It was the most beautiful and emotional movie I have ever seen, I recommend it to everyone. This movie was there when I needed it the most, it shows how much one man can make a difference in the world, no matter what he does, and how we sometimes don't even realize what impact our very own existence can have on other people's lives.

8.8/10. An incredible, life-affirming movie that has enough of a dark heart to earn the amazingly heart-warming sequence at the film's climax. Some of the angel stuff gets a little silly at points, but it's still just a stellar look at the advantages and pitfalls of the road not traveled, what doing and being good takes from you, and the invisible but strong connections within a community that form when a noble man takes the world on his shoulders when he has to. Stewart gives the performance of a lifetime, selling the nobility but vulnerability of George Bailey with perfection, the highs and lows and joys and anger and despondency and glee of the character with unparalleled commitment, charm, and pathos. This one's a classic for a reason.

This is one of my all time favorite films and the recent re-watch did not move me from this conviction. The character of George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart at the height of his abilities, is so easy to relate to and a wonderful human being. He's not always a great guy...he has an anger management issue and is sometimes consumed with revenge, but you can't help pulling for him. Lionel Barrymore's Mr. Potter is a treat to watch and Henry Travers as Clarence enters the film just when it is darkest to buoy it to a lighter tone. This is a classic for a reason! 10/10

Honestly incredibly boring. I struggle to see why this is so highly rated, it was an absolute chore to get through.

There is charm in old movies and charisma in old actors. After seeing Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, I wonder why such movies don't get made more often. From expressions to delivery, both James Stewart and Donna Reed are an absolute pleasure to watch. George Bailey has given up his dreams of seeing the world to take over his father's business. There is always one opportunity to step out of the town, even if briefly, but is always foiled by some or the other event that he puts before his wishes. Mary, on the other hand, has always loved George and has always been happy around him in the town they were born and brought up. It is the story of how he stands up for the town and how generously townspeople reciprocate. It is a Christmas movie and boy! it's a happy, wholesome one. Such movies are comfort food. The hero is passionate and good, the heroine is beautiful, smart and supportive. The villain doesn't have a redemption arc but his plans are foiled at the end. All the supporting cast ends up helping the hero at a crucial juncture. All this fills you with a warm cozy feeling. It also made me introspective. I started thinking about the impact I have on the world around me and is the net sum positive. [spoiler]There is a point in the movie where George's guardian angel shows him a world without him ever being present and he realises, that even if his aspirations of world travel haven't been met, there is a strong positive influence he has had on this world. Upon that realisation when comes back to the real world, the sense of gratitude fills him. He stands strong to fight whichever battle he needs to.[/spoiler] That sense of gratitude is an immensely positive force. It remained with me for a long time. I started thinking positively too. It could be the nature of the film, being all Christmas-y, but I cherished that warmth while it lasted, and it lasted long. It was a pleasure to watch a black and white film after a long time. Those high-contrast frames made the emotions more potent for me. Recommended. This was another one on my IMDb top 50 filling-the-gaps journey. 9 more to go.