It's a Wonderful Life
Tripod Thoughts

Review by Tripod Thoughts

It's a Wonderful Life 1946

★★★★★

Rewatched 25 Dec 2020

Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.


It’s a Wonderful Life is an amazing movie. This isn’t just a Christmas movie, it’s THE Christmas movie. Everything about this story is compelling, earned and impactful on the deepest of levels. It’s a charming, heartfelt and deep movie that perfectly encapsulates classic cinema better imo than any movie could.

The characters are so investing and the fictional town of Bedford Falls where the story takes place feels so alive and characterized. They have attributes and quirks unique to their own personalities that helps them stand out and stay memorable whether it’s the Martinis, Annie the maid, Violet Bick or Sam Wainwright. Jimmy Stewart is amazing in this film, he fully embraces his character in every scene becoming everything he’s needed whether he’s optimistic and energetic or depressed and discouraged. The relationships he builds with everyone in town feel genuine and natural so when he’s faced with the reality of never being born all of that goes away and everyone’s lives turn seedy and cold. Donna Reed is also very good in the movie especially since this was her screen debut, she stands out amongst other love interests of the time due to her attitude and the impact her character carries. Henry Travers is also pretty good in the movie even if he doesn’t have the most to do throughout the movie, Clarence adds a lot of humor as well as a fish out of water element where he doesn’t quite understand why George doesn’t want to live yet he must complete the job regardless.

The story is as wholesome as you could possibly get. It’s simply about a man who’s down on his luck and pushed to the brink of committing suicide. It’s something I think a lot of people can relate to, maybe not even the feeling of suicide or wanting to end your life but the hopelessness that someone can feel when things turn for the worst. You see the desperation form and the resentment towards everyone he’s helped start to develop in George and it’s a very natural situation that a lot of people do deal with. The cynicism and bitter feelings towards those that anchor you to wherever you live. The movie also lends itself to some pretty darker themes like suicide, depression, self fulfillment, resentment, bankruptcy and many more. It's a very real story that in a way doesn't lend itself to being a Christmas story as opposed to a story taking place around Christmas.

The ending of this movie is pure magic, nothing short of a miracle that’s a pleasure to behold. Frank Capra really went for the throat with this ending. George’s transformation from suicidal businessman to elated optimist who’s purely just happy to be alive is something beautiful. His resentment forgotten and he embraces his family with a new lease on life. The idea that even if you’re facing arrest, bankruptcy or worse, that it shouldn’t be enough to dampen your spirits or find value in simply being alive is a great message. It is truly something to be able to enjoy life for its ups and downs, its hard times and its passionate times. The ending also shows us the best of mankind enough to light a spark in this cold, dead, ashy heart. It shows us the loyalty, the compassion and inherent goodness in all of us and most importantly shows us that any life no matter it’s struggles, flaws or mistakes has a value that can never be replaced.

If there are any flaws to be pointed out it’s strictly on a technical level. There are some scenes that are edited weird and the occasional ad lib is noticeable due to it being a 1946 film however it resonates solely on a storytelling level regardless of it’s dated technicality and production.

Overall this movie is nothing short of incredible. Everything is earned and everything is framed so perfectly. Sometimes all we need is some good ol’ fashioned optimism in our lives and this may be the perfect movie for that. It’s a movie that illustrates how difficult and complex life can be and how easy it is to get discouraged, lost and despondent. It’s a movie that shows us the best of mankind, it’s a movie that’s almost impossible feeling worse after watching and not just about yourself but the world and those we share it with.

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