Rating: 
Summary: Best American War Related Film Ever Made.
Review: This is without doubt the finest Example of American "Thinking" Cinema. It Does'nt show Blood'n'Guts Hollywoodisms, instead it shows you the aftermath that confronts a Soldier, Sailor and Airman returning home, Combat can Last Only Minutes it's affects live with you to the grave.The Wounds both Physical and Mental are there to be seen, the Sailor played by Harold Russell one of his only two film parts is played masterfully..no shoving his hands ups his sleeves..he REALLY lost his hands in war..the other cast members act out fo their skins..showing the quality of performance that they could achieve given the right script and direction. It really Deserves it's Five Stars.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, wonderful movie
Review: This is one of the films I never get tired of seeing. In fact, I just ordered this film a week or so ago and had it sent to my Mom for her 58th birthday present, she had not seen the film before. She LOVED it! (And kudos to Amazon.com for shipping it so QUICKLY - I love you guys!)All the performances are unforgettable, especially Harold Russell as Homer Parrish. By the way, as far as I know he is still alive (I'm sure there would have been an obituary if he had passed away). He'd be in his mid-80's by now. He was in one more film in 1980, the title of which I don't recall right now -- but used his fame by spending 30+ years fighting for the rights of disabled American war vets in Washington D.C. He wrote a biography entitled "The Best Years of My Life" which I read about a year or two ago, and that's where I got that information. Suffice to say that I love this movie, and it's one that I watch a few times each year. Like a classic novel, I never get tired of it.
Rating:
Summary: The character development is classic in any age.
Review: This is a truly wonderful film, both in the acting and the story content. The unique character is Harold Russell's Homer Parrish - not for his acting ability (which is superb) but for the fact that he is really playing himself. Harold IS Homer, the high school athlete who was taken from football games and pretty girlfriends and dreams of college and thrust into hell. He was one of the lucky ones - he returned alive - but one of the unluckiest of the lucky, for he returned without hands. Although Fred March's and Dana Andrew's performances, along with the rest of the supporting cast, is likewise superb, it's Russell's performance that keeps this film alive. The bedroom scene with Wilma is one of the greatest scenes ever set to film, period. PS -This was Russell's first and (I think) only film - he was told point blank an actor without hands didn't have much of a future. He is the only actor to win 2 Oscars for the same role - best supporting actor, and a special awards Oscar (most motivational to the returning troops, or something like that). Russel went to college, earned a degree, and went on to personally work under every president from Truman to Reagan. He did sell one of his Oscars, when his wife was dying and he needed money. I think he's still alive somewhere.
Rating:
Summary: Masterful Moviemaking
Review: I can only second what many of the reviewers have already said: this is a very special movie which has stood the test of time. What is most interesting to me perhaps is that this film is clearly among the best work of all of these stars: March, Loy, Russell, and certainly Dana Andrews. Let's also not forget Hoagy Carmichael--he shines in every scene he is in. I had the opportunity of seeing this movie in a theater several years ago, after having viewed it many times on television. Seeing it in a theater, on a large screen was a revelation. Not only was the emotional pull of the story even more compelling, but the sheer artistry of the direction, lighting, and camera work was remarkable. I could only imagine what the impact of the film's themes must have been for America's postwar moviegoers. "The Best Years of our Lives" more than deserved the awards it received, and it is a grand reminder of what movies were like when stories of human feeling, emotion, and character really mattered. That, in the final analysis, is why this film is justly recognized as a classic.
Rating:
Summary: As the old warriors die, this movie remains as a monument.
Review: This movie is simply magnificent, from honest characters honestly performed, to the real issue of returning from war that has bedeviled warriors since Hannibal's time at least, to the breathtaking deep focus photography. This is, in all its aspects, a perfect film. Perfection is not enough; it has the capacity to move me, no matter how many times I see it. Wyler's comments, spoken through the son, about the threat of impending nuclear destruction was prescient, as well. This movie has the rare knack of mirroring its times, and yet remaining just as fresh and pertinent today; no small task. Movie moments--Dana Andrews waking in his nightmare; Dana Andrews sitting in the bombardier's seat; Cathy helping the Harold Russell character remove his hooks. The impact is undeniable, because it is REAL. Try that with today's slick computer work. It doesn't come close. My folks both served in World War II. Such a movie as Best Years of Our Lives honors them as nothing else can.
Rating:
Summary: Best WWII Movie Ever (maybe)
Review: Any movie where a guy with no hands runs around all angry is a must see. The story I heard is that the no-handed guy's life fell apart after the hype from this movie died down. He started drinking heavily, ran out of money, and sold his oscar at a pawn shop. Sounds like they should make a sequal. Teresa Wright is a real knockout.
Rating:
Summary: Heart wrenching;eternal issues coupled with great moviemakin
Review: This is one of the all time great movies. Its power never diminishes after repeated viewings. The music is superb (it is included in John Williams' recent CD featuring great movie scores), and every detail regarding the lives of ordinary soldiers returning from war is perfect. It is Dana Andrews absolute best movie, and maybe Teresa Wrights' too. Myrna Loy and Fredric March are fabulous together. It connects me with my parents generation more than any movie, song, picture. This generation is dying away, and this movie will keep them alive forever.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best ever
Review: The Best Years of Our Lives is a compelling cinematic treasure with a message that still needs to be heard. The superb musical score and effective cinematography work together to create an unforgettable backdrop to the the lives of 3 returning G.I.'s and their families. The casting was nothing if not inspired; from Frederick March's superb portrayal to his terrific foil, Myrna Loy. A wonderful performance is given by Teresa Wright and the rest of the cast. Dana Andrews is at his best , not to neglect Harold Russell and Ray Collins, who later would play Lt. Tragg on Perry Mason. This movie has an honored place among my top ten films of all time.
Rating:
Summary: Perhaps the very best movie dealing with post-war issues.
Review: I have seen this movie several times and it still is one of my all time favorites. Although an earlier reviewer panned this with only two stars and thought that "It's a Wonderful Life" should have won the Oscar for best picture that year, I believe that the academy made the right choice considering the two great films it had to choose from. This movie deals so many post-war problems in such an honest fashion. One man comes home a true war hero and has to finally take a job as a soda jerk. Onother comes home and tries to take over his old job as a bank manager but the war has changed him in ways that others at the bank will never understand. Another man comes back without hands and tries his best to let his girlfriend know that he is not worthy of her. The female characters are all well developed and real. I agree with the second reviewer that "It's a Wonderful Life" is indeed a wonderful movie. Still, as far as my personal favorite, "The Best Years of Our Lives" is just a little bit better.
Rating:
Summary: A Gut-Grabbing Film
Review: If you have ever served in the military, you will see much of yourself in this very moving tale of how three WWII veterans adjust to a post-war life. All face difficulties, jealousies, and awkward moments. All become friends. Dana Andrews is magnificent as the Fred Derry, a one-time aviator hero who resigns himself to returning to his job as a soda jerk. Virginia Mayo is superb as his wife, who fell in love with his Army uniform but has no use for him now. Myrna Loy and Frederick March are excellent as a long time couple who deal squarely with his disinterest in his banking job and their daughter's emerging love for Fred. Harold Russell is totally believable as the vet who loses his arms and won't burden his girl with the inconvenience. Theresa Wright is touching as the daughter of one veteran and the savior of another. They don't make films like this anymore. I'm afraid that the characters in current films like Good Will Hunting are subordinated to a morbid facination with profanity and sex. All the more reason to get The Best Years of Our Lives.
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