auditor showing up just at the wrong time, causes George to face loosing everything he THINKS is important. He's on the bridge, ready to pack it all in when his guardian angel Clarence shows up in the nick of time.Clarence shows George what life would REALLY be like if he was never born. It's not good! George must realize that "It's A Wonderful Life" before he can exsist again.

Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey. He is just tremendous in this role. We see the full range of his talents as he runs the course of going from carefree, to distraught, to bitter and finally elated with life as he discovers Zuzu's petals have reappeared in his pocket.The petals that dissapeared from his pocket when he dissapeared from exsistence. Henry Travers is Clarence and there has never been a more cherubic angel than he. Donna Reed as Mary(George's wife) is exceptional at making a wonderful life for George and looking great doing it. And Lionel Barrymore is the mean Mr. Potter who we love to hate. There are so many other famous faces to look for that do such a supberb job, here are a few...the great character actor Thomas Mitchell is the forgetful "Uncle Billy", Lillian Randolph is "Annie", the housekeeper, Beulah Bondi as Mrs. Bailey, Ellen Corby, the lady who only wants $17.50, Gloria Grahame is Violet and don't miss Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, mischievous as ever at the pool scene.

Hollywood is no slouch when it comes to making the old look young, and that is no exception for this film. At 57 it looks amazingly new on this DVD. It is remastered from the original film negative and the sound in Dolby Digital is clear as a bell( oh.. I think an angel just got his wings..)The black and white images are clear, sharp and bright. I was very impressed. There are a couple of special features, found on side b(don't worry the whole film is on side a). A great "making of" featurette narrated by Tom Bosley has lots of great info. There's also "A Personal Remembrance" with Frank Capra Jr., that has some nice interviews with Jimmy and Frank, but contains much of the same info from the first featurette, but is nice to have. There is English Captioning for those who may need it, it may be viewed in French and Spanish with subtitles as well.

So if you're feelinbg a little down, watch this movie and like Zuzu's petals, your smile will reappear......Laurie

Rating:
Summary: It's a wonderful film. (My top 10 mini review)
Review: Since this film is set at Christmas time many view it as a must see film for the holiday season. While this is well and good, it may obscure the true greatness of this picture. Simply put: This is the best film of all time. It is definitely worth watching anytime of the year.

It's a wonderful life reunites director Capra and actor Stewart at the height of their powers. Lionel Barrymore is perfect as the miserly Mr. Potter. The film is an excellent fusion of wry comedy and tender sentiment.

Rating:
Summary: It's a wonderful film.
Review: This is a mini review of one of my all time top 10 favorite films

Since this film is set at Christmas time many view it as a must see film for the holiday season. While this is well and good, it may obscure the true greatness of this picture. Simply put: This is the best film of all time. It is definitely worth watching anytime of the year.

It's a wonderful life reunites director Capra and actor Stewart at the height of their powers. Lionel Barrymore is perfect as the miserly Mr. Potter. The film is an excellent fusion of wry comedy and tender sentiment.

Rating:
Summary: This movie will lift your spirits !!
Review: I have seen hundreds of movies that move me, but "It's a Wonderful Life" has been my favorite as long as I can remember. Many people find it corny and old fashioned, I find it uplifting and as true in content today as the day it was made. No one could have portrayed the character of George Bailey like the unforgettable Jimmy Stewart....and Donna Reed and the entire cast.......Wow!! I think Frank Capra must have had a sixth sense when it came to knowing who would cast well with whom. I cannot count how many times I have viewed this movie, and every time I do it's as though it's the first time I have seen it. I am hard pressed to pick a favorite scene, but if I did I think it would be when the druggist, Mr. Gower, realizes that George did not deliver the capsules that contained poison, and hugs him. Without being asked, George tells him he will never tell a living soul......and does not. In closing, I would say there is probably not a person alive that could not benefit from the message in this movie. If you have not seen this film you are truly missing out.

Rating:
Summary: The Greatest Film of All Time?
Review: How do you describe Frank Capra's style? I once called it like Orson Welles, only happy. Visually, these two film-makers were both fond of high-contrast photography and capturing emotions in the characters of their movies. But whereas Welles seemed to focus on all the terrible things that human beings can become, Capra focused on life lessons and the good that lies inside of all people.

While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do.

Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine?

The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean).

Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made.

Rating:
Summary: You reap what you sow
Review: This uplifting film directed by Frank Capra was released in 1947; still being watched years later, It's a Wonderful Life is a true classic. Starring James Stewart and Donna Reed it was nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. The message this story portrays is timeless; not only that no one is poor who has friends, but also that you reap what you sow. When George Bailey (Stewart) was a young man he was driven by his dreams and desires to explore the world and build great things. Unfortunately, George's dreams were repeatedly put on hold by his sense of obligation to his deceased father, the struggling family business, and his friends in Bedford Falls. After years of living in the small town that he always longed to escape and doing a job he never really wanted, impending bankruptcy causes George to hit an all time low. Contemplating suicide, it takes a guardian angel to make him see all the good things that he accomplished in his life and how many lives around him that he touched beginning when he was just a boy. James Stewart gives an emotional performance; whether he is praising his father's morals and decency as a human being, praying to God for guidance, or celebrating his new outlook on life the viewer can relate to his passion, desperation, or joy. Throughout his life George Bailey sowed and nurtured many friendships and in the end he reaped the rewards of each and every one. I give it five stars.