Filmmaker reacts to It's a Wonderful Life (1946) for the FIRST TIME! 

This is a wonderfully made film. Love y'all! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema "Bad Santa" dropping Friday! Enjoy the day :)

This film somehow got a reputation (among folks who haven't seen it) of being overly optimistic or cheesy. But it's not, it's deeply challenging. There's nothing easy or simple about it. That's why it's so good.

Jimmy Stewart was suffering from PTSD while filming this movie, from being a bomber pilot in WW2. It is clear that he channeled this into his role.

When people say "that isn't realistic", they're really saying "I wouldn't do those things, because no one would ever do it for me." It all starts with you, one simple act creates a ripple in the water that spreads outward and touches more and more people.

I've always said Mary is badass. She got absolutely everything she wanted out of life. She decided as a little girl that George was the love of her life, and she married him. She wanted to stay in Bedford Falls and live in the old Granville house, and she made it happen. I would not want to be the poor soul who tries to get in the way of a Mary Bailey plan.

Wow I'm jealous you get to experience this for the first time! Excited to see what you thought!

"To my big brother George, the richest man in town." OMG I can not get through that part without tearing up. Thank you for getting the darkness of this film that lets the light shine so brightly. It is a brilliant work

I love the maid's line - "I was saving this money for a divorce if I ever got me a husband."

"A toast to my big brother George: the richest man in town." The most emotional line in cinema.

That bit where Uncle Billy crashes into something offscreen and shouts "I'm all right, I'm all right!" was actually an ad-lib by the actor, because someone on the crew tipped over some equipment offscreen. Could have ruined the take but quick thinking actually made it perfect. That's why Stewart is grinning so naturally, he saw how well it worked.

Dude, even the comment section is heartwarming. The movie that brings joy and people together transcends to all of us. I can go to bed now happy.

"This dude went from wanting to kill himself to being happy as hell his mouth is bleeding. And everything in between that sentence is what we call a story." I don't think I've ever heard the power of storytelling summed up quite as perfectly as this. You have a new subscriber. Thank you for these wonderful reactions! You produce some high quality content, yourself. :)

This movie has so much more meaning once you become an adult and a parent. It really does remind you to appreciate the things you take for granted.

I like how this movie deals with darker themes. Broken dreams and unfulfillment. Life is hard and this movie does not try to sugar coat it. And then at the end it wraps it up with a wonderful message.

"I really hope you guys know that you guys are main characters" thats the quote right there and why there is so much love and respect for you and the insights on how you see life you share with us, thank you for being you

You've learned the meaning of "Capraesque" - this was the first movie Capra created after serving in the military after WWII. Jimmy Stewart was the Tom Hanks of his time - an amazing actor, at his best when playing an "every man" role.

It's a Wonderful Life is Frank Capra's tribute to all the people who set their plans aside during World War II to serve the greater good. It wasn't just those who served in the military. Many people postponed having families, getting their educations, pursuing their careers, etc. It didn't do well at the box office when it came out. It was only when it fell into the public domain and they started showing it on TV around Christmas every year that people fell in love with it. This was a great reaction. Thanks.

This was a film I saw once as a kid and didn't feel any way about it. Rewatching it as an adult pulls so much more of an emotional punch. Love your reaction to some of these older/classic films!

I first saw this film in 1975. I didn't realize its importance at the time because mentally I was still on the bridge contemplating where my future would go. I had gotten out of the service in 73 and had enrolled in UCLA with the intent of getting a degree that would take me around the world, but before I could start I had to go home to Kansas to settle some legal matters. A day after I arrived home my big brother called and told the folks that he had lost his job and his wife (stepmother to his 4 children) had left him. He asked mom if he could leave the kids with her and dad till he found another position. Mom asked me to stay and help. So, I canceled my enrollment intending to start up again in the spring. The temporary situation turned into 4 years of daily life situations raising kids, but If I had not stayed in Kansas I would not have met my wife of 37 years or our 6 kids. It wasn't what I planned, but that's what my life needed to be. No regrets and I watch this movie every year to remind myself how things work sometimes. Good review, glad you understood the undercurrents.

What I find so interesting about this movie is that the first 3/4 is all backstory and setup, and then the plot doesn't actually kick in until the very end. Very cool!

The part in this movie that makes me weep is when he’s praying. His delivery is powerful. “I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there and you’re listening. Show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope.” I’ve been there. A few times.

This was my mother’s favorite Christmas movie. She watched it repeatedly throughout the season. We lost her last October. You watching this and commenting reminded me exactly why she loved this movie so much. Thank you for kind of helping me get that Christmas spirit back.

