On the 10th day of Christmas, TH-cam apparently decided to stop blocking my video... It may get removed again if Paramount decides it doesn't fall under fair use, but I wanted to release it anyway. Anyhoo, hope everyone had a great Christmas/New Year. I'm thankful for all the connections I was able to make with people around the world last year, even if it was something as small as a comment on a video. I'm thank for all of you, more than you'll know.
It's a magnificent film, a masterpiece but using "best movie ever made" - in terms of General Semantics, cheapens the whole art of film-making. What happens to Ford, Wyler, Wilder, Welles, Hitchcock, Kubrick, Coppola, Ozu, Lean, Powell-Pressburger, Reed, Lumet, Bergman, etc.
I have never left my zipcode, I can't drive, never had a job or had friends or went to paries, I am 20 years old, and I have done all this because I have to watch over my disabled sister. So watching it's a wonderful life, it means more to me very year. Sometimes you give up on your dreams to do the right thing.
You’re only 20. Make sure that as your sister gets older, you find ways to differentiate from her. You’ll eventually long for time and space that is separate. Even if you continue as her caregiver for a lifetime, you’ll both need other outlets and relationships in your lives to be truly happy.
Doing the right thing should be our dream, our goal, our ambition. We can achieve anything but if we fail to do that, we fail at life. That said, 20 is young - you have a duty to yourself also. It's hard to balance such seemingly oppositional duties but through such dilemmas is character forged.
From the moment when George yells, "MY MOUTH'S BLEEDING BERT!" through to the end credits I can't help but helplessly smile the whole time. George finally accepted that bad things have happened and that that's ok. Things will always get better in the end. Also, "To my big brother George, the richest man in town." Is the single best tearjerker line in movie history.
I don’t get that things will always get better because they don’t. But my takeaway is that no life is insignificant. We all make an impact even when we feel our life has no meaning anymore. George changed the fate of everyone he touched. His light made the world a better place because of the true sacrifices he made
You're right, Harry's as-good-as-it-gets 12-word toast to his "big brother George" is one of the best lines in movie history -- a culmination of everything that George has experienced in his "what if I'd never been born" life, with Clarence as his traveling companion and guide. But did you know this line is not included in the American Film Institute's 100 Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time? Always makes me wonder about the real reasons those "100 Quotes" were selected. And maybe for similar reasons, in the 10th anniversary update of AFI's Greatest Movies of All Time (2007), "It's a Wonderful Life" was dropped from #11 to #20.
The RIGHT WORD. And suitable for masses of people having sunk into a coma. Well.today...governments have taken over this function.after having discovered!
Even here in Germany we watch this movie every Christmas with the whole family. Every visitor who happens to come by is dragged in front of the TV set and has to wait until the movie is finished. Many watch it every Christmas from then on. ^^
After thirty odd years and five kids I finally sat down and watched this movie and my god, absolute perfection. Really enjoyed this, keep up the great work
The bright side is excellent,but...the other one? A tearjerker of the best sort.And...we're not waiting for all kinds of sentimental stuff!This movie luckily has been superseeded.Hence...no remake!
There is a crucial spiritual mechanism at work in this film which rarely is spoken about, probably because it is so obvous; it is the principle that many of us were taught as children, or that we have heard, cynically, as adults, and that is: "AS YOU SOW, THUS SHALL YOU REAP...." Is this at the very heart of the film?
As a young boy growing up, I always loved Donna Reed. She had a TV series thru the 60's called 'The Donna Reed Show' that was one of my favorites and a daughter named Mary (Shelley Fabares) that was one of my very first boyhood's crush.😍 One of those childhood memories, that last a lifetime!
WOW! I have NEVER heard such a psychological/moral/philosophical review of "It's a Wonder Life"! Incredible! I am not sure that I will ever see the movie the same way again! Thank you!
Despite the volume of TH-cam I watch, I rarely comment or otherwise interact with the channels/videos I watch. I felt moved to make an exception in this instance. Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites on this platform. I have a passion for both cinema and philosophy but am also the only person I know who studies or appreciates either subject to the same extent. Your content is interesting, thought provoking, motivational, challenging, comforting, and makes this faceless profiles owner honestly feel less alone. I love your channel and just wanted to sincerely say, thank you. All of your hard work means a great deal to myself and I'm sure many others.
You’re welcome! I’m they same way: I don’t usually engage on TH-cam, so I very much appreciate you taking the time to say these things. I need to hear it. Every word is strengthening.
You've encouraged me, the least I could do is return the favor in some small way! These topics, thoughts, and concepts are so vital to understanding and appreciating this life of ours. They often seem lofty of intimidating causing many to avoid them all together. You do truly perform a service to your fellow man by breaking these ideas down and making them more easily understood while still challenging the viewer to then consider and implement them personally. I'm usually not one to heap praise on another but I really do appreciate you and your channel.
I too am great lover of film and philosophy. They go together very well. This reminds me of mining the deeper meaning of stories and films. We did an interesting thing in my Psych Masters class, Psychology and Literature. Great pleasure.
I love this movie so much. I felt so lost for a very very long time and contemplated throwing my life away. I got better eventually and am In a very nice place now. But as I was getting better I saw this movie and it honestly changed my life! Its hard to see when you are blinded by your own problems or hatred but once someone or something helps you to see that you have help or no reason to worry its amazing and I am so glad I chose life over an early death. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!! Never give up! Help others and be generous for them and the things you have! It wont be here forever.❤
This is the singularly most beautiful analysis of this movie i have seen. I think you captured the essence of why i related to the film better then any other video essay. The emphasis on duty is so pivotal and the similarities between potter and george was so beautifully articulated. Excellent work
We read the script as a drama unit and watched the movie. I felt like George because I wanted to get out of teaching and pursue my own passions. By the end of the movie I was sobbing like a baby. This movie examines interconnections and the bonds we form with people like no other. It's one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. It also made me more grateful to be in my students' lives.
I still live in the city where I was born, realizing that wherever I was to go, I would still have the same problems. One of the sacrifices I made by doing the right thing for someone else was to give up my love for a woman and set her free for her own preservation. I also was a caregiver for my Mother for over 20 years. I am gratified because I served others. Now, I am turning 70, with all the time and money that is beyond anything I would have thought possible.
Reminds me of Owen Lift from the classic 1987 movie 🎥📽🎞 🍿 comedy “THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN”. My oldest son occasionally quotes that piece of dialogue known as “OWEN!!! There’s a murderer in the house!!!”
And I have heard Charles Dickens yell out from beyond his grave a number of times, “Destroy this piece of trashy cinema!”, and he wasn’t alone, both the ghosts of Jean Shepherd and Darren McGavin now accompany him?!
We all go through the dark night of the soul. Mine took place in the early 90’s. As dark as it was i still got up the next day and kept going given the circumstances. I’m so blessed and I would not change a thing……
This might be my favourite video of yours yet (and that's saying a lot), probably because of my own experiences with suicide, bitterness, envy, living crushed between regret of the past and fear of the future... Every year I can't contain my tears when I read "No man is a failure who has friends" while I hear Auld Lang Syne. This year I don't wish for anything in my life to get better, I'm so tired of wishing and waiting and hoping, I just want to live in the present and appreciate the wonderful things that I already have in front of my eyes. Thank you, I'll be thinking about your words in this video for the rest of the week.
