God bless both of you sir I know watch this with my wife every Christmas eve after we put the presents out its probably one of my very favorite things about Christmas now
ME TOO I WATCH TOO WITH MY MOM AND AT THE OF THE MOVIE ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE I GET GOOSEBUMPS FROM THE WATCHING THE END OF THE ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE ITS A GOOD CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVERY YEAR AROUND CHRISTMAS TIME AND NOW BEING THAT CHRISTMAS IS OVER WITH, ITS A NEW YEARS WEEKEND OF 2023 AND IM SURE THE CHRISTMAS MOVIE ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE WILL BE BACK AGAIN NEXT YEAR IN 2023
The single line that has never ever failed to make me cry is when the uncle says “they didn’t ask any questions, just heard you were in trouble and they were all in”
@@geeebuttersnap2433 I was going to say the same thing and then I saw your comment. I've drawn people out of my life for many reasons, but mainly by hating myself and thinking unconsciously I don't deserve happiness. I don't think we should think we are a failure though... Because I don't think the main meaning of the movie should be for that quote to be taken literally, but that in the end, all that matters is to keep in mind that we should try and care of others, the same way that many people have tried to take care of us. To look for the George Baileys in our worlds. Things will be good, my friend, and I hope you have such happy holidays :)
The part with the message from Sam always gets to me. $25,000 in 1946 is equivalent to almost $380,000 today. His friend trusts him so much that the second he hears he's in trouble, he is offering him a small fortune. Doesn't know what is going on, doesn't need to know, just wants to make sure George is okay. Love that moment.
@@jayteegamble naw IMO Sam is suppose to show that having lots of money doesn't make you a bad person like Mr. Potter and how you can use that wealth to help people
A movie line for all time, "Remember George no man is a failure that has friends." All the money and fame in this world are as fleeting and fragile as dust in the wind. Friendship and the support of others can steer any ship through the deepest waters. It's a wonderful life, it's a wonderful film. Like the great classic, A Christmas Carol our hero is brought from the very depths of despair to the deepest joy imaginable. Nothing is more uplifting than that. A true classic.
Same my dad showed this to me as a kid and being dumb I couldn't get into it but now that I'm older it's a film that makes me tear up every time I watch it
TheAwesomeDarkNinja I know exactly what you mean. I really didn’t care about this movie when I was a kid but when I got older I began to fall in love with it. Now it’s one of my holiday favorites.
@Sammy R. Because it ends beautifully with a man giving his life and avenging his family and while the AMAZING music plays he passes to go and see them again. It makes me cry everytime due to its execution.
The fact that despite all the horrible things he said when he came home the first time, she knew that wasn't him, didn't take it personally, and then turned around and sought immediate help is quite amazing. That's the kind of spouse you want.
In Scripture we are cautioned to deal with one another according to knowledge. Knowledge. Today, people have a disagreement or a bad day, "It must not be working out for us! I don't need this!" They leave. Mary Bailey knew what kind of man her husband was at heart. That he was speaking and acting from stress and fear and frustration. She never doubted him. This is how we al b should treat those we love. He was a good man.
