nikki’s review published on Letterboxd:
This review may contain spoilers.
“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?”
It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas fantasy drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra which follows a man who has given up his personal dreams in order to help others in his community and whose thoughts of suicide on Christmas Eve bring about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence shows George all the lives he touched and what the world would be like if he did not exist.
Possibly the greatest Christmas film of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life is just such a fantastically optimistic film.
Tackling surprisingly dark material such as debt and suicide, the film manages to perfectly balance its tone and themes whilst never losing that magical element.
James Stewart is simply outstanding here, giving a well-rounded and emotional performance as a man who gradually loses hope but has it all restored by the love of those around him.
It’s easy to be cynical about this film nowadays, with its schmaltzyness but it holds up so well because of the dizzying level of hope it stirs.
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