Movie #25: It's a Wonderful Life. Or really, "no man is a failure who has friends."

Title: It's a Wonderful Life

Starring: James Stewart and Donna Reed

Directed by: Frank Capra

Number on the AFI List: 20

Year: 1946

Senior angel: "Clarence, a man down on earth needs our help."

Clarence: "Splendid, is he sick?"

Senior angel: "Worse. He's discouraged." 

It's a Wonderful Life melts my heart every time. The romance between George and Mary, the goodness of George Bailey and his defiance against Potter, the disappointment of George's broken dreams replaced with the realization of how many people love him...I can't get enough. 

From the time Mary as a child says "George, I'll love you until the day I die," to their first date with George declaring  "What is is you want, Mary? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down," to George's breakdown towards the end of the movie, the relationship between George and Mary is a prime example of loving your spouse through thick and thin. Mary is a solid support for George in the most difficult of circumstances, a constant encouragement and friend. I love how she saves the day when the bank is about to be foreclosed. She is a true heroine of self sacrifice in her own right. 

I'm sure George's broken dreams were all too real for the men and women in post-WWII America. If you had dreams before, they were probably shattered by the harsh realities of war. This movie is a beautiful picture of what's important in life; beyond wealth, dreams, and getting everything you want out of life, true contentment is found in being surrounded by those you love and standing up for what's right. Even though it kept him from pursuing his dreams of travel and college, George couldn't let Mr. Potter corrupt Bedford Falls. Of course, his self sacrifice pays off in the end when the entire town, even those out to foreclose his business, rally together to help him, and George finally realizes how much he is loved and appreciated. Even his brother, Harry, declares "Here's to my big brother George, the richest man in town!"As Clarence said in his note to George, "no man is a failure who has friends." Wealth and riches will all come to an end, but relationships and the impact you have on people will last forever.

Side note: I'm really sad that I will never have the chance to marry Jimmy Stewart! 

Favorite scene: Oh man. Either the walk home after the dance or the ending. 

Will I Watch it again: Probably twice before the year is over!