Written by Alan Berens - I realized something while watching "It's a Wonderful Life" recently. It was something I missed the first 326 times I watched it. That is, I think the hero of the story isn't George, it's Mary. The movie starts off with Mary praying for God to be with George. Her prayer (and others) is the catalyst for the angel, Clarence, being sent to George. Mary is the one who sees the beauty of the old broken down house. "It's full of romance, that old place." George sees empty space; Mary sees a space that can be filled with a family's love. That's why George kisses the broken banister knob in the end; he finally sees what Mary always saw in that house. Mary saw it on the day of their wedding. She was the one who transformed the house into "honeymoon suite." Of course, that happened after she had the idea to offer her $2000 honeymoon money to the people of the town during the bank run. When George is depressed by his friends moving onward and upward in the world and think he's a disappointment to his wife because of it, Mary makes it clear that she "didn't want to marry anybody else in town." Never complaining, she worked "day after day remaking the old Granville house into a home." This while having 4 children and running the USO. Finally, Mary is the one who goes all over town to ask for help for her husband. Uncle Billy remarks, "Mary did it, George! Mary did it!" I had never noticed her expression before when Uncle Billy says this. She's in the background as he says it, and she mouths "No..." while she shakes her head and moves further into the background. It's an incredibly subtle but important feature of her character: do good for others, but let others receive the credit. She moves fully into the background so that everyone giving money to George can come front and center. This was all orchestrated by Mary but she fades into the background. Now look at the picture below where Mary is again in the background. Note where she's positioned: over George's shoulder. The one watching over George all these years was Mary. She was as much a guardian angel to George as Clarence was. In the end, George was a good man; even a great one. He was after all, "The richest man in town." But would he have accomplished all he did, and been the man he was without Mary? I think the answer is definitely not. And there are many such Marys in this world who quietly go about, offering their prayers, works, and sufferings; raising their children; praying for their husbands and making them 10x the men they would have been without them. I know. I'm married to one. Most of their deeds won't be known this side of heaven. Until they're known, we, the Georges of this world, offer to you Marys our profound thank you. And we promise to keep trying to lasso the moon for you. You deserve nothing less.
George's face right after his brother toasts him and the entire room starts singing is one of the most priceless and heartwarming expressions I've ever seen in my life.
This is the beauty of James Stewart acting, such an amazing actor that you can not take your eyes off of him when he is on screen because if you do for a seconed you will miss an expression thats how great he was, a beautiful, amazing, and extra talented artist with extraordinary emotion and feelings.
This movie saved me. I was very suicidal two years ago, and watching this made me realize that everyone in your life you have touched some how. And that’s what kept me going. Merry Christmas to all.
This movie has such a brilliant payoff. The whole thing builds for about 3/4 of its runtime, simply showing the life of this man and the sacrifices he's made for the benefit of others. Only after all this is Clarence introduced and George's wish of never been born realised. And then the final 10 minutes of uplift that bring it all together. I can't really think of another script like it. It's hard not to feel this wave of emotion.
You summed it up perfectly. I watched the film for the first time Christmas morning and I won't lie; the first 3/4 of the movie drags at points and I was thinking "when is the angel going to show up?" By the time George is about to commit suicide and Clarence shows up my interest increased dramatically. By the time he's running around town yelling "Merry Christmas" I was ready to jump and cheer too. The ending is also phenomenal. The buildup may be slow but it's so worth it if you stick with the film to the final act. And I understand that we as an audience have to get to know George and his family otherwise his attempted suicide wouldn't be as impactful.
My old English teacher from high school told our class she didn’t want to show this movie to us because she didn’t want to make all the boys cry, as a 16 year old boy I thought that was ridiculous because I had never cried at a movie but I was home on Friday night that week and watched it with my mom and I’ve never cried from happiness so hard. This will forever go down as one of my top 5 all time movies. No man is a failure if he has friends.😢
I’m an addict in recovery. Since I was a little boy, I’ve watched this movie every Christmas Eve with my family. From 2018-2021, I’d be drunk or high on Christmas, or coming down. I’d watch this movie with no love or feeling in my heart. My family knew it. They were hurt and confused by me and still desperate to help me. I hit a low point in 2021. I watched this movie with my then-girlfriend. I was high and felt nothing, not a thing. This year was a turning point. I got clean and I will stay clean, I don’t have a doubt. I bought presents for my family. I participate in their lives. I feel love and give as well as receive. I watched this movie on Christmas Eve as usual this year, and I felt so much emotion at the end. It’s amazing to feel human again. Grateful to be alive and to feel love in my life, and to be able to share it with others.
This ending gets me every time. I remember when I was a kid, my father lost his business he worked so hard for. He was devastated. Our church went all out to help us. Soon people were dropping off food, money, stuff for the kids. Just the power of a local community pulling together. I think of that every time I see this ending.