What a fucking performance. One of those film characters that doesn't need a sequel or three Netflix seasons...he lives forever in our collective minds. Enjoyed seeing one of my favorite reactors react to my favorite Christmas movie

This is my dad’s favorite movie. As a kid, I found it long and boring, and as an adult, I see a lot of my father in George Bailey. He’s always doing something for someone else and genuinely feels unappreciated. It always hits me right in the feels - plus it’s nice seeing Alfalfa all grown up (in the gymnasium scene). Best line: “to my big brother, George, the richest man in town” 😭

Really crazy how the end of the film makes you deeply nostalgic about things you saw like within the past couple hours lol. And idk if I've ever felt more despair watching a movie, and I certainly don't think I've ever felt more joy. James Stewart deserves a lot of credit for that too. Masterpiece.

Jimmy Stewart just got back from the Air Force before making this movie. He admitted to being very affected by his experience in the war and it added to his performance. His breakdown when he proposes he said was an actual emotional breakdown of sorts, all his experiences from the war surfacing and overwhelming him. So you're absolutely right.. his sincerity in his performance came from his recent experience, appreciation of things.

I get teary-eyed through half this movie LOL and I'm an atheist. It's just so well-acted and done for it's time! Jimmy Stewart, who plays George, actually fought in WWII and apparently suffered from PTSD. It definitely affected his performance in this film. Great stuff. Christmas classic, I watch it every year :)

There’s one line in this film that wins me for this movie: “Dad, do you want to know something, I think you’re a great guy.” There’s so much love and admiration in that sentence and sincerity. This film touches on so many things that feel so personal in this film.

The ending of this movie always makes me tear up, and even watching your reaction had the same effect because it’s just such a beautiful experience. This movie coming back around every Christmas is like an annual lesson on love and friendship, and I hope it’ll continue to be a classic for another 100 years!

FYI: Lionel Barrymore plays Potter. He's Drew Barrymore's Great Uncle.

I would highly recommend Mr. Smith Goes to Washington for those who like this movie, it’s Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra again and it’s great

I love these old Classics. I feel like a Boomer saying it, but something has been lost in modern film making and story telling. This one is a great example of that. Another I really enjoy is "Arsenic and Old Lace" - 1944, with Cary Grant.

If someone else hasn't already mentioned it in the comments already, you need to look up the history of this film and its distribution. It's really fascinating in my opinion. This is one of my favorite stories ever. The real life sacrifices George CHOSE, not had to, but CHOSE can still resonate today. That's what I feel this makes film and story timeless. Yes, it's framed within a period of time, but the themes are still valid today.

Jimmy Stewart was a GREAT actor. He did so many films in his lifetime and was just like his characters 💕 he was a piolet in WW2. You should look up his movies and watch a few more.

As we stare headlong into the approaching holiday season, the 1946 James Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life" is set to make its annual television appearance Saturday on NBC. It was the first movie Stewart made when he returned home after serving as a pilot in World War II, an experience that left him adrift and not without psychological fallout.

I totally agree with you, that it IS realistic to say that one person's life can make a real difference in the world. George is lifted up by his community and Potter doesn't even matter in the end. All of the lives he touched, respected and valued him. I'm lucky (old, LOL) enough to have grown up when this was on public access 24/7. Such memories. Wonderful reaction and insight...no apologies necessary. Welcome to the club! I hope you continue to enjoy this one for many Christmases to come 🙏

I adore It’s A Wonderful Life 🥰 My mom and I catch the Christmas Eve showing of it every year at the Tampa Theater. The line where Harry toasts George and calls him the richest man in town never ceases to make me cry. Watching your reaction to it brought me great joy (and maybe a few happy tears).

Directed by the great Frank Capra. Was dismissed as 'Capra-corn' for its sentimentality. It flopped at the box office. It's popularity stems from it going into public domain. TV stations in the 70s needed more Christmas movies and could show it w/o paying for it. It became a classic.

Man, this film always makes me tear up a little. (Don't tell anyone though 😂)

“To my big brother George, the richest man in town.” Flattens me every time.

I love this movie for two reasons; First, it reminds us that there's a higher power always watching over us & is there when we need them. Secondly, it reminds us of how much of an impact that we have on others whose lives we touch.

You know how long it takes a working man to save for a house? That line really hit me. And Sam wiring the 25K to guarantee George. CLASS. PURE CLASS

This is one of the "love letter" movies to the Greatest Generation. It's also one of the few that isn't directly a war movie. I feel like I've seen this a million times and I generally start crying as Mr. Gower is drunkenly slapping young George on his bad ear. I usually don't stop until about ten or fifteen minutes after the film ends. It's a really good cry ... the best kind of cry. My parents were Greatest Generation, generally not as saintly as George ... more often like the stressed-out, suicidal George. But they did try and they so often sacrificed way too much, with hardly anyone around to take note. You know there are several really great movies for free on YT right now (just trying to save you some rental fees). For instance, Lilies of the Field is available. That would be a cool reaction.

