394. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore

Director: Frank Capra

Running Time: 130 mins

It’s A Wonderful Life is an American film about a man who, on the brink of taking his own life, is met by an angel who shows him what the world would have been like if he had never been born.

Of course, this is a classic. A beautiful story, and a truly loveable main character, set amongst a fantastical and very enjoyable idea, ultimately within the happy festivities of Christmas, making this film for the most part incredibly joyful and entertaining.

Ok, on the face of things, this story isn’t entirely joyful, with the part of the film following the man’s depression being indeed very sad. However, during the majority of the film, learning about this wonderful man right from his early childhood meant that you could feel a real connection with the main character throughout.

That connection really gave an even more emotional touch to the story. When things went wrong for George, it was sad to watch, and when things were a little better, I felt a lot happier and pleased while watching, and especially within the final stages of the film, the contrast between his depression and ultimate elation took you on a rapid-fire emotional rollercoaster that was fascinating to watch.

I would say that this film is a little slow. It really does take its time building up the character, and it’s not until the end that you’re able to appreciate what has been done, so it felt a little boring for the beginning, but in the end, a fascinating, emotional and lovely film, so that’s why it gets an 8.0 from me.