“It’s A Wonderful Life” – What a Wonderful Film it is – A Real Classic, A Masterpiece!!!

images (1) I have no idea how to put it into words about my feelings after watching this movie. I have seen many movies based on such topics, sort of inspiring but this is something “real” and I am sure out of those many people who have watched it have done something great in their life as well as life of others. When I checked Wikipedia to know whether it is based on real story, it said “it is based on the short story “The Greatest Gift“, written by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1939, and privately published by the author in 1945.[3] The film is considered one of the most loved films in American cinema, and has become traditional viewing during the Christmas season”. It further says, “The film was nominated for five Oscars and has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made,[6]placing number 11 on its initial 1998 greatest movie list, and would also place number one on its list of the most inspirational American films of all time.”

I really want to thank “jealous hater of srk” who recommended this Its_A_Wonderful_Life_Movie_Poster movie. As you said it is old but gold. I think Mr. Muhammad Yunus – Nobel prize winner for micro financing must have watched this movie or have been inspired from it, if not he is one of the real life “George Bailey” of “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I mean there is so many similarities except few cinematic liberties taken in the movie to show what actually could/would have happened if people like George Bailey or Yunus didn’t exist or had not made the difference to the society or the world they live in.

I recommend this film to each and every one to watch it once in their life time. It gives you an idea where “hope” can lead you to, what makes you wise and rich, helps you choose between your own desire, greed and compassion. Many may say that I am exaggerating or getting over excited little bit like a kid but honestly never felt this way before, after watching any movie. This movie may have been a Fantasy film of that time but I think it’s a movie ahead of its time and if you picture it now, most of it turns out realistic. Look what Mrs. Clinton had to say when she heard about Yunus – “With the bank’s 54-year-old founder and guiding light, Muhammad Yunus, an economist trained at Vanderbilt University, interpreting at her side, Mrs. Clinton heard a Bengali version of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with Dr. Yunus in the role of Jimmy Stewart.” https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/04/world/bengali-women-are-candid-with-hillary-clinton.html images

James Stewart who played the character George Bailey in the movie has done a fabulous job. His expressions, body of movements, display of his anguish, fears, sacrifices and more importantly the love for Mary, his kids etc… were realistic. It is high on emotions and love, character and wisdom and righteousness that ends with Happiness.

Finally – heard a Lot about Mr. Frank Capra but had never seen any of his works until It’s a Wonderful Life. A Classic, A Masterpiece though quite not Box office spinner which makes me lookout for his other work especially “Why We Fight” series. This undoubtedly will appear at number one in my Inspirational Movie posts (which i’l update later on).

Tags:
8 Comments
  1. sputnik 11 years ago

    Thanks for this Review/Recco. Have not seen this – I think I may have decided to pass over it long time back because it was a Black & White movie. Will check i out soon.

    Have seen only one movie directed by Frank Capra – It Happened One Night long time back in the 90s and may be watched it again in the last few years. I liked that movie and its the original of Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin and Raj Kapoor’s Chori Chori. Its the template for many romantic comedies with the whole opposites meeting on a train/bus and they eventually falling in love. Now that I think of it even JWM follows the same template.

    I have not watched Meet John Doe directed by him but that is the original of Main Azad Hoon starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi. Hero Hiralal’s second half is also inspired from that movie in part and even Peepli Live can be said to be inspired from the same movie in part.

    • sputnik 3 years ago

      Finally watched this movie after 8 years.

      Loved it. Excellent movie. Very thought provoking and inspiring. No wonder its considered a classic.

      James Stewart was excellent. Dona Reed was very good and looked so beautiful.

  2. cr7 11 years ago

    1946?? it is always tough for me to watch this b&w movies from 50’s,60’s . the only b&w movie i absolutely loved is 12 angry men. but its ur recco. so i may watch it soon 🙂

    • FS 11 years ago

      after yours and sputinik recommendation i watched 12 angry men and just loved it. But in this case it is more than a film for me. Similar feeling i had after watching Schindlers list.

  3. Bobby Sing 11 years ago

    For all friends interested in knowing more about this GEM of a movie.
    Would like to recommend the following 2 short write-ups of mine written many years back.

    It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – (Movies To See Before You Die – Drama)
    https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/recentpost.php?postid=postid042609133421

    Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s “Naukri” (1978) & Frank Capra’s “Its a Wonderful Life” (1946).
    https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/recentpost.php?postid=postid062509043959

    Hope all friends would like reading them.
    Cheers!
    HIS BLESSINGS

    • sputnik 11 years ago

      Never heard of the movie Naukri. Will try to check out both the movies soon.

  4. I.One 10 years ago

    🙂 FS, that is the best compliment I read for a movie. After such strong recommendation, I would like to definitely check out this movie.

    Bobby Sing, thanks for the recos. Never heard of Naukri movie before. Will give it a try if I find a reasonably good print.

    • Author
      FS 10 years ago

      I am always reluctant to watch old b/w movies even though I select and download. But most of the time I end up liking them and few movies that are outdated still have some kind of pull of its own that you keep watching it till the end.

      This film has realism, gives you a certain hope whenever you are worked up, frustrated from the existing life and unable to reach a certain status in the society. It does have its own fantasy part but then we all dream of fantasy lives isn’t it?

      It’s definitely inspiring and nothing over the top sort of movie or not just a feel good movie except they have used cinematic liberties here and there. Please keep in mind its a 1945 movie.

Leave a reply

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?