Daniel’s review published on Letterboxd:
"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
On Christmas Eve, George Bailey (James Stewart), a man who has always put his own dreams and aspirations aside to help others, contemplates suicide. The prayers of his family and friends reach heaven and angel Clarence Oddbody (Henry Travers) is sent to intervene ...
It’s a Wonderful Life is a fantasy drama film co-written and directed by Frank Capra, based on the short story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern, which was loosely based on Charles Dickens' novella A Christmas Carol.
Even though it wasn't a commercial or critical success at the time of release, it has since become a Christmas classic and is considered to be one of the greatest films ever made, as well as one of Capra's best movies and one of Stewart's most iconic roles.
What I love most about It’s a Wonderful Life is the fact Capra isn't keeping it simple. Instead of making an easily digestible Christmas movie, his film is smart, sincere and takes its audience seriously. I wouldn't even call it especially sentimental, apart from the ending.
It's also full of charming characters, brought to life by a great cast, which includes Lionel Barrymore and Beulah Bondi, playing Stewart's mother for the fourth time. Stewart himself delivers one of the best performances of his long and distinguished career.
All of this makes It’s a Wonderful Life a worthy holiday classic with a powerful message and a great performance by James Stewart.
The movie is also on my list of All-time Favorite Christmas Movies
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