Honestly, you wander Christ-like through my favorite films and resurrect them. Mine eyes are opened, the son is risen, the way, the truth, and the life; and the light has come. These analyses are a delight for the soul.
I rarely comment on videos, but man... that felt like a great late christmas gift. It's a Wonderful Life already had a special place in my heart. I will treasure it even more now. Thank you and be blessed.
Growing up, this was just one of many vhs tapes that we had, which we would periodically cycle through. When we “graduated” to dvd, we never did acquire this one on disc. It wasn’t until I wasn’t probably around 30, when a random, spontaneous, and even slightly awkward date culminated in her inviting me to attend a Christmas party at her friends apartment, which ended with watching this movie. I barely knew my date, and I had only JUST met her friends; but, there I was, utterly incapable to hold back tears as this movie progressed, being utterly reduced to a puddle.
I love this movie. It’s in my top five and you helped me see things I hadn’t noticed before. I LOVED the color remaster and the softness it gave everything. The movie really made the era seem like it was so kind and innocent, but with its hardships. Absolutely loved this charming film. Had me crying at parts. First watched it a decade ago.
@thecapone45, Here are my Top 5, movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 wise that is: Disney’s 1978 animated short “THE SMALL ONE”, 1983’s “A CHRISTMAS STORY”, 1961’s “KING OF KINGS”, 1965’s “THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD”, and 1989’s “NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION”, and that’s just my Top 5 lineup for Christmas 🎄 movies 🎥📽🎞🍿 alone?!
I don’t come to TH-cam to get into the Christmas spirit, but wow did this ring in the season for me. I’m crying over here! Thank you for this wonderful video!
As someone who did go out and travel the world, largely because it was my parents job to do so, and becuz my studies worked out that way, you can still be a warped young man becuz of it, you still long and yearn for friendships and connections with other people, I've missed out on any sense of community, of having friends longer than a few years in which I stay in each place and never come back, I learned the hard way that travelling doesn't fix your ills or make you a better more complete person, though it definitely enriches you in other ways, it makes me appreciate the sort of life that George Bailey has all the more, being surrounded by people that actually care about you, though not everyone who stays home will have that, I wish I did have just a piece of it, rather than being alone in every place I travel to and losing every friend I make.
I was going along with you until the end. I don't agree with your judgments against George's actions at the end. He clearly doesn't mean what he's saying. He's simply pushed beyond his limits. He's given everything up for the town and fought Potter tooth and nail the whole way, only to reach a point of happiness where his brother is a war hero, it's Christmas, things seem to be going well-- only to have Uncle Billy screw up in such a way as to not only destroy his happiness but to threaten everything he's been doing up to that point. Through no fault of his own, George realizes that everything he's done is about to be erased, that Potter's finally got him, that George will pay for someone else's deed, and the reason why he's given up everything he ever wanted in life is now COMPLETELY FUTILE. When he goes to jump off that bridge he's delusional. He honestly thinks jumping will fix the problem; he recovers the money and stops Potter (at least in the short term anyway). It's not about depression, it's not about him wanting to do it because of what's happened. It honestly seems like the only logical choice in his frustrated mind. He's still doing what he's always done-- thinking of others before himself. I enjoy the analysis of characters but not the judgment of them or their actions. It's unnecessary and detracts from the value of these videos.
Just getting around to this one. I can't watch more than 2 videos of yours in one sitting and I tend to wait a week or so between viewings. I need time to thoughtfully enjoy them. They are like a culinary masterpiece. It isn't right to eat those every night, but they are the meals I'll remember. This video in particular struck me. Yesterday I was meeting with a trauma survivor I've been working with for over 2 years. Having all value and meaning destroyed by her care givers in the most horrific ways throughout childhood, she was steeped in addiction when I met her - coping by numbing. Early in her healing journey, there were times when she called me contemplating suicide. I have been trained in those moments to remind people of the value I have seen in their lives. To speak back to them their triumphs and the unique gifts I've seen in them. I remember telling her on one call that her existence was like a masterpiece painting, one that many people had tried to destroy. But just because it was marred, didn't mean it ceased to be a masterpiece. And there was a master at restoration who was beginning the arduous work of bringing the painting back to it's original glory. She had a choice to end it all, but she had to know that 1. she didn't know what tomorrow would bring (what new healing or understanding) and 2. she would be depriving the world of the masterpiece she was created to be. I never realized the similarities to what Clarence does. In a weary time in my life, this is a reminder to keep fighting the good fight. Your commentary on bitterness, motivations, duty, perspective, and presence could all merit replies as long as this one. Just know that your work continually points me back to the truth and to the one who is Truth. Thank you.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is one of just two movies that I've seen that I think are (and I say this as a devout bookworm) every bit as powerful as most classic novels. Thank you for this video essay. You've made me love this movie even more. P.S. The second of those two movies is "La Vita e Bella." I don't know if you've seen it, but I would trip if you ever did a video essay on it.
Nobody talks about La Vita e Bella and im so glad someone else understands how powerful of a film it is. We had to watch it in school and i was one of few students who were just amazed and couldn't look away. It definitely deserves to be on whatever tier of beautiful classics like It's a Wonderful Life belongs are on.
"Political solutions... simply transfer power among elites." I had to stop what I was doing and go back and listen to that again and reflect on what you meant. How often does that happen while watching TH-cam videos? The definition of politics I was taught is that it is concerned with competition for resources, where those resources are finite. Such a helpful starting point, but I've never seen it so powerfully explained as here.
Jimmy Stewart was a Bomber Pilot in WW2. He was removed from Flying after he was labeled as "Flak Happy" or what we call today PTSD. He stayed in the Air Force reserves being promoted to General in 1959. How ever in 1946, after the war ended he was suffering from PTSD, having nightmares, not eating and having flashback to bomber missions where a lot of men got killed. Many of the actors on the set will tell you when George Baily is on the verge of a total collapse, Stewart was not acting.
Wow. Wow. Wow! Thank you so much for this video. This is a fantastic overview of the themes and morals of this film, lots of good solid references! Love it. Definitely sharing! One more little reference I thought of while listening to this is one from Dickens' The Chimes (a story that has a lot in common with this one actually, not so much that Toby "Trotty" Veck was never born, but what might happen if others listen to the advice of others, and if Toby believes their postulation that "the poor have no right to exist." ) At the end of the story Dickens says this: Had Trotty dreamed? Or, are his joys and sorrows, and the actors in them, but a dream; himself a dream; the teller of this tale a dreamer, waking but now? If it be so, O listener, dear to him in all his visions, try to bear in mind the stern realities from which these shadows come; and in your sphere-none is too wide, and none too limited for such an end-endeavour to correct, improve, and soften them. So may the New Year be a happy one to you, happy to many more whose happiness depends on you! So may each year be happier than the last, and not the meanest of our brethren or sisterhood debarred their rightful share, in what our Great Creator formed them to enjoy."
I would be lying if I did not admit that I was very touched by your video. It probably is your best one yet. Thank you for sharing your presence here on YT with us.
