Movie Monday: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

To end this year’s countdown of holiday films, I want to end on a undeniable classic. It’s a Wonderful Life was directed by one of my absolute favorite directors, Frank Capra. Like so many of his films, James Stewart acts as the leading man in this movie alongside Donna Reed.

There are only a handful of films that remain as necessary to see at least once a year. It’s a Wonderful Life is one of those films that, no matter what holiday you celebrate, should be on your list of must see films. Why is this movie so important to see? Because it has a message and meaning that goes far beyond just the holidays.

It’s a Wonderful Life stands as a reminder to appreciate the life you have right now in this very moment. Although it may always feel like the grass is greener on the other side, generally it never is. This films also acts as a gentle nudge to cherish the people in your life because they are what matters most. Things and places may be nice, but when you do not have people who care or loved ones life becomes a lot less wonderful (see what I did there ;)).

Clearly, this is a classic. Holiday season or not, the meaning of the storyline in It’s a Wonderful Life is way too important to never see. This is a must watch film!

Lets talk a little bit about the actors in It’s a Wonderful Life. This movie was James Stewart’s big comeback to films after serving in the U.S. military during World War II so naturally it was quite the risk to start out with a movie that centered around the holidays. But Frank Capra was the brains behind this classic so there was always going to be a lot more heart to this film besides just throwing some snow and holiday music in the movie.

Donna Reed was the perfect match for James Stewart in this film. It is not only because she seems like the girl-next-door that he would fall in love with, but also because Reed suits Stewart’s age for when he filmed It’s a Wonderful Life. Stewart wasn’t exactly young at the time so he definitely needed a leading lady who could pull-off being his young wife and the mother of his children. Basically, this portion in Stewart’s career called for a actress who was versatile, and Reed was perfect for that role!

If you take nothing else away from this film review, I want you to remember that It’s a Wonderful Life is so much more than a holiday movie. It’s a Wonderful Life is a celebration of being complacent and building the life that you want where you are. It is also a movie about helping others even when you are unaware of doing just that.

Much Love,

Sarah