On the 10th day of Christmas, RUclips apparently decided to stop blocking my video... It may get removed again if Paramount decides it doesn't fall under fair use, but I wanted to release it anyway. Anyhoo, hope everyone had a great Christmas/New Year. I'm thankful for all the connections I was able to make with people around the world last year, even if it was something as small as a comment on a video. I'm thank for all of you, more than you'll know.
It's a magnificent film, a masterpiece but using "best movie ever made" - in terms of General Semantics, cheapens the whole art of film-making. What happens to Ford, Wyler, Wilder, Welles, Hitchcock, Kubrick, Coppola, Ozu, Lean, Powell-Pressburger, Reed, Lumet, Bergman, etc.
From the moment when George yells, "MY MOUTH'S BLEEDING BERT!" through to the end credits I can't help but helplessly smile the whole time. George finally accepted that bad things have happened and that that's ok. Things will always get better in the end. Also, "To my big brother George, the richest man in town." Is the single best tearjerker line in movie history.
I don’t get that things will always get better because they don’t. But my takeaway is that no life is insignificant. We all make an impact even when we feel our life has no meaning anymore. George changed the fate of everyone he touched. His light made the world a better place because of the true sacrifices he made
You're right, Harry's as-good-as-it-gets 12-word toast to his "big brother George" is one of the best lines in movie history -- a culmination of everything that George has experienced in his "what if I'd never been born" life, with Clarence as his traveling companion and guide. But did you know this line is not included in the American Film Institute's 100 Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time? Always makes me wonder about the real reasons those "100 Quotes" were selected. And maybe for similar reasons, in the 10th anniversary update of AFI's Greatest Movies of All Time (2007), "It's a Wonderful Life" was dropped from #11 to #20.
The RIGHT WORD. And suitable for masses of people having sunk into a coma. Well.today...governments have taken over this function.after having discovered!
Even here in Germany we watch this movie every Christmas with the whole family. Every visitor who happens to come by is dragged in front of the TV set and has to wait until the movie is finished. Many watch it every Christmas from then on. ^^
After thirty odd years and five kids I finally sat down and watched this movie and my god, absolute perfection. Really enjoyed this, keep up the great work
The bright side is excellent,but...the other one? A tearjerker of the best sort.And...we're not waiting for all kinds of sentimental stuff!This movie luckily has been superseeded.Hence...no remake!
Despite the volume of RUclips I watch, I rarely comment or otherwise interact with the channels/videos I watch. I felt moved to make an exception in this instance. Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites on this platform. I have a passion for both cinema and philosophy but am also the only person I know who studies or appreciates either subject to the same extent. Your content is interesting, thought provoking, motivational, challenging, comforting, and makes this faceless profiles owner honestly feel less alone. I love your channel and just wanted to sincerely say, thank you. All of your hard work means a great deal to myself and I'm sure many others.
You’re welcome! I’m they same way: I don’t usually engage on RUclips, so I very much appreciate you taking the time to say these things. I need to hear it. Every word is strengthening.
You've encouraged me, the least I could do is return the favor in some small way! These topics, thoughts, and concepts are so vital to understanding and appreciating this life of ours. They often seem lofty of intimidating causing many to avoid them all together. You do truly perform a service to your fellow man by breaking these ideas down and making them more easily understood while still challenging the viewer to then consider and implement them personally. I'm usually not one to heap praise on another but I really do appreciate you and your channel.
This might be my favourite video of yours yet (and that's saying a lot), probably because of my own experiences with suicide, bitterness, envy, living crushed between regret of the past and fear of the future... Every year I can't contain my tears when I read "No man is a failure who has friends" while I hear Auld Lang Syne. This year I don't wish for anything in my life to get better, I'm so tired of wishing and waiting and hoping, I just want to live in the present and appreciate the wonderful things that I already have in front of my eyes. Thank you, I'll be thinking about your words in this video for the rest of the week.
I rarely comment on videos, but man... that felt like a great late christmas gift. It's a Wonderful Life already had a special place in my heart. I will treasure it even more now. Thank you and be blessed.
I still live in the city where I was born, realizing that wherever I was to go, I would still have the same problems. One of the sacrifices I made by doing the right thing for someone else was to give up my love for a woman and set her free for her own preservation. I also was a caregiver for my Mother for over 20 years. I am gratified because I served others. Now, I am turning 70, with all the time and money that is beyond anything I would have thought possible.
We all go through the dark night of the soul. Mine took place in the early 90’s. As dark as it was i still got up the next day and kept going given the circumstances. I’m so blessed and I would not change a thing……
I don’t come to RUclips to get into the Christmas spirit, but wow did this ring in the season for me. I’m crying over here! Thank you for this wonderful video!
We read the script as a drama unit and watched the movie. I felt like George because I wanted to get out of teaching and pursue my own passions. By the end of the movie I was sobbing like a baby. This movie examines interconnections and the bonds we form with people like no other. It's one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. It also made me more grateful to be in my students' lives.
Again, your so spot on it's not funny! Well done sir well done. That move make me cry thinking of it. Now it will make me emotional for thinking of another perspective. Thanks
I would be lying if I did not admit that I was very touched by your video. It probably is your best one yet. Thank you for sharing your presence here on YT with us.
