Sohail.imraan’s review published on Letterboxd:
Ahhhh Christmas, it’s that time of the year again! After a long rough year, at least we have the holidays to spread some cheer! Christmas, or any holiday, is something for everyone to celebrate. It’s a time where people come together to spread some joy and love, it’s a time to forget all the bad things and only focus on the good stuff. I’ve always loved Christmas, the joy of seeing some of my friends celebrate the holiday with their families always brings a soft feeling to my heart. I just hope one day, I can do the same with my own family. It’s a Wonderful Life could just be my all time favourite Christmas movie, there’s a lot of different ones out there but my god is this a huge standout.
The message in this film is one of courage and sacrifice for the greater good as George Bailey, a man with big ideas about seeing the world, continually forsakes his own desires to do what is right for the town. The second message is that each life important. No matter how insignificant we feel we are, we are all inextricably linked to each other and play an important part in the fabric of one another's lives.
Capra's direction is brilliant. His genius is bringing human stories to life in a ways that not only make a point, but that totally involve the audience in the lives of the characters. He is always extremely optimistic about the human condition. He tests his characters with overwhelming adversity to make them struggle, only to then triumph in a way that causes the world to change and the character to grow.
Led by Capra's understanding hand, the actors all did a magnificent job. Stewart's wide-eyed enthusiasm and boyish charm, coupled with an unbending strength of character made him the perfect folk hero. Donna Reed was lovely and charming and attained the right balance between being supportive and inspirational. The romantic chemistry between her and Stewart was subtle and charming. Lionel Barrymore was towering as the greedy old skinflint who was trying to take over the town. Finally, you have Thomas Mitchell who plays as the bumbling Uncle Billy. The cast did an incredible job in bringing their characters to life. I’ve always admired James Stewart from watching him in many Hitchcock films but my god, this is definitely my favourite performance from him. I absolutely loved it.
George Bailey as portrayed by James Stewart is the kind of every man hero we can all identify with. He's got the every day problems to be sure, raising and providing for a family, but he's got bigger problems than that. Fate has made him the rallying point of opposition in his small town of Bedford Falls to the "richest and meanest man in town", embodied in Lionel Barrymore.
All I have to say is that Frank Capra creates an unforgettable atmospheric experience that remains tattooed in your memory which will remain there even years after viewing it. This film has stood the test of time as a timeless classic. The direction was subtle and superb - rarely equaled and I think this film is best in Black and White. (I haven’t seen the coloured version as this was my first viewing)
Watching this movie truly touched my heart and brought me back to the true meaning of Christmas. I mean, your heart just goes out to George and his wonderful little town of Bedford Falls. He and his wonderful wife Mary together do whatever they can to make it in life and support their 4 darling children. But when a horrible mishap goes on at the bank that George works at, loosing $8,000, he starts to wonder if his life is worth living. But there is one angel who will not give up on him and shows him what life would be like if George had never been born. In Bedford Falls without George, turned into Pottersville because of the very greedy business man Mr. Potter, no one is happy and Mary is all alone. George realizes that maybe life is worth living and comes home to this loving town that is willing to do anything to help him and his family out.
Overall, It's a Wonderful Life can definitely be considered to be one of the greatest movies to watch this time of the year. It’s a Christmas classic which will only continue to age like fine wine till the end of time. Definitely recommend checking this out now!