Again, your so spot on it's not funny! Well done sir well done. That move make me cry thinking of it. Now it will make me emotional for thinking of another perspective. Thanks
Stewart’s performance in this movie is darn near perfect. I got to say that. The reason that this movie is a classic is because of him. Have you ever heard the story about the initial rehearsals of this film? Stewart had just returned back from World War II. Unlike some of his more tough acting friends in Hollywood, he volunteered. He volunteered for combat. He became a bomber pilot. And he was a bomber pilot in mid World War II. The allies had a hell of a time with their daylight raids in the middle of the war. I’m not sure if Stewart bombed anything in Germany or if he just bombed things in Italy. But I just wanna point out the fact that being a bomber pilot required an incredible amount of courage. A really really really incredible amount of courage. And now back to the story: in the initial rehearsals Stewart seems to waver. In between scenes it became apparent that he was really wondering whether he should be an actor at all, because he had seen so many people die in the war had been so horrible. He was questioning whether it was worth it to be an actor. In a sense that echoes your point, from the beginning of the video in which you mention Kamu and suicide: is it worth it? Anyway from what I heard, another one of the actors pulled him aside and said something like this: come on kid, don’t you think you should make this picture? Don’t you think that being able to make art and Xpress yourself was kind of the whole point of the war: to keep people free and good like they are in this movie? Anyway it was something like that! Apparently, Stewart thought about it a bit and then he jumped in with everything he had and never looked back! God bless you, God bless Jimmy Stewart too!
It was Lionel Barrymore, who played Potter, who told Stewart that he needed to understand that entertaining people was as valuable as any other kind of honorable work. Stewart was in the same bomber group as George McGovern, future Democratic nominee for President. If I recall correctly, most of their flights were over the Yugoslavia/Greece part of German occupied Europe.
One of the Greatest Movies of All Time, works on so many levels. Its funny (very funny at tumes), dark (very dark at times), emotional, thoughtful and truly uplifting. Just discovered your channel, from your Barry Lyndon video, great stuff, and enjoyed this one hugely too... subscribed.
Thanks for the thoughtful review, I had not noticed how dark of a story is presented in the movie. Thanks from bringing that out, it is definitely a reason why the movie touches you so much. Not just nostalgia, but an authentic story! Happy new year
This was a beautiful video (especially after a rough day at work)! I never thought about how the night of the dance is no longer a purely happy memory for George, so Mary putting on the song is inadvertently shoving his disappointments back in his face. I already loved Potter's chilling line at 17:56, but you reveal a fuller picture of how alike the two are. And it's such a wonderful point to conclude with, that what George thought he wanted wouldn't have made him happy, how the love in his life relates to the significance of the season. Thank you so much for posting!
I’ve been watching this movie annually for over 40 years and there’s always more to take away, and your video has expanded my appreciation even further by lending observations and insights I hadn’t considered. Thanks!
I couldn’t bear to watch this movie as a kid because it was emotionally too much, but I watched it again for the first time as an adult this Christmas and WOW! It really is a great movie but SO hard to watch. It was especially hard to watch George never get to reach his dream of adventure. But when I thought about what used to be my dream, before I was saved, that heartache faded because I realized I’m not living in the first 3/4’s of the movie, I’m living in the final act. Those selfish (even evil) dreams I had as a young woman seem to me so small and pitiful compared to what I have now that I hardly even think about them these days. And I know that this must be how George Bailey felt that Christmas Day when he realized how wonderful life is for those who choose Good over petty desires.
My oldest son has always hated this movie 🎥📽🎞🍿. He feels that it doesn’t teach the true meaning of Christmas 🎄, which is ‘Peace on Earth, and good will to men.’ Meaning, that he feels that 1961’s “KING OF KINGS” is a far better Christmas 🎄 movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 in no uncertain terms?!
It's a wonderful analysis! Not only because of its deep understanding of the meaning of the film, but also because of its astute observations that I missed after seeing the film at least 12 times; Napoleon/Lincoln, or the similarity between Potter and George. Brilliant!
I love all Christmas movies but i never watched this 1 until yesterday and this past year a family obligation nearly ruined me and i became more bitter and angry over it so i consider this a minor miracle that of all years this is the 1 i decide to finally watch just like George i have a new perspective ill be be spending Christmas tomorrow with 2 people who wouldn't be on earth without me merry Christmas everyone!
Among Christmas 🎄 movies 🎥📽🎞🍿, we must also include the following titles: 1959’s “BEN-HUR”, 1961’s “KING OF KINGS”, and 1965’s “THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD”.
A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your loved ones, and the great community that supports this channel. The last seven months I've been subscribed has been life-changing and I do not say that lightly. The content of your videos has been a journey for me and I look forward to the future of this channel. My wife has been trying for the better part of twelve years to get me to watch this film and it seems fate finally intervened. Cheers friend.
I hardly know where to begin other than to say thank you. This is my favorite Christmas movie as well. I watch it every Christmas Eve by tradition, in the original B&W, uncut version, and even though I know how it will end, I cry every single time I watch it. I had thought I knew the movie, but now after watching this video and gaining all of your insights from analysis, my experience with it will be much richer than before. I shared the link to this video on Facebook and highly recommended it.
You've done an amazing job articulating how important this movie is. Its the only real holiday tradition I have, watching this movie. I dont have siblings and was raised in a high control region. I dont have relationships with most of my relatives or people I was raised with so loneliness and despression have always been a struggle. This movie always made me feel better. Reminding me that while I may not have what I may think I want I have made an impact on the world around me and I am loved by many. Ty for this❤
After almost 60 years of watching it, I thought I had probably squeezed every delicious drop of wisdom and meaning out of this movie. You just proved me very wrong, and I can't thank you enough.
WOW! This was just THE BEST analysis of this film. Absolutely nailed it on all points. You really made me think even more deeply about the subtext of this film even more than I ever have before - and it’s one of my favourite movies of all time! Chef’s kiss
What is so great about this movie for me is nay something interesting is happening every single moment. So few movies are captivating like this. It's really hard when you focus more on drama and slowness yet a very simple story was told with constant motion
This is a wonderful critique. You are definitely hitting it on the nose. We modern Americans have been largely trained to make sure we grab all the free stuff for ourselves . Duty is largy bred out of us at this point. It seems that only monks, and the religious and priests are the only people expected to live for something entirely unselfish. Sort of like that film, Wallstreet, America's motto is "Greed is good". Very existential. Very relevant to everyone. ❤
Eventually, word must have gotten to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and they probably made a no-notice audit of his books, and by the time they finished, Potter was looking at life without parole in federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he remained until his nephew Sherman brought his body back to Missouri for burial 🪦; remember that nephew Sherman replaced Henry Blake as the commanding officer of the 4077TH Mobile Army Surgical Hospital?!
I discovered this movie as a teen and fell in love with it. I've watched it many times since then and never caught the life lessons you've described so well. It really is a great story.
@bleedingstar1011, Capra was a total lunatic for even making this piece of cinematic trash! To make all matters worse, Frank III was a crew member on the set of “NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION”, which explains why Clark Griswold forced his son Rusty to watch this trashy movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 as his punishment for looking at a flirtatious salesgirl at the department store!
so much WOW!! That conclusion was both challenging and encouraging! So powerful. I know this video is 2 years old, but I just discovered it. I was looking at other video essays on this film BECAUSE I didn't see the film this year. I usually watch it every year and just didn't this year. I've seen it dozens of times and caught new details every time, BUT your essay made me see it in a whole new light AND made me see my own life in a different light too. It's a slow snowy Saturday, so I'm going to rewatch your video (check) and then watch it's a wonderful life!
