Wonderful character development!

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

What do we have here? Could this be the most positive film ever conceived? Was this made for children or for the whole family? Was it crafted for suicidal maniacs maybe? No, no, it can't be that; too dark for children and too childish for adults. I don't like to use the word "dated", but this is what I would call a dated film with a dated (now cliched) message. Well, it has an intensely naive positive message, but maybe necessary for that period. But why so much optimism? Could have been because of the post-war overoptimism? The Post-World War II economic boom? Could be. The film is clearly flawed, objectively speaking. The main problem is the protagonist. With just a few occasionally bursts of anger towards the end, he has a flawless character. Altruistic, nice, tolerant, idealistic, etc etc. He is the perfect white boy. The antagonist is pretty much the antithesis of the main character. Stereotypical Walt Disney cartoons-like characters? Well, almost. Almost! Also, this is a fantasy film not because of the fantastic elements, but because characters act unnaturally during specific events. Some moments are too cartoon-ish and unrealistic. At least those moments are funny, so I can forgive this aspect (this is actually the case in many classic American movies). Well, I appreciate the subtly dark undertones of the film and even the cartoon-ish humor. I repeat, this film may be too dark for children, too light and naive for adults and too cliched for today; objectively, this is a dated film.

'It's a Wonderful Life (1946)' is a proper Christmas classic mainly because its underlying universal themes and messages transcend both its seasonal sprinklings and the specific time-period in which it was made This is why the flick is still one of the most beloved and oft watched features of all time, even though it originally bombed at the box-office. It's ultimately a life-affirming and heart-warming story that isn't afraid to take some dark turns, though it's still a consistently light affair, which means that its final moralistic moments are all the more impactful because we believe that the characters have gone through the arcs we're presented with. The actual plot as is usually described (whether or not that's fair) doesn't kick in until much later than expected, though, and, as such, is almost rushed. 7/10

There's a reason this is considered not only one of the best Christmas films of all time, but also one of the best films of all time, period: Its themes, of how each of our lives touches so many others, have resonated with audiences for over 70 years now, and it seems they'll only continue to resonate for generations to come.Much of the film chronicles the life of George Bailey (fabulously played by Jimmy Stewart) and all the ways he helped people/had a positive impact of their lives from very early on - often without even realizing it:He saved his younger brother Harry from falling through the ice when they were young boys.He prevented the drug store owner, Mr. Gower, from accidentally giving another kid poisoned capsules.He kept the Bailey Building and Loan aloft even after the death of his father.He married Mary Hatch (Donna Reed) and she didn't become an "old maid" as the film suggests she might have otherwise.and numerous others. All while staying in the quaint little town of Bedford Falls, without being able to go out exploring as he had wanted to since he was a young boy.Then, on Christmas Eve, shortly after the end of the Second World War, some money belonging to the Bailey family accidentally ends up in the clutches of the cold banker, Mr. Potter, and George is left at the end of his rope. He nearly drowns himself, but is stopped by Clarance the Angel (in human form), who has been sent to help him. Clarence even shows George just how terrible life in Bedford Falls (or rather Pottersville) would be if he'd never existed. Realizing his would be mistake, George begs to exist again. And he does.Giddily restored, George runs straight home to Mary and their four children, greeted by all the friends and family he's had over his wonderful life. And Clarence even earns his wings as a result of helping George.As it takes place around Christmas, it is often considered a "Christmas film", but its themes are again largely year-round and as such the film can still be watched and enjoyed almost any time of year.A wonderful film, indeed! And a wonderful 8 of 10 stars for this classic!

There are days that all you need is a strong and firm hug to calm your sol, and that is exactly what this film is. Taking gently you by the hand, the movie introduces you into the life of George Bailey, a common guy with big dreams. It certainly brighten up my day and will do the same to whoever watch this.