I remember when I was 5 year's old . My Dad lost his job . About 2 weeks before Christmas . We went to my grandpa's for Christmas week ... I did not know anything was wrong at all , to young . Well when we got home . The house was full of gifts a Christmas tree . All that I knew at the time . Was that Santa had come while we were gone . It was the best Christmas that we ever had . All the people that my Dad worked with and many of my Mom's friend's made that Christmas for us . That was 1955 .
It's main moral is that God puts everyone on earth for a reason, be it a small one that only helps a few people or a major one that saves hundreds of lives. Nevertheless, we all have a purpose, and George's was to save Bedford Falls from falling under the control of Potter.
tripp cory or that you don't know how much impact you've had on the people around you, and that you don't know how far small and random acts of kindness can go
I remember that feeling. I still think of hurting myself or others. They are just random thoughts. But I always think, any day can be like Xmas as long as there’s nothing to celebrate with others
I've watched it today and consider, by far, the best movie made in all times. Timeless message: faith, family, friendship, real happiness. Not surprisingly that is considered the golden era of American cinema.
When Harry says:"To my big brother George, the richest man in town." The following expression on Jimmy Stewarts face to one of my favourite lines in this film is one of the most honest, pure and amazing acting reactions I have ever seen. I cannot stop watching it over and over again. Thank you Jimmy, you were a wonderful actor.
+Raymond LaPointe I agree. Complete happiness that he knows she knows he knows that she knows she didn't want money or Sam, but wanted true love instead. What a beautiful lady
Been watching it every year for 35 years, and that telegraph part fucks me up every time. I go outta the room so my wife doesn't see me. Straight up kills me every Xmas.
Something to keep in mind, Jimmy Stewart by his own admission was going through some real bad PTSD after coming back from Europe in WWII and flying B-29s for 3 years. The role of George Bailey helped him cope with coming home and the survivors guilt of coming back alive.
haha same. George got a wonderful gift from Clarence called Perspective. Ya going to jail would suck for a time but his family and friends would still be there for him(especially once he got out) even if they didn't chip in at the end to get him out. Still better than being dead/not being born at all.
Just the way he quietly delivers “Please God, let me live again.” Always rips my heart out and I’m drowning in tears. He truly has been given the greatest gift; a chance to see a world that has never been touched by him, to see how many lives he has saved and changed for the best and how when he was on the brink of taking his own life, everyone prayed, wept, searched, and tried to help him in any way they could.
As I laid in the hospital with 4 IV s and oxygen while trying to fight off covid pneumonia and blood clots, I prayed hard, just like George. I felt the love and prayers from so many friends and relatives, just like George. 2021 and this movie has new meaning for me.
I'm 18, on December 30, 2021 I saw this film for the first time in my life. Although I'm emotional, I never really cry about sad film moments, until this one. This was truly the moment I started crying. I must say that this is definitely, the best Christmas movie ever made, so emotional films just are not made nowadays. This really made me think about my life choices, made me appreciate everything I have and made me think that it's really up to myself what I want to do in life. Truly a masterpiece
Yes and made by the great Frank Capra. He often had church bells ringing at the end of his films and documentaries (from the Bible -- 'Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.' On the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia). Check out some of his other films also. Usually quite touching.
This movie is more relevant today than ever. An unsuccessful film in 1946 when it was released, but is now considered to be director Frank Capra's masterpiece.
@Jeff- that’s good advice. However, even Christians can struggle with such thoughts. I’m a Christian and have had problems with suicidal thoughts and when I was a teenager, my mom caught me before I could begin.
It’s a tradition in my family to watch this movie every Christmas Eve. As I’ve gotten older, I understand the meaning even more. This year, the ending brought me to tears
Im 16 years old, living and 2023, obsessed with old fims, and I can truly say that this is the oldest film ive watched that's ever made me cry. A true classic. Beautiful ending.
I'm an English teacher of high school sophomores around your age. I'm showing this film to them next week. I hope it resonates with them and some of them have a similar reaction. I'm heartened that it resonated with you!