Honestly, you wander Christ-like through my favorite films and resurrect them. Mine eyes are opened, the son is risen, the way, the truth, and the life; and the light has come. These analyses are a delight for the soul.
WOW! I have NEVER heard such a psychological/moral/philosophical review of "It's a Wonder Life"! Incredible! I am not sure that I will ever see the movie the same way again! Thank you!
Thanks for the thoughtful review, I had not noticed how dark of a story is presented in the movie. Thanks from bringing that out, it is definitely a reason why the movie touches you so much. Not just nostalgia, but an authentic story! Happy new year
Wow. Wow. Wow! Thank you so much for this video. This is a fantastic overview of the themes and morals of this film, lots of good solid references! Love it. Definitely sharing! One more little reference I thought of while listening to this is one from Dickens' The Chimes (a story that has a lot in common with this one actually, not so much that Toby "Trotty" Veck was never born, but what might happen if others listen to the advice of others, and if Toby believes their postulation that "the poor have no right to exist." ) At the end of the story Dickens says this: Had Trotty dreamed? Or, are his joys and sorrows, and the actors in them, but a dream; himself a dream; the teller of this tale a dreamer, waking but now? If it be so, O listener, dear to him in all his visions, try to bear in mind the stern realities from which these shadows come; and in your sphere-none is too wide, and none too limited for such an end-endeavour to correct, improve, and soften them. So may the New Year be a happy one to you, happy to many more whose happiness depends on you! So may each year be happier than the last, and not the meanest of our brethren or sisterhood debarred their rightful share, in what our Great Creator formed them to enjoy."
"Political solutions... simply transfer power among elites." I had to stop what I was doing and go back and listen to that again and reflect on what you meant. How often does that happen while watching RUclips videos? The definition of politics I was taught is that it is concerned with competition for resources, where those resources are finite. Such a helpful starting point, but I've never seen it so powerfully explained as here.
Just getting around to this one. I can't watch more than 2 videos of yours in one sitting and I tend to wait a week or so between viewings. I need time to thoughtfully enjoy them. They are like a culinary masterpiece. It isn't right to eat those every night, but they are the meals I'll remember. This video in particular struck me. Yesterday I was meeting with a trauma survivor I've been working with for over 2 years. Having all value and meaning destroyed by her care givers in the most horrific ways throughout childhood, she was steeped in addiction when I met her - coping by numbing. Early in her healing journey, there were times when she called me contemplating suicide. I have been trained in those moments to remind people of the value I have seen in their lives. To speak back to them their triumphs and the unique gifts I've seen in them. I remember telling her on one call that her existence was like a masterpiece painting, one that many people had tried to destroy. But just because it was marred, didn't mean it ceased to be a masterpiece. And there was a master at restoration who was beginning the arduous work of bringing the painting back to it's original glory. She had a choice to end it all, but she had to know that 1. she didn't know what tomorrow would bring (what new healing or understanding) and 2. she would be depriving the world of the masterpiece she was created to be. I never realized the similarities to what Clarence does. In a weary time in my life, this is a reminder to keep fighting the good fight. Your commentary on bitterness, motivations, duty, perspective, and presence could all merit replies as long as this one. Just know that your work continually points me back to the truth and to the one who is Truth. Thank you.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is one of just two movies that I've seen that I think are (and I say this as a devout bookworm) every bit as powerful as most classic novels. Thank you for this video essay. You've made me love this movie even more. P.S. The second of those two movies is "La Vita e Bella." I don't know if you've seen it, but I would trip if you ever did a video essay on it.
Nobody talks about La Vita e Bella and im so glad someone else understands how powerful of a film it is. We had to watch it in school and i was one of few students who were just amazed and couldn't look away. It definitely deserves to be on whatever tier of beautiful classics like It's a Wonderful Life belongs are on.
I’ve been watching this movie annually for over 40 years and there’s always more to take away, and your video has expanded my appreciation even further by lending observations and insights I hadn’t considered. Thanks!
One of the Greatest Movies of All Time, works on so many levels. Its funny (very funny at tumes), dark (very dark at times), emotional, thoughtful and truly uplifting. Just discovered your channel, from your Barry Lyndon video, great stuff, and enjoyed this one hugely too... subscribed.
A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your loved ones, and the great community that supports this channel. The last seven months I've been subscribed has been life-changing and I do not say that lightly. The content of your videos has been a journey for me and I look forward to the future of this channel. My wife has been trying for the better part of twelve years to get me to watch this film and it seems fate finally intervened. Cheers friend.
This was a beautiful video (especially after a rough day at work)! I never thought about how the night of the dance is no longer a purely happy memory for George, so Mary putting on the song is inadvertently shoving his disappointments back in his face. I already loved Potter's chilling line at 17:56, but you reveal a fuller picture of how alike the two are. And it's such a wonderful point to conclude with, that what George thought he wanted wouldn't have made him happy, how the love in his life relates to the significance of the season. Thank you so much for posting!