"No man is a falilure who has friends". It's one of the only times a film made me teary eyed

This is why I love this channel man. You genuinely, honestly, truthfully care about people, even if you can't see most of them and that's such a rare quality. When most RU-vidrs say that they appreciate their fans, it feels like an obligation. When you say it, I feel it. You're awesome James, never forget that. What I LOVE LOVE LOVE about this particular film is that the part that's become the most iconic, the 'what if he'd never existed' plot, only lasts like 20 minutes. 20 minutes! Just about every other story that attempts this makes it the main focus, but here we get a slow, calculated downfall, which puts us right alongside with George in both the depression and the absolute triumph. It's aged perfectly and remains very impressive today. By the way, I think Doctor Strange just It's A Wonderful Life-d Spider-Man, not the other way around.

Oh, this one's a feel-good tear-jerker. Do yourself a favor, and watch more Frank Capra films. His films are an utter pleasant treasure.

I was actually going through some stuff last year and was really getting deep deep into a depressive state, but then I watched this film and no joke it lifted me right back up.

There are so many classic scenes in this film. I especially like the scene at Mary's house where they both share the telephone. It's where all his frustration comes out and yet it shows how much he needs her love. She's his life preserver.

This movie is my family's Christmas tradition; we watch it every Christmas Eve and it does not get old, I still feel that I am discovering new meanings in it with each watch. I'm shocked that this is your first time seeing it because it's such a staple and has such a huge impact I feel on cinema in general. There is so much to unpack, for example, the entire commentary on community, big business, and ambition - really speaking to me now as a young adult in a way it never could as a kid.

A film that actually didn't do well at the box office yet it is an absolute classic. I remember seeing this late at night on TV during the summer, long before it became a perennial favorite at Christmas. I was bowled over by it. I think what is often overlooked beyond the story is the phenomenal acting. Jimmy Stuart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore, awesome.

You're exactly right about the way these older films feel. In older films they knew how to tell real stories about real people. That's what makes these films great.

Before director Frank Capra made "It's a Wonderful Life", he directed Jimmy Stewart in 1938's "You Can't Take it with You", an extremely funny play-turned-film that you need to add to your list. "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is another classic Capra/Stewart film, they worked together in these 3 films to huge success. Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter) is acting royalty and Drew Barrymore's Great Uncle. When you said "that guy" referring to Jimmy Stewart, I did a spit-take. Jimmy Stewart is legendary. Jimmy Stewart is everyman. Jimmy Stewart is everything. I think of him as the Tom Hanks of his day.

What I enjoy about your reviews is how, from a filmmaker's perspective, you point out things we may have missed and give us a new view into the movie, sometimes to the point that we can feel like we are seeing it for the first time all over again.

IAWL is glorious. Having said that, if you haven't seen The Shop Around the Corner, you haven't seen the best Jimmy Stewart Christmas movie.

I only watched this last year for the first time - you know, lockdown and stuff. Funny to see I'm not the only one who got through many years of his life without ever seeing this one, given all the hype. Sound of Music was another classic I only watched for the first time during lockdown.

My adult nephew watched this film for the first time two years ago and he absolutely LOVES it. I don't know why he never saw it before but he watches it all the time now. It's his favorite movie.

One of those films that makes you feel full inside every time. I'm sure you've seen some version of A Christmas Carol before, but I watched the 1951 version with Alastair Sim again last week and it really is perfection, highly recommend if you haven't seen it yet.

"this old thing? I only wear they when I don't know what to wear." One of the most baller lines in movie history

This is perhaps my favorite movie, ever. I love the complexity of it, the layers of character. In some ways, it's a sentimental and upbeat message, but it has such depths that it travels through that it's a rough road for a long time and the payoff is amazing. Every tear is earned.

An iconic classic, and my favorite Christmas movie of all time. Despite having watched it every year since I was a kid in the 80’s, I still cry. Every single time. And even all these many decades since it’s release (60 years or more??), it continues to hit new viewers right in the heart. Its power, its message, its truth, its ultimate beauty, is eternal.

Thank you for reviewing this movie. Trivia point: Jimmy Stewart was working through what we'd call PTSD while he filmed this. He was straight out of WW 2. Thus, the emotions.

