It's a Wonderful Life
UK Release Date: 6 April 1947
Certification: U
Director: Frank Capra
Cast: Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Donna Reed, James Stewart, Henry Travers
Rating: 94%
Review:
As you can see from the attached image It's a Wonderful Life is a Christmas tradition in my family. Each Christmas Eve we go to the Glasgow Film Theatre to watch a screening of It's a Wonderful Life, so although I will try to keep the review honest, I have to admit going to the cinema on Christmas Eve certainly does add to the experience.
Director Frank Capra made his name with a series of movies celebrating the common man and the triumph of the underdog - It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and You Can't Take It With You (1938). It's a Wonderful Life was the first movie Frank Capra released following the end of World War II. An archetypal Capra movie, It's a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey and his plan to take his own life.
James Stewart gives an excellent performance in the lead role, he superbly personifies the conflicted but likeable businessman, George Bailey. But it is Henry Travers who is the scene stealer in It's a Wonderful Life. His character, Clarence, is by far the funniest character in the movie providing some hysterical moments as the angel yet to earn his wings. The performances of Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell and Donna Reed all added something to the movie.
The spiral towards suicide and George's wish to have never been born is an interesting concept and in my opinion Frank Capra pulls it off successfully. The storyline sets up lots of different comedic and eye-opening scenes for George, whilst introducing the audience to Clarence. Clarence shows George that his life is indeed worth living, "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends".
The first time I ever watched It’s a Wonderful Life, for the first half I felt it was a Christmas movie that had nothing to do with Christmas. But as soon as Clarence enters the story - and I don’t know why - the movie puts me in a festive mood. The movie may be more than 70 years old with dated references [e.g. candlestick phones, vintage cars and the Building & Loan company where George works], but the movie itself doesn't feel dated. In my view, It's a Wonderful Life demonstrates that good storytelling is timeless.
Certification: U
Director: Frank Capra
Cast: Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Donna Reed, James Stewart, Henry Travers
Rating: 94%
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| "Every time a bell rings an angel gets it's wings". |
As you can see from the attached image It's a Wonderful Life is a Christmas tradition in my family. Each Christmas Eve we go to the Glasgow Film Theatre to watch a screening of It's a Wonderful Life, so although I will try to keep the review honest, I have to admit going to the cinema on Christmas Eve certainly does add to the experience.
Director Frank Capra made his name with a series of movies celebrating the common man and the triumph of the underdog - It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and You Can't Take It With You (1938). It's a Wonderful Life was the first movie Frank Capra released following the end of World War II. An archetypal Capra movie, It's a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey and his plan to take his own life.
James Stewart gives an excellent performance in the lead role, he superbly personifies the conflicted but likeable businessman, George Bailey. But it is Henry Travers who is the scene stealer in It's a Wonderful Life. His character, Clarence, is by far the funniest character in the movie providing some hysterical moments as the angel yet to earn his wings. The performances of Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell and Donna Reed all added something to the movie.
The spiral towards suicide and George's wish to have never been born is an interesting concept and in my opinion Frank Capra pulls it off successfully. The storyline sets up lots of different comedic and eye-opening scenes for George, whilst introducing the audience to Clarence. Clarence shows George that his life is indeed worth living, "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends".
The first time I ever watched It’s a Wonderful Life, for the first half I felt it was a Christmas movie that had nothing to do with Christmas. But as soon as Clarence enters the story - and I don’t know why - the movie puts me in a festive mood. The movie may be more than 70 years old with dated references [e.g. candlestick phones, vintage cars and the Building & Loan company where George works], but the movie itself doesn't feel dated. In my view, It's a Wonderful Life demonstrates that good storytelling is timeless.
I agree that a good movie story is timeless and I think to have a Xmas tradition of seeing this movie with your family is a great reminder of all that is important in life - family and friendship is everything. Happy 2020 - looking forward to reading more of your reviews x
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot and you too
DeleteGreat review. It's an annual outing for my family too. I love it. Hee Haw
ReplyDelete