It's a wonderful movie in all senses!!! Stewart is awesome. The way he performs makes me feel happy that i didn't miss such an example of real emotions on the screen, which is difficult to see nowadays. The story is so well told that there can't be any remarks. Moreover, it's pierced with the atmosphere of Christmas which makes it so great to watch!!!
Um dos filmes mais otimistas da história, A Felicidade Não se Compra passa uma mensagem linda e tem um dos finais mais emocionantes que eu já vi. James Stewart, Frank Capra e o roteiro ousado fazem deste uma obra-prima única.
A bit heavy on the sentimentality and religious mysticism but still a perfectly charming film that holds up. It's a wonderful life takes a very non cynical appraisal of the highs and lows of a person's life and how they effect others in the grand scheme of things. Seeing as how this came around during the tail end of World War 2 it's incredibly interesting how optimistic it is.
It could have been too sentimental, but the suppressed anger of Stewart's performance impels a George Bailey we root for because we know how much it has cost him to become a good man. Even Clarence's vision is not as pat as it seems, for George is transformed, not only because he realizes the value of his life, but also because he is filled with terror when he is not recognized by the people he knows. it is Mary the Librarian's blank stare that sends George back to love and Bedford Falls.
It's definitely a bit treacle-flavored, but sweet and inspiring and well-intentioned enough to melt all but the most cynical hearts. James Stewart is superb and Mr. Potter is wonderfully nasty. Donna Reed is hot. Perfect Christmas movie.
It will certainly tug at your emotions, but certain plot points irritated me: it made it seem that George snapped over only $8000 (lost in a ridiculous manner) and he was pretty level-headed up to that point; Stewart's acting made it convincing but more time should have been dedicated to this severe turnaround. I didn't understand how Mary becoming a librarian with glasses was a terrible fate, and I also didn't understand the magical one million dollar hot dog machine in George's first job.
Wonderfully human characters with spot on acting and casting. Stewart shines as a man who gives up on his dreams to take care of his family. Just goes to show a good story is timeless.