Thank you, James, for reviewing older/classic films. There is so much we can learn from watching them.

wow I forgot how good some of the lighting was in this movie, that cemetery scene with the angel was almost gothic/noir esque

One of my favorite movies, Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite “old time” actors. The studio got some letters when the film came out saying how ridiculous the pool scene was because a set up like that was impossible but it was real, and one of the few scenes filmed on location. The Beverly Hills High School did actually have a retractable gym floor with a pool under it…pretty high tech for the time

I love that you loved this movie. (Also, until now, it never really hit me just how clearly much "Back to the Future Part 2" drew inspiration from this classic.)

Didn't expect this.Such a amazing film.God I love james Stewart so talented

Dude, your take is always such a treat. When it says "filmmaker reacts", we truly get a filmmaker's take with such astute, valuable insight. You're not just a pedestrian watching a movie. Don't ever change your approach.

The one little detail you missed, was that Gabriel jumped into the water before George could, because he knew how selfless George would be about saving someone else before he’d ever think of killing himself. Even in that state of mind on that bridge. ♥️

Directors of this era had a background in stage productions and brought that into early film. They had so little technology to use that they were forced to do more with less. This gives films like this a feel you don't get in modern day. It doesn't make them better, it just makes them different.

Now you see why this film is considered an all time classic.

This is masterful storytelling, and acted to perfection. Hence, why it’s so easily a classic ♥️

Great reaction to a legendary film. One of my all-time personal favorites. So glad you reacted to this. I was so afraid this film would be lost when the boomers left us but you give me hope that our generation can learn from and love this one for years to come. Good luck to you and much love from Texas.

I'm 60 and didn't watch this movie until about 10 years ago. It is my favorite Christmas movie now. It covers every emotion in the human spectrum.

Excited to be with you experiencing this classic. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, I tear up. Especially this time of year when so much loss and death weighs so heavily on me.

"Every man on that transport died. Harry wasn't there to save them because YOU weren't there to save HARRY!" sends chills up my spine every time. Jimmy Stewart interrupted his movie career to become a bomber pilot in the Second World War. He didn't want to be a publicity point for the services, but instead begged to be transferred to a combat unit. He entered as a private and returned from the war as a full colonel before resuming his film career. He stayed in the reserves, and eventually retired as a brigadier general in the Air Force. And a shout out for your appreciation of Lionel Barrymore as Potter. Barrymore started on stage, moved to films around 1910, and was a giant of the industry.

What a wonderful review. I almost loved it even more than watching the movie without the commentary. I still cried at the end. You gave the kind of reaction, that shows why reaction videos are so popular. Everything wasn't perfect back in the 60s, but older folks like me want the youth to realize that we are losing things that are so precious. Most films back then unashamedly had some reference to God and faith. They weren't agenda-based, it was just normal life. There truly was a sense of community. I remember when my mom told my sister "we're broke" when she was pestering her for ice cream. So my brazen sister asked a neighbor for money, cuz "we're broke". Next thing you know, there were knocks on the door, with neighbors bringing food. One neighbor even brought a sack of old shoes. My mother was grateful, but humiliated. But that's how I remember my youth, people living out the golden rule.

I always love this film. So well scripted and so well acted and with such heart and real emotion in it. As someone who has spent too much of the last five years of his life effectively standing on that bridge and looking down at that rushing river, I appreciate anything that makes me feel good. And this movie does that and always has. I don't even mind that it makes me cry. :-D

I've seen this movie a million times, and I cry every time! I watch reaction videos to watch the story through your eyes and hear your opinion, so say as much or as little as you like. Glad you loved it!

Have watched this movie every Christmas Eve my entire life. A pure classic

Aww what a great reaction! I love watching reactions to this movie, it’s one of my very favorites and I love seeing people wowed by it. I’m also a young(ish) person who is continually amazed at how human and relevant old films tend to be. I grew up with old movies bc of my dad. So many good ones. Would be very excited to see you dive into them more :) Billy Wilder, can’t go wrong

Such a great movie! Seen it a 100's of times.. always has me beaming at the end! Great reaction!

I love watching people experience this for the first time. My local independent theater plays this every winter and it's free with a food bank donation. It always brings out the greatest crowds, but I'll never forget when I was about seven and the film melted at the bank section following the wedding scene. As we waited for about ten minutes for them to repair it, I heard sobbing behind me and turned around to see two teenage girls who were already crying from enjoyment. They were a mess at the end.