WELL DONE. thank you for sharing this .... truly watching it now with 'enhanced' vision. A wonderful gift to see something previously known with new eyes now . 🙏🏼 🌷
Stewart’s performance in this movie is darn near perfect. I got to say that. The reason that this movie is a classic is because of him. Have you ever heard the story about the initial rehearsals of this film? Stewart had just returned back from World War II. Unlike some of his more tough acting friends in Hollywood, he volunteered. He volunteered for combat. He became a bomber pilot. And he was a bomber pilot in mid World War II. The allies had a hell of a time with their daylight raids in the middle of the war. I’m not sure if Stewart bombed anything in Germany or if he just bombed things in Italy. But I just wanna point out the fact that being a bomber pilot required an incredible amount of courage. A really really really incredible amount of courage. And now back to the story: in the initial rehearsals Stewart seems to waver. In between scenes it became apparent that he was really wondering whether he should be an actor at all, because he had seen so many people die in the war had been so horrible. He was questioning whether it was worth it to be an actor. In a sense that echoes your point, from the beginning of the video in which you mention Kamu and suicide: is it worth it? Anyway from what I heard, another one of the actors pulled him aside and said something like this: come on kid, don’t you think you should make this picture? Don’t you think that being able to make art and Xpress yourself was kind of the whole point of the war: to keep people free and good like they are in this movie? Anyway it was something like that! Apparently, Stewart thought about it a bit and then he jumped in with everything he had and never looked back! God bless you, God bless Jimmy Stewart too!
It was Lionel Barrymore, who played Potter, who told Stewart that he needed to understand that entertaining people was as valuable as any other kind of honorable work. Stewart was in the same bomber group as George McGovern, future Democratic nominee for President. If I recall correctly, most of their flights were over the Yugoslavia/Greece part of German occupied Europe.
WOW! This was just THE BEST analysis of this film. Absolutely nailed it on all points. You really made me think even more deeply about the subtext of this film even more than I ever have before - and it’s one of my favourite movies of all time! Chef’s kiss
I enjoyed your reflection on this film. I don’t enjoy watching it. It’s too grim for me. But my husband loved it, and your comments may prompt me to rewatch it. Thanks too for using the Saint Saens Organ Symphony. It’s over the top, but I like it!
so much WOW!! That conclusion was both challenging and encouraging! So powerful. I know this video is 2 years old, but I just discovered it. I was looking at other video essays on this film BECAUSE I didn't see the film this year. I usually watch it every year and just didn't this year. I've seen it dozens of times and caught new details every time, BUT your essay made me see it in a whole new light AND made me see my own life in a different light too. It's a slow snowy Saturday, so I'm going to rewatch your video (check) and then watch it's a wonderful life!
Hey mate Happy New Year to you! I hope you had a great Christmas with your family. Thanks again for another excellent video-essay. I haven't seen the film but having seen this I am really inspired too. You definitely promote films in a better way than any trailer or typical critic does so the production company should be thanking you! I'm looking forward to what you have in the pipeline, I always enjoy your content. Warmest wishes my friend!
Jimmy Stewart was a Bomber Pilot in WW2. He was removed from Flying after he was labeled as "Flak Happy" or what we call today PTSD. He stayed in the Air Force reserves being promoted to General in 1959. How ever in 1946, after the war ended he was suffering from PTSD, having nightmares, not eating and having flashback to bomber missions where a lot of men got killed. Many of the actors on the set will tell you when George Baily is on the verge of a total collapse, Stewart was not acting.
Wow! Watched it again and it was so worth it to be reminded of all the wisdom! Absolutely fantastic video! Filled with knowledge depth and spirit! God bless you!
Your clips are exemplary. You deserve wider views. Thank you 🙏 for doing this. I hope you continue to bless us with more of them in 2023. Health & happiness in 2023 🎉❤
I was going along with you until the end. I don't agree with your judgments against George's actions at the end. He clearly doesn't mean what he's saying. He's simply pushed beyond his limits. He's given everything up for the town and fought Potter tooth and nail the whole way, only to reach a point of happiness where his brother is a war hero, it's Christmas, things seem to be going well-- only to have Uncle Billy screw up in such a way as to not only destroy his happiness but to threaten everything he's been doing up to that point. Through no fault of his own, George realizes that everything he's done is about to be erased, that Potter's finally got him, that George will pay for someone else's deed, and the reason why he's given up everything he ever wanted in life is now COMPLETELY FUTILE. When he goes to jump off that bridge he's delusional. He honestly thinks jumping will fix the problem; he recovers the money and stops Potter (at least in the short term anyway). It's not about depression, it's not about him wanting to do it because of what's happened. It honestly seems like the only logical choice in his frustrated mind. He's still doing what he's always done-- thinking of others before himself. I enjoy the analysis of characters but not the judgment of them or their actions. It's unnecessary and detracts from the value of these videos.
The duality of man. George and Potter exist parallel to one another. Capra also was able to sneak the fact that Potter is never punished for his behavior past the ethics code. Films back then required the villain be punished.
You've added a Chestertonian dimension to this film for me by mentioning him and then by having George be a Chesterton style down home hero by never leaving home.Chesterton was a believer in finding the world without leaving home.George finds all that is worth finding right there.Greatness can be unassuming.
Wasn't Chesterton a magnificent writer? Have you read any of his collections of weekly articles for The Illustrated London News? You'd probably have to get them through a library because as far as I know, they're out of print now. The first volume, which covers 1905 - 1907 ( I think ), is my favorite. Chesterton is my candidate for the greatest mind of the 20th century.