Insanely well done is more like it. For incredibly well done, watch the Parker family having to have Christmas Dinner at the combination bowling alley and Chinese restaurant in “A CHRISTMAS STORY”.
I enjoyed your reflection on this film. I don’t enjoy watching it. It’s too grim for me. But my husband loved it, and your comments may prompt me to rewatch it. Thanks too for using the Saint Saens Organ Symphony. It’s over the top, but I like it!
Wow! I always kinda knew what the movie was saying, but dang, I never saw it as deep as how you explained it. Thank you for giving me a new perspective on it and on life.
I love that this movie is dark as hell but has an ending that we all wish for to the point it brings any normal human to tears! My favorite movie of all time!
That opening description is also about Tokyo Godfathers (but it's about 3 homeless people who find a baby in the trash on Christmas Eve) and is one of the most wholesome Christmas movies I've ever seen.
The most profound moment is "MY MOUTH'S BLEEDIN' BERT!!!": Through this wound he knows he's REAL. Suffering is how we know reality is real, because none of us would ever choose it, but it is what we all share. And that this was a result from the confrontation at the bar "some answer to my prayer"...that punch to the chops actually IS the answer to his prayer just bends my mind ever time. This movie does have inclinations to not only to The Incarnation, but also to The Cross.
I like “THE GODFATHER”, but I detest “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE!”, regardless of the circumstances of the dilemma. In fact, I know of a certain old movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 currently undergoing restoration, and the party or parties involved in getting it re-opened to show old classics on a regular basis have even placed “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE!” on their no-play list alongside of the following titles: “ROSEMARY’S BABY” (which got the theatre shutdown to begin with), “THE OMEN” (both the 1976 original and the remake of 2006), “THE AMITYVILLE HORROR” (both the 1979 original as well as the 2005 remake), 1988’s “THE 7TH SIGN”, 1998’s “ARMAGEDDON”, 1999’s “END OF DAYS”, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the no-play list?!
WELL DONE. thank you for sharing this .... truly watching it now with 'enhanced' vision. A wonderful gift to see something previously known with new eyes now . 🙏🏼 🌷
You've added a Chestertonian dimension to this film for me by mentioning him and then by having George be a Chesterton style down home hero by never leaving home.Chesterton was a believer in finding the world without leaving home.George finds all that is worth finding right there.Greatness can be unassuming.
Wasn't Chesterton a magnificent writer? Have you read any of his collections of weekly articles for The Illustrated London News? You'd probably have to get them through a library because as far as I know, they're out of print now. The first volume, which covers 1905 - 1907 ( I think ), is my favorite. Chesterton is my candidate for the greatest mind of the 20th century.
This is definitely a worst case scenario regarding the trashiest movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 ever made ever since 1976’s “THE OMEN” as well as 1968’s “ROSEMARY’S BABY”, let alone 1979’s “THE AMITYVILLE HORROR”, not to mention 1988’s “THE 7TH SIGN” together with 1999’s “END OF DAYS”?!
In know its been a couple of years and I'm just seeing this, but you did a wonderful job describing the movie. Many points I haven't thought of. I still bawl like a baby at tear jerking scenes. lol. I did miss seeing Gloria Grahame as Violet, George's temptress. Not a big part but another example of how Georges presents helped people when contrasting life in Pottersville and Bedford Falls.
On the 10th day of Christmas, TH-cam apparently decided to stop blocking my video... It may get removed again if Paramount decides it doesn't fall under fair use, but I wanted to release it anyway. Anyhoo, hope everyone had a great Christmas/New Year. I'm thankful for all the connections I was able to make with people around the world last year, even if it was something as small as a comment on a video. I'm thank for all of you, more than you'll know.
Cheers mate, belated happy Xmas, but happy New Year. Ho ho ho 😁
@@mixerD1- Thank you, my friend. The same to you as well!
Holy day blyessings bro, insightful creations
@@Dyal_Gobinde_Singh Thanks bro!
Isn't the movie public domain it's so dumb they can copywriter strike it. The story it's self is copywriter though.
As another person described it, It's A Wonderful Life is not only the best Christmas movie, but maybe even the best movie ever made.
Blind since birth? That must be strange.
I only question "maybe even" in your statement.
nonsense
It's a magnificent film, a masterpiece but using "best movie ever made" - in terms of General Semantics, cheapens the whole art of film-making. What happens to Ford, Wyler, Wilder, Welles, Hitchcock, Kubrick, Coppola, Ozu, Lean, Powell-Pressburger, Reed, Lumet, Bergman, etc.
What's funny is that it wasn't a smash hit when it was released in theaters! It wasn't appreciated until they started airing it on TV.
I have never left my zipcode, I can't drive, never had a job or had friends or went to paries, I am 20 years old, and I have done all this because I have to watch over my disabled sister. So watching it's a wonderful life, it means more to me very year. Sometimes you give up on your dreams to do the right thing.
You’re only 20. Make sure that as your sister gets older, you find ways to differentiate from her. You’ll eventually long for time and space that is separate. Even if you continue as her caregiver for a lifetime, you’ll both need other outlets and relationships in your lives to be truly happy.
Doing the right thing should be our dream, our goal, our ambition. We can achieve anything but if we fail to do that, we fail at life. That said, 20 is young - you have a duty to yourself also. It's hard to balance such seemingly oppositional duties but through such dilemmas is character forged.
That is noble but you need your own journey. No other caregivers in her life?
You are a hero. You are perfect. More life’s blessings are going to unfold for you than ever before, this is what I declare for you.
I understand and respect you for this. But you are capable of experiencing so much more. Don’t give up on your future!
From the moment when George yells, "MY MOUTH'S BLEEDING BERT!" through to the end credits I can't help but helplessly smile the whole time. George finally accepted that bad things have happened and that that's ok. Things will always get better in the end.
Also, "To my big brother George, the richest man in town." Is the single best tearjerker line in movie history.
I don’t get that things will always get better because they don’t. But my takeaway is that no life is insignificant. We all make an impact even when we feel our life has no meaning anymore. George changed the fate of everyone he touched. His light made the world a better place because of the true sacrifices he made
Same here, Auld Layne Sayne and Hark the Herald Angels Sing being played on the piano often make me tear up when I hear them
You're right, Harry's as-good-as-it-gets 12-word toast to his "big brother George" is one of the best lines in movie history -- a culmination of everything that George has experienced in his "what if I'd never been born" life, with Clarence as his traveling companion and guide. But did you know this line is not included in the American Film Institute's 100 Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time? Always makes me wonder about the real reasons those "100 Quotes" were selected. And maybe for similar reasons, in the 10th anniversary update of AFI's Greatest Movies of All Time (2007), "It's a Wonderful Life" was dropped from #11 to #20.
Even this analysis is a tearjerker.
The RIGHT WORD. And suitable for masses of people having sunk into a coma. Well.today...governments have taken over this function.after having discovered!
Even here in Germany we watch this movie every Christmas with the whole family.
Every visitor who happens to come by is dragged in front of the TV set and has to wait until the movie is finished.
Many watch it every Christmas from then on. ^^
Wholesome. It represents in my mind what the season should be about: Community, family, friendship, self-sacrifice.
Frohe Neujahrsgrüße aus Texas!
🎄 🧨 💥
💯
You can get respite care; I strongly suggest u look into it..