This film is so very relatable. The George Bailey character is not unlike those who sacrifice so much. Just to put food in our mouths and cloths on our backs. One note of interest. The scenario of George seeing life had he not been born. Makes me wonder how much this inspired Rod Serling for some of his Twilight Zone episodes. I think what makes this film. Is the idea of redemption. And the lesson of appreciating the people and life around us. And speaking of Christmas and redemption. Leads me to suggest a Reaction. A Christmas Carol-1984(George C Scott). This is the best version in my opinion. Scott brings the character of Scrooge to a next level. Highly recommended. Happy Holidays. 🎄

James Stewart's acting was on another level. Especially for this era. But also Lionel Barrymore was such a fantastic actor. What a beautiful classic this movie is.

So happy to see this film get a first time reaction. Love watching it every christmas and those final scenes never fail, no matter how many times i watch it, to bring me close to tears. And that final line where james stewart looks up at the bell saying "at a boy clarence" just gets me every time.

That was a great line "everything in between is what we call a story". Bravo

What this film does so beautifully is build up the entire film around the last third. Everything is literally just setting up the stakes, George's selflessness, frustration, and compassion for others, and the circumstances for why he feels the way he does. Then it gives us, in my opinion, the greatest happy ending in film history.

This is a lovely film and I'm glad you've had the chance to see it. The story and plot get sampled/referenced in so much media, almost every long-running sitcom has done a take on this story. (my personal favorite is the 2-part Married with Children episode "It's a Bundyful Life")

Sometime watching these classic old movies feels like a breath of fresh air and an escape from movies that for the most part are leave your brain at the door movies, so many great old movies (HARVEY) is a must for James Stewart fans, it is such a charming film, it certainly left a impression on my younger self when first viewed in the 70's

Wonderful reaction to this wonderful film, it’s my #1. You didn’t show it but Jimmy Stewart’s face outside house mother’s house when he hears the train whistle blow crushes me every single time, it’s just the embodiment of deep frustration and crushing disappointment. Truly brilliant. And the scene in the bar when he’s praying for God to show him the way is some of the most beautiful moments caught on film I’ve ever seen. Favorite movie of all time ❤️

Jimmy Stewart was a consumate actor. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Vertigo, Rear Window, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Philadelphia Story, Harvey, Rope, The Shootist... the list of watchable films the man did is so long and so varied as to subject matter. Thrillers, westerns, mysteries, comedies, dramas, he could do it all. You definitely owe yourself more opportunities to watch this great man.

I LOVE this movie. It perfectly captures the feeling of giving up some of the dreams of your past for your present- or the feeling of your life not exactly ending up the way you thought it would as a teen. Your current life is great but it was different from what you thought so you have this bit of resentment. Also, it is just shot beautifully. It was so hard to shoot snow in B&W back then (and still now I guess). The scene where he is freaking out and he's just looking into the camera wide-eyed and the light is only on one side of his face is one of my favorites.

A good script, great acting and cinematography make for a “Classic” film. Having George Bailey see what the world would be like without him showed that we never really know how great the people in our lives are until that moment of ultimate crisis and how deeply we have touched even the lives of those we have barely known and even those we never met through our interactions with others.

I'm a 51 year old male and am not afraid to offer my opinion of this movie. It makes me cry every time. It is a masterpiece and one of my all time favourites. Donna Reed, gorgeous and loveable, as usual. Jimmy Stewart...well, what else is left to say, I just love his acting.

I loved your reaction to this movie! James Stewart (George Bailey) had been an airforce pilot during World War II who flew bombing missions over Germany "It's A Wonderful Life" was Stewart's first movie after the war. He drew on his post traumatic stress to develop the character of George. Frank Capra, the director, was in the army during the war and some of the war footage in this movie had been shot by him. It truly is a WONDERFUL movie!

This plays far too often during Christmas But by God, this was a brilliant film in it's own regard

Jimmy Stewart is one of the greatest actors of his time. This movie bombed and didn't become legendary until the rights expired and it got played on TV every Christmas. Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter) is part of a large family of famous actors. His younger brother, John is Drew Barrymore's grandfather.

Some movies/stories cause a stirring in your soul. This is one of them. I saw it when I was a kid and it imprinted on me. I share it now with my kids. Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite classic actors.

“I really hope that you guys know that you are main character’s” - James vs Cinema. I don’t always, but I always come back to this reaction and it lifts my spirit so thank you, James.

I've got a movie that'll I think you enjoy. Lilies of the Field (1963) starring Sidney Poitier who won a Best Actor Oscar for his performance. It's well made black & white and very uplifting. It's about how a Catholic nun convinces a Baptist man (Poitier) to build them a Catholic church. It's not a religious movie but it's very heartwarming and does have some funny moments because they are both strong willed. I came across it on youtube last week and must have watched it for the 5-8th time since its release.