Our world needs more stories like it’s a wonderful life to look to as an ideal. Sure it’s not realistic and how every single situation plays out but it at least gives us something to strive for instead of pessimism and nihilism.
The most profound moment is "MY MOUTH'S BLEEDIN' BERT!!!": Through this wound he knows he's REAL. Suffering is how we know reality is real, because none of us would ever choose it, but it is what we all share. And that this was a result from the confrontation at the bar "some answer to my prayer"...that punch to the chops actually IS the answer to his prayer just bends my mind ever time. This movie does have inclinations to not only to The Incarnation, but also to The Cross.
excellent!!!!!! am sharing w/ everyone i know -- right now, we have to deal w/ life and death in ways unimaginable just a few years ago, and we question our value, our worth... our purpose. this brings it home! thank you soooooo much for posting this! and thank God someone put this on my youtube feed so i could watch it!!!!!
Some of your points I was able to see on my own before. But you made it even more interesting as you added to it. Great job. I am better having watched and look forward to seeing the film again
I've been wrestling with my meaning, my purpose. Lately I've been realising that George Bailey had been my role model for much of my life. My community and my family are what matters. I may not go to some big city and be a big time filmmaker, but I can stay and help the people that I care for and that care about me. This is what matters. Merry Christmas, everybody.
WOW! Thank you so much for this video: you made me cry. I very much am like George Bailey. My dreams lead me to bitterness, not success and freedom. I did cry a little bit.
Great video. George had a Wonderful life because he never thinks about himself...and happiness comes from serving others..not from being selfish and doing what you want. Everybody loves George because George loves everyone. Lack of all these lessons is what has happened to our country.
Funny thing is that I first saw this movie in July in the mid 90’s. I knew it was considered a “Christmas movie,” but I saw it that way. It’s just a good movie.
There is a crucial spiritual mechanism at work in this film which rarely is spoken about, probably because it is so obvous; it is the principle that many of us were taught as children, or that we have heard, cynically, as adults, and that is: "AS YOU SOW, THUS SHALL YOU REAP...." Is this at the very heart of the film?
Trivia: 1) the scene inwhich James is crying at the bar, was out of focus. Capra asked James to do it again but he said, "i can't" Capra stayed up all night to fix it 2) in 1946 it was a financial bomb
On the 10th day of Christmas, RUclips apparently decided to stop blocking my video... It may get removed again if Paramount decides it doesn't fall under fair use, but I wanted to release it anyway. Anyhoo, hope everyone had a great Christmas/New Year. I'm thankful for all the connections I was able to make with people around the world last year, even if it was something as small as a comment on a video. I'm thank for all of you, more than you'll know.
Cheers mate, belated happy Xmas, but happy New Year. Ho ho ho 😁
@@mixerD1- Thank you, my friend. The same to you as well!
Holy day blyessings bro, insightful creations
@@Dyal_Gobinde_Singh Thanks bro!
Isn't the movie public domain it's so dumb they can copywriter strike it. The story it's self is copywriter though.
As another person described it, It's A Wonderful Life is not only the best Christmas movie, but maybe even the best movie ever made.
Blind since birth? That must be strange.
I only question "maybe even" in your statement.
nonsense
It's a magnificent film, a masterpiece but using "best movie ever made" - in terms of General Semantics, cheapens the whole art of film-making. What happens to Ford, Wyler, Wilder, Welles, Hitchcock, Kubrick, Coppola, Ozu, Lean, Powell-Pressburger, Reed, Lumet, Bergman, etc.
What's funny is that it wasn't a smash hit when it was released in theaters! It wasn't appreciated until they started airing it on TV.
From the moment when George yells, "MY MOUTH'S BLEEDING BERT!" through to the end credits I can't help but helplessly smile the whole time. George finally accepted that bad things have happened and that that's ok. Things will always get better in the end.
Also, "To my big brother George, the richest man in town." Is the single best tearjerker line in movie history.
I don’t get that things will always get better because they don’t. But my takeaway is that no life is insignificant. We all make an impact even when we feel our life has no meaning anymore. George changed the fate of everyone he touched. His light made the world a better place because of the true sacrifices he made
Same here, Auld Layne Sayne and Hark the Herald Angels Sing being played on the piano often make me tear up when I hear them
You're right, Harry's as-good-as-it-gets 12-word toast to his "big brother George" is one of the best lines in movie history -- a culmination of everything that George has experienced in his "what if I'd never been born" life, with Clarence as his traveling companion and guide. But did you know this line is not included in the American Film Institute's 100 Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time? Always makes me wonder about the real reasons those "100 Quotes" were selected. And maybe for similar reasons, in the 10th anniversary update of AFI's Greatest Movies of All Time (2007), "It's a Wonderful Life" was dropped from #11 to #20.
Even this analysis is a tearjerker.
The RIGHT WORD. And suitable for masses of people having sunk into a coma. Well.today...governments have taken over this function.after having discovered!
Even here in Germany we watch this movie every Christmas with the whole family.
Every visitor who happens to come by is dragged in front of the TV set and has to wait until the movie is finished.