Watching in English, dubbed in German or with German subtitles ??
I'm old enough to cry at the end of this wonderful film.
Every single time
I’ve seen much happier tears 😹 from moviegoers who watched Judah Ben-Hur returning home at the end of the Biblical movie epic of “BEN-HUR” from 1959.
Heavens to hemlock!
After thirty odd years and five kids I finally sat down and watched this movie and my god, absolute perfection. Really enjoyed this, keep up the great work
The bright side is excellent,but...the other one? A tearjerker of the best sort.And...we're not waiting for all kinds of sentimental stuff!This movie luckily has been superseeded.Hence...no remake!
If the Legion of Decency had its way in 1946, this movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 would have been destroyed years ago.
Goodnight nurse!
There is a crucial spiritual mechanism at work in this film which rarely is spoken about, probably because it is so obvous; it is the principle that many of us were taught as children, or that we have heard, cynically, as adults, and that is:
"AS YOU SOW, THUS SHALL YOU REAP...."
Is this at the very heart of the film?
Mr. Potter sows only bad and reaps wealth while George reaps only good and has, in business, reaped crap.
Changed my life one lonely Christmas ago. Thanks George and Clarence.
Another patient escaped from the loony bin.
Watched it for the first time my junior year. It was the first Christmas after we suddenly lost my dad. I needed this film
This movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 is better off being shown around Easter 🐇 🐰.
Donna Reed is my Maternal Grandmother's Cousin...they both grew up in Iowa on Farms ❤
Sounds like an interesting family tree.
She was one of the best actresses of the 20th century.
As a young boy growing up, I always loved Donna Reed. She had a TV series thru the 60's called 'The Donna Reed Show' that was one of my favorites and a daughter named Mary (Shelley Fabares) that was one of my very first boyhood's crush.😍
One of those childhood memories, that last a lifetime!
Even filled in for Barbara Bel Geddes for one season as Miss Ellie on “DALLAS”.
How would you possibly compare Mary Stone to Gloria Stivic?!
Your still the most underrated channel on TH-cam. Please never stop doing these fantastic videos.
1000% agree
This movie even works (maybe even more so) as a Thanksgiving movie, because it makes you realize what you're really thankful for, what really matters.
For Thanksgiving based movies 🎥📽🎞🍿 give me “PLYMOUTH ADVENTURE” starring Spencer Tracy everytime?!
WOW! I have NEVER heard such a psychological/moral/philosophical review of "It's a Wonder Life"! Incredible! I am not sure that I will ever see the movie the same way again! Thank you!
The trashiest movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 ever to come out of Hollywood.
Despite the volume of TH-cam I watch, I rarely comment or otherwise interact with the channels/videos I watch. I felt moved to make an exception in this instance. Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites on this platform. I have a passion for both cinema and philosophy but am also the only person I know who studies or appreciates either subject to the same extent. Your content is interesting, thought provoking, motivational, challenging, comforting, and makes this faceless profiles owner honestly feel less alone. I love your channel and just wanted to sincerely say, thank you. All of your hard work means a great deal to myself and I'm sure many others.
You’re welcome! I’m they same way: I don’t usually engage on TH-cam, so I very much appreciate you taking the time to say these things. I need to hear it. Every word is strengthening.
You've encouraged me, the least I could do is return the favor in some small way! These topics, thoughts, and concepts are so vital to understanding and appreciating this life of ours. They often seem lofty of intimidating causing many to avoid them all together. You do truly perform a service to your fellow man by breaking these ideas down and making them more easily understood while still challenging the viewer to then consider and implement them personally. I'm usually not one to heap praise on another but I really do appreciate you and your channel.
I too am great lover of film and philosophy. They go together very well. This reminds me of mining the deeper meaning of stories and films. We did an interesting thing in my Psych Masters class, Psychology and Literature. Great pleasure.
Your excellent critique of this made be remember Joseph Campbell. Hero's journey.
I love this movie so much. I felt so lost for a very very long time and contemplated throwing my life away. I got better eventually and am In a very nice place now. But as I was getting better I saw this movie and it honestly changed my life! Its hard to see when you are blinded by your own problems or hatred but once someone or something helps you to see that you have help or no reason to worry its amazing and I am so glad I chose life over an early death. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!! Never give up! Help others and be generous for them and the things you have! It wont be here forever.❤
This is the singularly most beautiful analysis of this movie i have seen. I think you captured the essence of why i related to the film better then any other video essay. The emphasis on duty is so pivotal and the similarities between potter and george was so beautifully articulated.
Excellent work
Thank you sir!
This movie means a lot to me. I rewatch it whenever I'm feeling extra down about life, and it always gives me this new hope.
Then try watching it around Easter 🐇🐰, and save a Biblical movie epic like “KING OF KINGS” for Christmas 🎄 time, for a change of pace?!
We read the script as a drama unit and watched the movie. I felt like George because I wanted to get out of teaching and pursue my own passions. By the end of the movie I was sobbing like a baby. This movie examines interconnections and the bonds we form with people like no other. It's one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. It also made me more grateful to be in my students' lives.
I still live in the city where I was born, realizing that wherever I was to go, I would still have the same problems.
One of the sacrifices I made by doing the right thing for someone else was to give up my love for a woman and set her free for her own preservation.
I also was a caregiver for my Mother for over 20 years.
I am gratified because I served others. Now, I am turning 70, with all the time and money that is beyond anything I would have thought possible.
Reminds me of Owen Lift from the classic 1987 movie 🎥📽🎞 🍿 comedy “THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN”.
My oldest son occasionally quotes that piece of dialogue known as “OWEN!!! There’s a murderer in the house!!!”
The Scene at the grave is reminiscent of the scene in A Christmas Carol.
And I have heard Charles Dickens yell out from beyond his grave a number of times, “Destroy this piece of trashy cinema!”, and he wasn’t alone, both the ghosts of Jean Shepherd and Darren McGavin now accompany him?!
You're not doing a bad job of touching 35,000 lives in a distinctly benevolent way; thanks and happy new year.
We all go through the dark night of the soul. Mine took place in the early 90’s. As dark as it was i still got up the next day and kept going given the circumstances. I’m so blessed and I would not change a thing……
This might be my favourite video of yours yet (and that's saying a lot), probably because of my own experiences with suicide, bitterness, envy, living crushed between regret of the past and fear of the future... Every year I can't contain my tears when I read "No man is a failure who has friends" while I hear Auld Lang Syne. This year I don't wish for anything in my life to get better, I'm so tired of wishing and waiting and hoping, I just want to live in the present and appreciate the wonderful things that I already have in front of my eyes. Thank you, I'll be thinking about your words in this video for the rest of the week.
Some of the camera work in this movie is severely under appreciated, the moon lasso scene is a classic and definitely inspired future directors
Literally every shot is like a painting. And yet you hardly seem to notice … that aspect of life’s wordless beauty.
Honestly, you wander Christ-like through my favorite films and resurrect them. Mine eyes are opened, the son is risen, the way, the truth, and the life; and the light has come. These analyses are a delight for the soul.
I feel the same way. I couldn't have said it better
I rarely comment on videos, but man... that felt like a great late christmas gift. It's a Wonderful Life already had a special place in my heart. I will treasure it even more now. Thank you and be blessed.
This movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 is even trashier than 1962’s “SUSAN SLADE”?!
