Number one reason why you love this movie

[Mark]

Just found this board. I consider myself one of THE most ardent fans of this movie, but I know I'm definelty not alone.

I'm just love to hear the reasons why others love this movie.

I love this movie because I can relate to George Bailey. He's a "realistic" depiction of the average person. Someone full of drive and passion, yet flawed and weak, always trying to be optismitic, but inwardly full of fear.

An example is after Sam Wainright drives away in his fancy car after visting him. George looks at his car and furiously just suddendly kicks the door. I was touch by this scene even watching this as a 12 year old boy.

The movie is full of lifes great joys and sorrows. The sorrow of your father dying. The joy of falling in love. The disappointment of unfullfill dreams. The joy of marriage and being a father. The sorrow of being abandon. The joy of experiencing God's love and forgiveness.



I know many people who tell me this movie is a "polyanna" and sappy film. How can a movie about a man who yells and screams at his wife and kids, and then seriously contemplates suicide be a "leave it to beaver" like film?!

I think it was Jimmy Stewart himself who responded, when ask why people love this movie, that it's because everyone at one point in their lives has experience the despair and pain that George Bailey experienced sitting in Martinis, crying out to God for help. I think it's the most deeply moving and profound scene it cinema history.

I loathe the movies of today. 99% stink 99 times worst than rotten eggs. I'm only 42, but I still havent' experience a movie as great and enternaining has a wonderful life.

[Randy R]

Reason(s) I love this movie--it's message of hope when in despair, and that God takes initiative when we call out.

[Katherine]

I love this movie because I can relate to George. I knew since I was a little kid what I wanted to do (housewife & mother). It never became an option in my life. I have 4 kids but have never been able to stay home. George goes through the same thing with wanting to build things. However, when you look back over your life, you realize what an impact you have had on others & that your life has been blessed & been a blessing to others.

By the way, do you have the "Wonderful Life" trivia game? If not, you should definately get it!

[vincenzo]

life is hard but in the end everytihing goes well.
that is what everyone whishes for own life.

[momnan]

I agree with Mark when he commented that the scene where George prays for help is one I'll never forget. It touches me everytime I see it. His cry to God is so sincere and so from his soul. Who has not felt this desperate at some point in their life? IAWL...truly has stood the test of time. There will never be another one like it.

[bushy]

The whole concept of showing life as if you never existed in the world was pure genious by Frank Capra. The combination of surperior acting and a tremendous script make this film arguably the best picture ever made. Every parent should sit their kids down one evening and show this movie. It shows all of us what is truly important in life, especially in the world we live in today where having stuff seems to be the definition of happiness and success.

[Momnan]

I'm so glad someone else thinks this to be the best picture ever made....sometimes I feel like noone else gets it! Thanks, Bushy and all!

[Lynn E Oliver]

Momnan said:

I'm so glad someone else thinks this to be the best picture ever made....sometimes I feel like noone else gets it! Thanks, Bushy and all!

The message of Hope and that God cares. Then the added bonus..finding out Lillian Randolph was my sons Great Grandmother. I just found this site and was very touched.

[Junior]

How many of you have seen this movie in a theater? A small movie theater in a city about 20 miles from where I live (Scranton, Pa) plays it on 2 nights in December, for free.I didn't find out in time to go last year, but I'll certainly be there this year!