Many watch it every Christmas from then on. ^^
Wholesome. It represents in my mind what the season should be about: Community, family, friendship, self-sacrifice.
Frohe Neujahrsgrüße aus Texas!
🎄 🧨 💥
💯
After thirty odd years and five kids I finally sat down and watched this movie and my god, absolute perfection. Really enjoyed this, keep up the great work
The bright side is excellent,but...the other one? A tearjerker of the best sort.And...we're not waiting for all kinds of sentimental stuff!This movie luckily has been superseeded.Hence...no remake!
Your still the most underrated channel on RUclips. Please never stop doing these fantastic videos.
1000% agree
Despite the volume of RUclips I watch, I rarely comment or otherwise interact with the channels/videos I watch. I felt moved to make an exception in this instance. Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites on this platform. I have a passion for both cinema and philosophy but am also the only person I know who studies or appreciates either subject to the same extent. Your content is interesting, thought provoking, motivational, challenging, comforting, and makes this faceless profiles owner honestly feel less alone. I love your channel and just wanted to sincerely say, thank you. All of your hard work means a great deal to myself and I'm sure many others.
You’re welcome! I’m they same way: I don’t usually engage on RUclips, so I very much appreciate you taking the time to say these things. I need to hear it. Every word is strengthening.
You've encouraged me, the least I could do is return the favor in some small way! These topics, thoughts, and concepts are so vital to understanding and appreciating this life of ours. They often seem lofty of intimidating causing many to avoid them all together. You do truly perform a service to your fellow man by breaking these ideas down and making them more easily understood while still challenging the viewer to then consider and implement them personally. I'm usually not one to heap praise on another but I really do appreciate you and your channel.
This might be my favourite video of yours yet (and that's saying a lot), probably because of my own experiences with suicide, bitterness, envy, living crushed between regret of the past and fear of the future... Every year I can't contain my tears when I read "No man is a failure who has friends" while I hear Auld Lang Syne. This year I don't wish for anything in my life to get better, I'm so tired of wishing and waiting and hoping, I just want to live in the present and appreciate the wonderful things that I already have in front of my eyes. Thank you, I'll be thinking about your words in this video for the rest of the week.
I rarely comment on videos, but man... that felt like a great late christmas gift. It's a Wonderful Life already had a special place in my heart. I will treasure it even more now. Thank you and be blessed.
Watching this every year is a holiday highlight.
*Merry Christmas ya’ old Building and Loan!!!*
This is my favourite quote too! Love saying it.
I still live in the city where I was born, realizing that wherever I was to go, I would still have the same problems.
One of the sacrifices I made by doing the right thing for someone else was to give up my love for a woman and set her free for her own preservation.
I also was a caregiver for my Mother for over 20 years.
I am gratified because I served others. Now, I am turning 70, with all the time and money that is beyond anything I would have thought possible.
You're not doing a bad job of touching 35,000 lives in a distinctly benevolent way; thanks and happy new year.
We all go through the dark night of the soul. Mine took place in the early 90’s. As dark as it was i still got up the next day and kept going given the circumstances. I’m so blessed and I would not change a thing……
It was a wonderful review! It tore my heart out in a good way. Have a great 2022 Emperor.
This movie means a lot to me. I rewatch it whenever I'm feeling extra down about life, and it always gives me this new hope.
I don’t come to RUclips to get into the Christmas spirit, but wow did this ring in the season for me. I’m crying over here! Thank you for this wonderful video!
We read the script as a drama unit and watched the movie. I felt like George because I wanted to get out of teaching and pursue my own passions. By the end of the movie I was sobbing like a baby. This movie examines interconnections and the bonds we form with people like no other. It's one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. It also made me more grateful to be in my students' lives.
Again, your so spot on it's not funny! Well done sir well done. That move make me cry thinking of it. Now it will make me emotional for thinking of another perspective. Thanks
I would be lying if I did not admit that I was very touched by your video. It probably is your best one yet. Thank you for sharing your presence here on YT with us.
Honestly, you wander Christ-like through my favorite films and resurrect them. Mine eyes are opened, the son is risen, the way, the truth, and the life; and the light has come. These analyses are a delight for the soul.
I feel the same way. I couldn't have said it better
Fantastic essay and a great message.
WOW! I have NEVER heard such a psychological/moral/philosophical review of "It's a Wonder Life"! Incredible! I am not sure that I will ever see the movie the same way again! Thank you!
I'm old enough to cry at the end of this wonderful film.
Thanks for the thoughtful review, I had not noticed how dark of a story is presented in the movie. Thanks from bringing that out, it is definitely a reason why the movie touches you so much. Not just nostalgia, but an authentic story!
Happy new year
I'm always hit with the message of offering grace and forgiveness. What an enduring story...
Wow. Wow. Wow! Thank you so much for this video. This is a fantastic overview of the themes and morals of this film, lots of good solid references! Love it. Definitely sharing!