Growing up, this was just one of many vhs tapes that we had, which we would periodically cycle through. When we “graduated” to dvd, we never did acquire this one on disc.
It wasn’t until I wasn’t probably around 30, when a random, spontaneous, and even slightly awkward date culminated in her inviting me to attend a Christmas party at her friends apartment, which ended with watching this movie.
I barely knew my date, and I had only JUST met her friends; but, there I was, utterly incapable to hold back tears as this movie progressed, being utterly reduced to a puddle.
Watching this every year is a holiday highlight.
*Merry Christmas ya’ old Building and Loan!!!*
This is my favourite quote too! Love saying it.
This is an insanely good analysis of one of the best films ever made. I'm a fan.
Impossible!
Besides, 1961’s “KING OF KINGS” is a better film?!
I love this movie. It’s in my top five and you helped me see things I hadn’t noticed before.
I LOVED the color remaster and the softness it gave everything. The movie really made the era seem like it was so kind and innocent, but with its hardships.
Absolutely loved this charming film. Had me crying at parts. First watched it a decade ago.
@thecapone45,
Here are my Top 5, movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 wise that is:
Disney’s 1978 animated short “THE SMALL ONE”,
1983’s “A CHRISTMAS STORY”,
1961’s “KING OF KINGS”,
1965’s “THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD”,
and 1989’s “NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION”, and that’s just my Top 5 lineup for Christmas 🎄 movies 🎥📽🎞🍿 alone?!
I don’t come to TH-cam to get into the Christmas spirit, but wow did this ring in the season for me. I’m crying over here! Thank you for this wonderful video!
As someone who did go out and travel the world, largely because it was my parents job to do so, and becuz my studies worked out that way, you can still be a warped young man becuz of it, you still long and yearn for friendships and connections with other people, I've missed out on any sense of community, of having friends longer than a few years in which I stay in each place and never come back, I learned the hard way that travelling doesn't fix your ills or make you a better more complete person, though it definitely enriches you in other ways, it makes me appreciate the sort of life that George Bailey has all the more, being surrounded by people that actually care about you, though not everyone who stays home will have that, I wish I did have just a piece of it, rather than being alone in every place I travel to and losing every friend I make.
I was going along with you until the end. I don't agree with your judgments against George's actions at the end. He clearly doesn't mean what he's saying. He's simply pushed beyond his limits. He's given everything up for the town and fought Potter tooth and nail the whole way, only to reach a point of happiness where his brother is a war hero, it's Christmas, things seem to be going well-- only to have Uncle Billy screw up in such a way as to not only destroy his happiness but to threaten everything he's been doing up to that point. Through no fault of his own, George realizes that everything he's done is about to be erased, that Potter's finally got him, that George will pay for someone else's deed, and the reason why he's given up everything he ever wanted in life is now COMPLETELY FUTILE. When he goes to jump off that bridge he's delusional. He honestly thinks jumping will fix the problem; he recovers the money and stops Potter (at least in the short term anyway). It's not about depression, it's not about him wanting to do it because of what's happened. It honestly seems like the only logical choice in his frustrated mind. He's still doing what he's always done-- thinking of others before himself.
I enjoy the analysis of characters but not the judgment of them or their actions. It's unnecessary and detracts from the value of these videos.
Just getting around to this one. I can't watch more than 2 videos of yours in one sitting and I tend to wait a week or so between viewings. I need time to thoughtfully enjoy them. They are like a culinary masterpiece. It isn't right to eat those every night, but they are the meals I'll remember. This video in particular struck me.
Yesterday I was meeting with a trauma survivor I've been working with for over 2 years. Having all value and meaning destroyed by her care givers in the most horrific ways throughout childhood, she was steeped in addiction when I met her - coping by numbing. Early in her healing journey, there were times when she called me contemplating suicide. I have been trained in those moments to remind people of the value I have seen in their lives. To speak back to them their triumphs and the unique gifts I've seen in them. I remember telling her on one call that her existence was like a masterpiece painting, one that many people had tried to destroy. But just because it was marred, didn't mean it ceased to be a masterpiece. And there was a master at restoration who was beginning the arduous work of bringing the painting back to it's original glory. She had a choice to end it all, but she had to know that 1. she didn't know what tomorrow would bring (what new healing or understanding) and 2. she would be depriving the world of the masterpiece she was created to be. I never realized the similarities to what Clarence does. In a weary time in my life, this is a reminder to keep fighting the good fight. Your commentary on bitterness, motivations, duty, perspective, and presence could all merit replies as long as this one. Just know that your work continually points me back to the truth and to the one who is Truth. Thank you.
God bless you, whoever you are. You have a poet's heart.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is one of just two movies that I've seen that I think are (and I say this as a devout bookworm) every bit as powerful as most classic novels. Thank you for this video essay. You've made me love this movie even more.
P.S. The second of those two movies is "La Vita e Bella." I don't know if you've seen it, but I would trip if you ever did a video essay on it.
Great film
I’ll have to look it up
Nobody talks about La Vita e Bella and im so glad someone else understands how powerful of a film it is. We had to watch it in school and i was one of few students who were just amazed and couldn't look away. It definitely deserves to be on whatever tier of beautiful classics like It's a Wonderful Life belongs are on.
Both are fantastic movies that I think about all the time. What a great reminder thank you. ❤
Good grief!
"Political solutions... simply transfer power among elites." I had to stop what I was doing and go back and listen to that again and reflect on what you meant. How often does that happen while watching TH-cam videos?
The definition of politics I was taught is that it is concerned with competition for resources, where those resources are finite. Such a helpful starting point, but I've never seen it so powerfully explained as here.
Jimmy Stewart was a Bomber Pilot in WW2. He was removed from Flying after he was labeled as "Flak Happy" or what we call today PTSD. He stayed in the Air Force reserves being promoted to General in 1959. How ever in 1946, after the war ended he was suffering from PTSD, having nightmares, not eating and having flashback to bomber missions where a lot of men got killed. Many of the actors on the set will tell you when George Baily is on the verge of a total collapse, Stewart was not acting.
It’s all too clear to me about that.
It was a wonderful review! It tore my heart out in a good way. Have a great 2022 Emperor.
Wow. Wow. Wow! Thank you so much for this video. This is a fantastic overview of the themes and morals of this film, lots of good solid references! Love it. Definitely sharing!
One more little reference I thought of while listening to this is one from Dickens' The Chimes (a story that has a lot in common with this one actually, not so much that Toby "Trotty" Veck was never born, but what might happen if others listen to the advice of others, and if Toby believes their postulation that "the poor have no right to exist." )
At the end of the story Dickens says this:
Had Trotty dreamed? Or, are his joys and sorrows, and the actors in them, but a dream; himself a dream; the teller of this tale a dreamer, waking but now? If it be so, O listener, dear to him in all his visions, try to bear in mind the stern realities from which these shadows come; and in your sphere-none is too wide, and none too limited for such an end-endeavour to correct, improve, and soften them. So may the New Year be a happy one to you, happy to many more whose happiness depends on you! So may each year be happier than the last, and not the meanest of our brethren or sisterhood debarred their rightful share, in what our Great Creator formed them to enjoy."
I would be lying if I did not admit that I was very touched by your video. It probably is your best one yet. Thank you for sharing your presence here on YT with us.
