It’s a Wonderful Life.

“Remember no man is a failure who has friends.” That being the tagline of the movie, to an extent, reflects our own lives. No one can do without friends. Not me, not you, not George Bailey.

Released in 1947 in black and white, directed by Frank Capra, the movie is based on a book called “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern. The movie was shot just after the Second World War, starring AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner, James Stewart and Academy Award winner, Donna Reed.

A little bit of fantasy mixed with drama and romance, the movie is a classic. It is set in the story-bound town of Bedford Falls. On Christmas Eve, George Bailey, who manages the Bailey Building & Loan Association, decides to commit suicide because of financial bankruptcy. This stirs the angels in heaven and Clarence (Henry Travers) comes down to the Earth as George Bailey’s Guardian Angel and “saves his life”. He shows George how the world would be without his existence and how he makes a difference to his kith and kin.

It was not the kind of movie that would make me check the time frequently. In fact, it did not feel like two hours at all. The movie was very entertaining indeed, which is quite contrary to what I expected when I saw the “angels” (asteroids and starts) talking to each other. Donna Reed looks absolutely stunning and James Stewart can wear super high pants and still look smart! Remarkable among all of them was Little George Bailey (Robert J Anderson, who died in June, 2008). I felt he has acted very well. The movie put across a rather strong message but in a very good manner. Anyone can easily relate himself to the movie. The movie is flawless and will certainly awaken your emotions. The aftermath of the movie is the best part! It leaves you all optimistic and gives you that nothing-can-go-wrong feeling. It is the sort of movie, which you are speechless about! It makes you think “Oh! It’s a Wonderful Life!” I would give it a nine on ten.