One more little reference I thought of while listening to this is one from Dickens' The Chimes (a story that has a lot in common with this one actually, not so much that Toby "Trotty" Veck was never born, but what might happen if others listen to the advice of others, and if Toby believes their postulation that "the poor have no right to exist." )
At the end of the story Dickens says this:
Had Trotty dreamed? Or, are his joys and sorrows, and the actors in them, but a dream; himself a dream; the teller of this tale a dreamer, waking but now? If it be so, O listener, dear to him in all his visions, try to bear in mind the stern realities from which these shadows come; and in your sphere-none is too wide, and none too limited for such an end-endeavour to correct, improve, and soften them. So may the New Year be a happy one to you, happy to many more whose happiness depends on you! So may each year be happier than the last, and not the meanest of our brethren or sisterhood debarred their rightful share, in what our Great Creator formed them to enjoy."
"Political solutions... simply transfer power among elites." I had to stop what I was doing and go back and listen to that again and reflect on what you meant. How often does that happen while watching RUclips videos?
The definition of politics I was taught is that it is concerned with competition for resources, where those resources are finite. Such a helpful starting point, but I've never seen it so powerfully explained as here.
It's interesting how we never see Potter return the money (that was not his).
You've made a lot of great points in this!
Never thought I'd want to see "It's a wonderful life" again.
Just getting around to this one. I can't watch more than 2 videos of yours in one sitting and I tend to wait a week or so between viewings. I need time to thoughtfully enjoy them. They are like a culinary masterpiece. It isn't right to eat those every night, but they are the meals I'll remember. This video in particular struck me.
Yesterday I was meeting with a trauma survivor I've been working with for over 2 years. Having all value and meaning destroyed by her care givers in the most horrific ways throughout childhood, she was steeped in addiction when I met her - coping by numbing. Early in her healing journey, there were times when she called me contemplating suicide. I have been trained in those moments to remind people of the value I have seen in their lives. To speak back to them their triumphs and the unique gifts I've seen in them. I remember telling her on one call that her existence was like a masterpiece painting, one that many people had tried to destroy. But just because it was marred, didn't mean it ceased to be a masterpiece. And there was a master at restoration who was beginning the arduous work of bringing the painting back to it's original glory. She had a choice to end it all, but she had to know that 1. she didn't know what tomorrow would bring (what new healing or understanding) and 2. she would be depriving the world of the masterpiece she was created to be. I never realized the similarities to what Clarence does. In a weary time in my life, this is a reminder to keep fighting the good fight. Your commentary on bitterness, motivations, duty, perspective, and presence could all merit replies as long as this one. Just know that your work continually points me back to the truth and to the one who is Truth. Thank you.
God bless you, whoever you are. You have a poet's heart.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is one of just two movies that I've seen that I think are (and I say this as a devout bookworm) every bit as powerful as most classic novels. Thank you for this video essay. You've made me love this movie even more.
P.S. The second of those two movies is "La Vita e Bella." I don't know if you've seen it, but I would trip if you ever did a video essay on it.
Great film
I’ll have to look it up
Nobody talks about La Vita e Bella and im so glad someone else understands how powerful of a film it is. We had to watch it in school and i was one of few students who were just amazed and couldn't look away. It definitely deserves to be on whatever tier of beautiful classics like It's a Wonderful Life belongs are on.
I’ve been watching this movie annually for over 40 years and there’s always more to take away, and your video has expanded my appreciation even further by lending observations and insights I hadn’t considered. Thanks!
One of the Greatest Movies of All Time, works on so many levels.
Its funny (very funny at tumes), dark (very dark at times), emotional, thoughtful and truly uplifting.
Just discovered your channel, from your Barry Lyndon video, great stuff, and enjoyed this one hugely too... subscribed.
This is an insanely good analysis of one of the best films ever made. I'm a fan.
Came here for a regular dose of higher culture and truth, but man did you exceed my expectations with so much food for thought.
A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your loved ones, and the great community that supports this channel. The last seven months I've been subscribed has been life-changing and I do not say that lightly. The content of your videos has been a journey for me and I look forward to the future of this channel. My wife has been trying for the better part of twelve years to get me to watch this film and it seems fate finally intervened. Cheers friend.
This made my day! Thank you, my friend.
Please speak to the history of Jimmy Stewart’s WWII PTSD, and how this film spoke to it. And perhaps spoke to other veterans.
This movie even works (maybe even more so) as a Thanksgiving movie, because it makes you realize what you're really thankful for, what really matters.
This is a beautiful video, but the cherry on the sundae is the phrase "Motzartian frivolity." CHEF'S KISS
This is legit. I feel like Capra would have enjoyed your analysis. I know I sure did.
This was a beautiful video (especially after a rough day at work)! I never thought about how the night of the dance is no longer a purely happy memory for George, so Mary putting on the song is inadvertently shoving his disappointments back in his face. I already loved Potter's chilling line at 17:56, but you reveal a fuller picture of how alike the two are. And it's such a wonderful point to conclude with, that what George thought he wanted wouldn't have made him happy, how the love in his life relates to the significance of the season. Thank you so much for posting!
I wish I could like this more than just once. Brilliant and heartfelt. Thank you.
I cry every time I watch this damn movie..l
What a wonderful look at the philosophy of this film!
WELL DONE. thank you for sharing this .... truly watching it now with 'enhanced' vision. A wonderful gift to see something previously known with new eyes now . 🙏🏼 🌷
Keep up the good work! Your videos are easily in the top 1% of all RUclips content.