Again, your so spot on it's not funny! Well done sir well done. That move make me cry thinking of it. Now it will make me emotional for thinking of another perspective. Thanks
Stewart’s performance in this movie is darn near perfect. I got to say that. The reason that this movie is a classic is because of him. Have you ever heard the story about the initial rehearsals of this film? Stewart had just returned back from World War II. Unlike some of his more tough acting friends in Hollywood, he volunteered. He volunteered for combat. He became a bomber pilot. And he was a bomber pilot in mid World War II. The allies had a hell of a time with their daylight raids in the middle of the war. I’m not sure if Stewart bombed anything in Germany or if he just bombed things in Italy. But I just wanna point out the fact that being a bomber pilot required an incredible amount of courage. A really really really incredible amount of courage. And now back to the story: in the initial rehearsals Stewart seems to waver. In between scenes it became apparent that he was really wondering whether he should be an actor at all, because he had seen so many people die in the war had been so horrible. He was questioning whether it was worth it to be an actor. In a sense that echoes your point, from the beginning of the video in which you mention Kamu and suicide: is it worth it? Anyway from what I heard, another one of the actors pulled him aside and said something like this: come on kid, don’t you think you should make this picture? Don’t you think that being able to make art and Xpress yourself was kind of the whole point of the war: to keep people free and good like they are in this movie? Anyway it was something like that! Apparently, Stewart thought about it a bit and then he jumped in with everything he had and never looked back! God bless you, God bless Jimmy Stewart too!
Btw- Another fantastic video! I really love your videos!
It was Lionel Barrymore, who played Potter, who told Stewart that he needed to understand that entertaining people was as valuable as any other kind of honorable work.
Stewart was in the same bomber group as George McGovern, future Democratic nominee for President. If I recall correctly, most of their flights were over the Yugoslavia/Greece part of German occupied Europe.
One of the Greatest Movies of All Time, works on so many levels.
Its funny (very funny at tumes), dark (very dark at times), emotional, thoughtful and truly uplifting.
Just discovered your channel, from your Barry Lyndon video, great stuff, and enjoyed this one hugely too... subscribed.
Thanks for the thoughtful review, I had not noticed how dark of a story is presented in the movie. Thanks from bringing that out, it is definitely a reason why the movie touches you so much. Not just nostalgia, but an authentic story!
Happy new year
I'm always hit with the message of offering grace and forgiveness. What an enduring story...
Does that also include forgiving Potter for embezzling that $8,000.00?!
@LindaCooper-i3f It would indeed should Potter repent of it and seek to make amends. 👍👍
This was a beautiful video (especially after a rough day at work)! I never thought about how the night of the dance is no longer a purely happy memory for George, so Mary putting on the song is inadvertently shoving his disappointments back in his face. I already loved Potter's chilling line at 17:56, but you reveal a fuller picture of how alike the two are. And it's such a wonderful point to conclude with, that what George thought he wanted wouldn't have made him happy, how the love in his life relates to the significance of the season. Thank you so much for posting!
I’ve been watching this movie annually for over 40 years and there’s always more to take away, and your video has expanded my appreciation even further by lending observations and insights I hadn’t considered. Thanks!
I couldn’t bear to watch this movie as a kid because it was emotionally too much, but I watched it again for the first time as an adult this Christmas and WOW! It really is a great movie but SO hard to watch.
It was especially hard to watch George never get to reach his dream of adventure. But when I thought about what used to be my dream, before I was saved, that heartache faded because I realized I’m not living in the first 3/4’s of the movie, I’m living in the final act. Those selfish (even evil) dreams I had as a young woman seem to me so small and pitiful compared to what I have now that I hardly even think about them these days. And I know that this must be how George Bailey felt that Christmas Day when he realized how wonderful life is for those who choose Good over petty desires.
My oldest son has always hated this movie 🎥📽🎞🍿.
He feels that it doesn’t teach the true meaning of Christmas 🎄, which is ‘Peace on Earth, and good will to men.’
Meaning, that he feels that 1961’s “KING OF KINGS” is a far better Christmas 🎄 movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 in no uncertain terms?!
It's a wonderful analysis! Not only because of its deep understanding of the meaning of the film, but also because of its astute observations that I missed after seeing the film at least 12 times; Napoleon/Lincoln, or the similarity between Potter and George. Brilliant!
Fantastic essay and a great message.
LIES!
All lies!
Came here for a regular dose of higher culture and truth, but man did you exceed my expectations with so much food for thought.
Incredible analysis on my favorite movie. Thank you for this
“Sometimes to do what’s right we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most, even our dreams” - Aunt May, Spider-Man 2 (2004)
I love all Christmas movies but i never watched this 1 until yesterday and this past year a family obligation nearly ruined me and i became more bitter and angry over it so i consider this a minor miracle that of all years this is the 1 i decide to finally watch just like George i have a new perspective ill be be spending Christmas tomorrow with 2 people who wouldn't be on earth without me merry Christmas everyone!
Among Christmas 🎄 movies 🎥📽🎞🍿, we must also include the following titles:
1959’s “BEN-HUR”,
1961’s “KING OF KINGS”,
and 1965’s “THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD”.
A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your loved ones, and the great community that supports this channel. The last seven months I've been subscribed has been life-changing and I do not say that lightly. The content of your videos has been a journey for me and I look forward to the future of this channel. My wife has been trying for the better part of twelve years to get me to watch this film and it seems fate finally intervened. Cheers friend.
This made my day! Thank you, my friend.
Best break down of this film ever. Beautiful.
“HARVEY” obviously has more beauty as well as better laughs than this trashy piece of cinema?!
Greatest video I have ever seen on TH-cam in my 32 years alive. Absolutely wonderful and moving analysis. Spot on
I hardly know where to begin other than to say thank you. This is my favorite Christmas movie as well. I watch it every Christmas Eve by tradition, in the original B&W, uncut version, and even though I know how it will end, I cry every single time I watch it. I had thought I knew the movie, but now after watching this video and gaining all of your insights from analysis, my experience with it will be much richer than before.
I shared the link to this video on Facebook and highly recommended it.
You've done an amazing job articulating how important this movie is. Its the only real holiday tradition I have, watching this movie. I dont have siblings and was raised in a high control region. I dont have relationships with most of my relatives or people I was raised with so loneliness and despression have always been a struggle. This movie always made me feel better. Reminding me that while I may not have what I may think I want I have made an impact on the world around me and I am loved by many. Ty for this❤
I had never seen this 1946 film and I came out of it completely overwhelmed!
What depth! What humanity!
A beautiful Christmas film 🎄
A masterpiece!
This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever watched. You’ve got a real talent at this. Can’t wait to go watch the movie.
Thank you for helping me truly experience this film again for the zillionth time❤❤❤
Please speak to the history of Jimmy Stewart’s WWII PTSD, and how this film spoke to it. And perhaps spoke to other veterans.
Goodnight nurse!
After almost 60 years of watching it, I thought I had probably squeezed every delicious drop of wisdom and meaning out of this movie. You just proved me very wrong, and I can't thank you enough.
I cry every time I watch this damn movie..l
Maybe you wouldn’t cry as much if you would possibly watch 1961’s “KING OF KINGS” instead?!
