It’s a Wonderful Life: The Imperative Melancholy of Christmas Films

It's a wonderful life is commonly referred to as a "sad movie" it is also referred to as the greatest Christmas film of all time.
In this video essay we will unpack why the emotional intensity of one specific scene is so important for the film to receive its all time great Christmas film title.

[@poetcomic1]

The scene on the telephone with Donna Reed is one of the masterful cinematic moments of the 40's.
He captures every man's anger at surrendering his freedom and his helplessness to refuse true love.

[@loganmcdonaldfilms]

I feel like most people try to use that scene as evidence that George is not a good person but he has so much going on in his head at the time. When his love for Mary pushes through and they embrace is an incredible moment.

[@user-vq8cb8wy5n]

You nailed it with this. Such a great film...

[@loganmcdonaldfilms]

Thank you so much!

[@blueshattrick]

Modern studios believe that making a character "flawless" from the start is the REAL key to making a great film!
Just look at *anything* pumped out by Dizney in the last 5 years as Exhibit A

[@loganmcdonaldfilms]

That’s very true. Hopefully they realize audiences enjoy complicated characters before it’s too late!
We’re still able to empathize with George even after how badly he treats Mary when he visits her house. It’s not impossible!

[@kmccormack2490]

This is not only the best Christmas movie ever made - It is the best movie/film period.

[@loganmcdonaldfilms]

Definitely!

[@LukeLovesRose]

Best film? Maybe. But Its A Wonderful Life is the best Christian movie this side of The Passion

[@LukeLovesRose]

In hindsight, I have to say that 2000s How the Grinch Stole Christmas has aged like wine

[@tommcclary8689]

It's A Wonderful Life is not only the best Christmas movie of all time but the greatest movie of all time in any genre.

[@loganmcdonaldfilms]

Absolutely!

[@piper888]

Youngest boy is named Tommy played by Jim Hawkins not the Jim Hawkins from
Treasure Island

[@LukeLovesRose]

Don't forget about Christmas vacation. That's a lot more fun and zany version of George's meltdown

[@jaimehectorcaballeroramire4150]

You can't compare it's a wonderful life to bad Santa NEVER

[@loganmcdonaldfilms]

“Most people rejected his message because he told them the truth”

[@LukeLovesRose]

Its A Wonderful Life is not only the greatest Christmas movie ever made, its the greatest Christian movie this side of The Passion. This movie shows us how wonderful a true Christian society can be. And then Its A Wonderful Life shows you the flipside, which we live in today: Pottersville
Even by wanting to kill himself to save his friends and family, George is following the Word of Christ. There is no greater gift than to lay down your life for your friends.
The end of Its A Wonderful Life is exactly what Christ wanted for us. That is heaven on earth. Think about it. George even turns the other cheek by yelling, "Merry Christmas Mr. Potter!"
The greatest, most timeless movies have what can be considered the greatest endings in film history. Thats Casablanca, Gone With The Wind, Titanic, Citizen Kane, The Wizard of Oz and Its A Wonderful Life.

[@LukeLovesRose]

In hindsight, I can't believe this didn't win best picture or best actor. The best years of Our Lives was a great movie, no doubt. But it's not as powerful and timeless as Its A Wonderful Life