Stewart’s performance in this movie is darn near perfect. I got to say that. The reason that this movie is a classic is because of him. Have you ever heard the story about the initial rehearsals of this film? Stewart had just returned back from World War II. Unlike some of his more tough acting friends in Hollywood, he volunteered. He volunteered for combat. He became a bomber pilot. And he was a bomber pilot in mid World War II. The allies had a hell of a time with their daylight raids in the middle of the war. I’m not sure if Stewart bombed anything in Germany or if he just bombed things in Italy. But I just wanna point out the fact that being a bomber pilot required an incredible amount of courage. A really really really incredible amount of courage. And now back to the story: in the initial rehearsals Stewart seems to waver. In between scenes it became apparent that he was really wondering whether he should be an actor at all, because he had seen so many people die in the war had been so horrible. He was questioning whether it was worth it to be an actor. In a sense that echoes your point, from the beginning of the video in which you mention Kamu and suicide: is it worth it? Anyway from what I heard, another one of the actors pulled him aside and said something like this: come on kid, don’t you think you should make this picture? Don’t you think that being able to make art and Xpress yourself was kind of the whole point of the war: to keep people free and good like they are in this movie? Anyway it was something like that! Apparently, Stewart thought about it a bit and then he jumped in with everything he had and never looked back! God bless you, God bless Jimmy Stewart too!
Btw- Another fantastic video! I really love your videos!
It was Lionel Barrymore, who played Potter, who told Stewart that he needed to understand that entertaining people was as valuable as any other kind of honorable work.
Stewart was in the same bomber group as George McGovern, future Democratic nominee for President. If I recall correctly, most of their flights were over the Yugoslavia/Greece part of German occupied Europe.
WOW! This was just THE BEST analysis of this film. Absolutely nailed it on all points. You really made me think even more deeply about the subtext of this film even more than I ever have before - and it’s one of my favourite movies of all time! Chef’s kiss
I appreciate all of your videos. But this one's got to be one of the best. Cheers.
This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever watched. You’ve got a real talent at this. Can’t wait to go watch the movie.
“Sometimes to do what’s right we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most, even our dreams” - Aunt May, Spider-Man 2 (2004)
I enjoyed your reflection on this film. I don’t enjoy watching it. It’s too grim for me. But my husband loved it, and your comments may prompt me to rewatch it. Thanks too for using the Saint Saens Organ Symphony. It’s over the top, but I like it!
Going to share this with all. God bless and thank you for showing me that my little town might just be worth it. time to go back again.
so much WOW!! That conclusion was both challenging and encouraging! So powerful. I know this video is 2 years old, but I just discovered it. I was looking at other video essays on this film BECAUSE I didn't see the film this year. I usually watch it every year and just didn't this year. I've seen it dozens of times and caught new details every time, BUT your essay made me see it in a whole new light AND made me see my own life in a different light too. It's a slow snowy Saturday, so I'm going to rewatch your video (check) and then watch it's a wonderful life!
This movie plays on NBC every time just as me and my family get home from Christmas Eve mass and it’s a tradition for me to watch it every year.
WOW.
Thank you so much for this. It's the best analysis of this film I've ever seen.
18:00 I consider myself your friend that's into symbolism:)
I was thinking about you during that part!
I love your analysis! Your channel rocks.❤🎄
Excellent!!! Thank you.
Thank you sir. You’re welcome!
What A wonderful analysis, feeling better. thx
Greatest video I have ever seen on RUclips in my 32 years alive. Absolutely wonderful and moving analysis. Spot on
Hey mate Happy New Year to you! I hope you had a great Christmas with your family. Thanks again for another excellent video-essay. I haven't seen the film but having seen this I am really inspired too. You definitely promote films in a better way than any trailer or typical critic does so the production company should be thanking you! I'm looking forward to what you have in the pipeline, I always enjoy your content. Warmest wishes my friend!
Thank you, my friend! The same to you as well.
Jimmy Stewart was a Bomber Pilot in WW2. He was removed from Flying after he was labeled as "Flak Happy" or what we call today PTSD. He stayed in the Air Force reserves being promoted to General in 1959. How ever in 1946, after the war ended he was suffering from PTSD, having nightmares, not eating and having flashback to bomber missions where a lot of men got killed. Many of the actors on the set will tell you when George Baily is on the verge of a total collapse, Stewart was not acting.
Yes it's back! Live long to fight another day against the RUclips copyright system, Empire of the Mind. 🤗
That was really good. You unlocked so much depth to this film. Thank you.
"It's A Wonderful Life" is, and long has been, my favorite movie ever. And I love that you ended with the finale from Saint-Saen's "Organ Symphony"!
Thank you for your thoughts. Very enlightening. You have opened up this movie, which I love, to ideas I hadn’t completely noticed before.
Thanks for this...I hope you had a Merry Christmas and I hope you have a happy, prosperous New Year!!
This is an extraordinarily good exploration of the meaning of "It's A Wonderful Life". And thanks for the reminder, of its themes. +JMJ+
Wow! Watched it again and it was so worth it to be reminded of all the wisdom! Absolutely fantastic video! Filled with knowledge depth and spirit! God bless you!
