100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 40: It's a Wonderful Life

Director: Frank Capra
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 1946
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers, Thomas Mitchell, Gloria Grahame, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, H.B. Warner, Frank Albertson, Todd Karns, Samuel S. Hinds, Mary Treen, Viginia Patton

Description: An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman (James Stewart) by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

Review: Frank Capra’s classic is definitely a feel-good film, but it’s not as overly sweet as you might think. Sometimes the tone of the film is a bit serious and grim. And the sweet, romantic moments are acted out so honest and professional, that it’s impossible not to feel with them.
George Bailey doesn’t want to work in his father’s business, but wants to discover the world and really become someone. When his father passes away and the company is about to be taken over by the evil Mr. Potter, George has no choice but run the company himself. George marries Mary and starts a family.
George builds a life in Bedford Falls, but wants to offer more to Mary. He still wants to see the world and become an important man. George is about to go bankrupt and doesn’t see the point of anything anymore. An angel is send to him in the form of Clarence, who shows George what life would have been like if he was never born.
The story of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is timeless and this is probably James Stewart’s best role ever. It’s a classic and a film that should be seen by every movie fan.

Rating: 4,5/ 5