WOW! This was just THE BEST analysis of this film. Absolutely nailed it on all points. You really made me think even more deeply about the subtext of this film even more than I ever have before - and it’s one of my favourite movies of all time! Chef’s kiss
Keep up the good work! Your videos are easily in the top 1% of all TH-cam content.
What is so great about this movie for me is nay something interesting is happening every single moment. So few movies are captivating like this. It's really hard when you focus more on drama and slowness yet a very simple story was told with constant motion
This is a wonderful critique. You are definitely hitting it on the nose. We modern Americans have been largely trained to make sure we grab all the free stuff for ourselves . Duty is largy bred out of us at this point. It seems that only monks, and the religious and priests are the only people expected to live for something entirely unselfish. Sort of like that film, Wallstreet, America's motto is "Greed is good". Very existential. Very relevant to everyone. ❤
It's interesting how we never see Potter return the money (that was not his).
You've made a lot of great points in this!
That money becomes Potter's cross to bear.
Or ".... link by link, yard by yard, it is a PONDEROUS chain.... "
Eventually, word must have gotten to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and they probably made a no-notice audit of his books, and by the time they finished, Potter was looking at life without parole in federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he remained until his nephew Sherman brought his body back to Missouri for burial 🪦; remember that nephew Sherman replaced Henry Blake as the commanding officer of the 4077TH Mobile Army Surgical Hospital?!
Potter obviously sounds like a 20TH century Ebenezer Scrooge or Jacob Marley?!
I discovered this movie as a teen and fell in love with it. I've watched it many times since then and never caught the life lessons you've described so well. It really is a great story.
This is a beautiful video, but the cherry on the sundae is the phrase "Motzartian frivolity." CHEF'S KISS
I wish I could like this more than just once. Brilliant and heartfelt. Thank you.
Thank you for posting this! It is the best take on the meaning of that film that I have ever seen.
I appreciate all of your videos. But this one's got to be one of the best. Cheers.
This movie more than any other, has helped me keep perspective in very dark times and given me that glimmer of hope when all seems lost.
And I suppose that 1961’s “KING OF KINGS” doesn’t according to the old phrase ‘cut the mustard’ for you so to speak?!
This is legit. I feel like Capra would have enjoyed your analysis. I know I sure did.
@bleedingstar1011,
Capra was a total lunatic for even making this piece of cinematic trash!
To make all matters worse, Frank III was a crew member on the set of “NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION”, which explains why Clark Griswold forced his son Rusty to watch this trashy movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 as his punishment for looking at a flirtatious salesgirl at the department store!
so much WOW!! That conclusion was both challenging and encouraging! So powerful. I know this video is 2 years old, but I just discovered it. I was looking at other video essays on this film BECAUSE I didn't see the film this year. I usually watch it every year and just didn't this year. I've seen it dozens of times and caught new details every time, BUT your essay made me see it in a whole new light AND made me see my own life in a different light too. It's a slow snowy Saturday, so I'm going to rewatch your video (check) and then watch it's a wonderful life!
There is alot of life lessons in this film.
Not in my book!
This was incredibly well done. Wow
Insanely well done is more like it.
For incredibly well done, watch the Parker family having to have Christmas Dinner at the combination bowling alley and Chinese restaurant in “A CHRISTMAS STORY”.
One of the better essays on a movie I have heard.
Better than any of the essays on 1961’s “KING OF KINGS”?!
I enjoyed your reflection on this film. I don’t enjoy watching it. It’s too grim for me. But my husband loved it, and your comments may prompt me to rewatch it. Thanks too for using the Saint Saens Organ Symphony. It’s over the top, but I like it!
Wow! I always kinda knew what the movie was saying, but dang, I never saw it as deep as how you explained it. Thank you for giving me a new perspective on it and on life.
I love that this movie is dark as hell but has an ending that we all wish for to the point it brings any normal human to tears! My favorite movie of all time!
Another case of bats 🦇 in the belfry heard from.
Love the use of Corelli's Christmas Concerto! Very fitting
That opening description is also about Tokyo Godfathers (but it's about 3 homeless people who find a baby in the trash on Christmas Eve) and is one of the most wholesome Christmas movies I've ever seen.
Never thought I'd want to see "It's a wonderful life" again.
I really just think it’s a great film it’s the way Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey
The most profound moment is "MY MOUTH'S BLEEDIN' BERT!!!": Through this wound he knows he's REAL. Suffering is how we know reality is real, because none of us would ever choose it, but it is what we all share. And that this was a result from the confrontation at the bar "some answer to my prayer"...that punch to the chops actually IS the answer to his prayer just bends my mind ever time. This movie does have inclinations to not only to The Incarnation, but also to The Cross.
The Bells of St Mary’s is displayed in my 2 favorite movies-The Godfather & It’s a Wonderful Life. Thank you for this
I like “THE GODFATHER”, but I detest “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE!”, regardless of the circumstances of the dilemma.
In fact, I know of a certain old movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 currently undergoing restoration, and the party or parties involved in getting it re-opened to show old classics on a regular basis have even placed “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE!” on their no-play list alongside of the following titles:
“ROSEMARY’S BABY” (which got the theatre shutdown to begin with),
“THE OMEN” (both the 1976 original and the remake of 2006),
“THE AMITYVILLE HORROR” (both the 1979 original as well as the 2005 remake),
1988’s “THE 7TH SIGN”,
1998’s “ARMAGEDDON”,
1999’s “END OF DAYS”,
and that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the no-play list?!
@ oh I didn’t ask for what you thought of It’s a Wonderful Life
Just mentioning a few of the more unknown cold hard facts of life?!
WELL DONE. thank you for sharing this .... truly watching it now with 'enhanced' vision. A wonderful gift to see something previously known with new eyes now . 🙏🏼 🌷
You are explaining what I have always felt about this movie. I was never able to explain it though.
WOW.
Thank you so much for this. It's the best analysis of this film I've ever seen.
This really is an underrated channel, thanks for this mate. God Bless.
Thank you so much for this. Your insights are brilliant! Joy to the world!
You've added a Chestertonian dimension to this film for me by mentioning him and then by having George be a Chesterton style down home hero by never leaving home.Chesterton was a believer in finding the world without leaving home.George finds all that is worth finding right there.Greatness can be unassuming.
Wasn't Chesterton a magnificent writer? Have you read any of his collections of weekly articles for The Illustrated London News? You'd probably have to get them through a library because as far as I know, they're out of print now. The first volume, which covers 1905 - 1907 ( I think ), is my favorite. Chesterton is my candidate for the greatest mind of the 20th century.
What a wonderful look at the philosophy of this film!
This is definitely a worst case scenario regarding the trashiest movie 🎥📽🎞🍿 ever made ever since 1976’s “THE OMEN” as well as 1968’s “ROSEMARY’S BABY”, let alone 1979’s “THE AMITYVILLE HORROR”, not to mention 1988’s “THE 7TH SIGN” together with 1999’s “END OF DAYS”?!
In know its been a couple of years and I'm just seeing this, but you did a wonderful job describing the movie. Many points I haven't thought of. I still bawl like a baby at tear jerking scenes. lol. I did miss seeing Gloria Grahame as Violet, George's temptress. Not a big part but another example of how Georges presents helped people when contrasting life in Pottersville and Bedford Falls.
This is one of my all time favorite films. Your "review " was spot on. 😂
Going to share this with all. God bless and thank you for showing me that my little town might just be worth it. time to go back again.