Your clips are exemplary. You deserve wider views. Thank you 🙏 for doing this. I hope you continue to bless us with more of them in 2023. Health & happiness in 2023 🎉❤
Your videos are a gift. I cherish each of them. Thank you
I was going along with you until the end. I don't agree with your judgments against George's actions at the end. He clearly doesn't mean what he's saying. He's simply pushed beyond his limits. He's given everything up for the town and fought Potter tooth and nail the whole way, only to reach a point of happiness where his brother is a war hero, it's Christmas, things seem to be going well-- only to have Uncle Billy screw up in such a way as to not only destroy his happiness but to threaten everything he's been doing up to that point. Through no fault of his own, George realizes that everything he's done is about to be erased, that Potter's finally got him, that George will pay for someone else's deed, and the reason why he's given up everything he ever wanted in life is now COMPLETELY FUTILE. When he goes to jump off that bridge he's delusional. He honestly thinks jumping will fix the problem; he recovers the money and stops Potter (at least in the short term anyway). It's not about depression, it's not about him wanting to do it because of what's happened. It honestly seems like the only logical choice in his frustrated mind. He's still doing what he's always done-- thinking of others before himself.
I enjoy the analysis of characters but not the judgment of them or their actions. It's unnecessary and detracts from the value of these videos.
This really is an underrated channel, thanks for this mate. God Bless.
The duality of man. George and Potter exist parallel to one another. Capra also was able to sneak the fact that Potter is never punished for his behavior past the ethics code. Films back then required the villain be punished.
You've added a Chestertonian dimension to this film for me by mentioning him and then by having George be a Chesterton style down home hero by never leaving home.Chesterton was a believer in finding the world without leaving home.George finds all that is worth finding right there.Greatness can be unassuming.
Wasn't Chesterton a magnificent writer? Have you read any of his collections of weekly articles for The Illustrated London News? You'd probably have to get them through a library because as far as I know, they're out of print now. The first volume, which covers 1905 - 1907 ( I think ), is my favorite. Chesterton is my candidate for the greatest mind of the 20th century.
A beautiful film beautifully analyzed. Fantastic video.
Our world needs more stories like it’s a wonderful life to look to as an ideal. Sure it’s not realistic and how every single situation plays out but it at least gives us something to strive for instead of pessimism and nihilism.
The most profound moment is "MY MOUTH'S BLEEDIN' BERT!!!": Through this wound he knows he's REAL. Suffering is how we know reality is real, because none of us would ever choose it, but it is what we all share. And that this was a result from the confrontation at the bar "some answer to my prayer"...that punch to the chops actually IS the answer to his prayer just bends my mind ever time. This movie does have inclinations to not only to The Incarnation, but also to The Cross.
The Bells of St Mary’s is displayed in my 2 favorite movies-The Godfather & It’s a Wonderful Life. Thank you for this
What a great video! Thank you for creating and posting!
Thank you for this video. It made me think and I needed it.
Exceptional analysis. More please.
excellent!!!!!! am sharing w/ everyone i know -- right now, we have to deal w/ life and death in ways unimaginable just a few years ago, and we question our value, our worth... our purpose. this brings it home! thank you soooooo much for posting this! and thank God someone put this on my youtube feed so i could watch it!!!!!
Excellent video, sir. I’d love to own a copy of this. I love how you put to words how I feel about this great film.
Incompressible that this channel doesn't have millions of subscribers
Some of your points I was able to see on my own before. But you made it even more interesting as you added to it. Great job. I am better having watched and look forward to seeing the film again
When I get to Heaven I want to thank Frank Capra for making this movie. Yes, I know there will be a line.
It's a wonderful video you've made. Deepens one's sense of this great movie, thanks.
Its A Wonderful Life is possibly the greatest, most important Christmas movie and Christian movie in general this side of The Passion.
I've been wrestling with my meaning, my purpose. Lately I've been realising that George Bailey had been my role model for much of my life. My community and my family are what matters. I may not go to some big city and be a big time filmmaker, but I can stay and help the people that I care for and that care about me.
This is what matters. Merry Christmas, everybody.
WOW! Thank you so much for this video: you made me cry. I very much am like George Bailey. My dreams lead me to bitterness, not success and freedom. I did cry a little bit.
Great video. George had a Wonderful life because he never thinks about himself...and happiness comes from serving others..not from being selfish and doing what you want. Everybody loves George because George loves everyone. Lack of all these lessons is what has happened to our country.
Thank you!👏👏👏👏👏👏
This is one of my favorite movies and I have to watch it every year
Yeah that's the key the Good gets punishment.
Funny thing is that I first saw this movie in July in the mid 90’s. I knew it was considered a “Christmas movie,” but I saw it that way. It’s just a good movie.
This is phenomenal. Well done.
There is a crucial spiritual mechanism at work in this film which rarely is spoken about, probably because it is so obvous; it is the principle that many of us were taught as children, or that we have heard, cynically, as adults, and that is:
"AS YOU SOW, THUS SHALL YOU REAP...."
Is this at the very heart of the film?
Trivia: 1) the scene inwhich James is crying at the bar, was out of focus. Capra asked James to do it again but he said, "i can't" Capra stayed up all night to fix it 2) in 1946 it was a financial bomb