I'm 70 years old in 2023 n I love old, black n white films...esp that move me to tears...have you watched a 'A Tale of Two Cities' with Ronald Coleman 1935...? It's worth it as well ☺️
I felt down, depressed, and stressed out from work. Watched this whole movie today and it lifts me right back up again. This film is better than antidepressant drugs. I am a grown man in his 50s and this film is one of a few that brings a tear to my eyes. Thanks for uplifting this
It's great. I think this line helps him understand what his father was telling him years ago. Working at the building and loan does not feel like he's making much of a difference, it's not a glamourous job. But through this monotonous, thorn in his side type of job he is able to help people in such a fundamental way. Great movie. Every moment at the end of this movie ties in so well to the rest of the movie.
I love the look on his face when Claerence tells him that every man on the transport died because his brother wasn't there to save them. He understood how such a seemingly unimportant act can ripple in time.
George started to understand that without him to save Harry's life from drowning in the icy waters, his parents grieved for his death, Bailey's Loaning company went belly up after his father's death, his uncle was put into in insane asylum and his mom turned the former Bailey home into a lodging facility.
If we take one of the C4 Liberty ships used during WW2 for sake of argument, they tended to carry roughly 6,000 troops. So not only did George's indirect action all them years ago save many people around Bedford falls but it also save an additional 6,000 + Christmas's!
Wouldn't have given this movie a chance when I was a kid. As a 35 year old, this is the one that hits deep every year and leaves me with watery eyes. Time is a funny thing.
Agreed, watched this for the 1st time today as a 30 year old and it made me feel so much more emotional than I expected. I would have never thought to watch this when I was younger.
December 27th, 2019 I had a dream that a voice was telling me I was soon to die. (I am a recovering alcoholic and was drinking heavily at the time) No emotion was in the words, just “your number is up and if you don’t change your course, you will be dead.” I was then shown what I believe to be a doorway to Death itself. I knew that’s where I was heading and it was unbelievably terrifying. I was shook for a couple of days afterwards but continued my path of self-destruction. A week later I had a blackout and was almost shot dead by the police. They told me it was a miracle that I was still alive. I realized the dream was a warning and I haven’t touched a drop in 20 months. Every time I hear Clarence say “You’ve been given a great gift George.” I think about it. That was my gift. A chance to see death without having to experience it yet.
This is one of my favorite cinema moments of all time Think about it. The whole town came to safety for this man. The man who worked tirelessly through the entirety of his entire life Helping people serving his community. This man is a prime example of what a model citizen should be. The people care about this man so much they would literally This man touched so many lives. saving his brother's life, the pharmacist, the police officer, dozens of his neighbors for Bedford Falls. Giving his children such a great life. Additionally, after seeing the impact he would have if he wasn't there, his absence. Then when Clarence shows him the absence his life would have made. At the bridge, he begs for his old life back, even if it means he goes to jail forever. His gentleness, his kindness, his integrity, his HONOR The ending is one of the most emotional moments. The GLORY this man must feel in this moment absolutely takes my breath away. Seeing his community rally behind them. The community he's served his entire life. It is my wish one day to feel as this man does. To have your life mean something, to know your presence made such an impact on so many dozens of lives. Probably this man's finest hour...
All talk and tears ... yet not one of you thanks God, who happens to be at the centre of the story, and who saved George miraculously after he prayed (and others prayed).
Just finished watching here in Canada. Gets me every time . I heard a quote, a guy , a tough man , saying recently to the effect there are times not to be ashamed of man tears .. watching this movie, the ending, this is one of those times ..
The little moment at 6:08 where Mary has a subtle look like, "You know I did this for you, right?" And George looks at her like, "Yes, you're amazing. This is amazing." No words exchanged, just a subtle glance and smile between both of them. Movies just don't carry this kind of weight anymore. What an amazing film.
+ElTuco84 I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something, and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
Literally the greatest happy ending in film history. Every time I watch it I just lose it at so many moments. This film is the definition of a timeless classic, and Jimmy Stewart's performance as George is the greatest lead acting performance in film history in my opinion.
My favorite part is when the bank examiner rips up the warrant with a smile and joins in on the singing. You can tell just how far George’s kindness reached that everyone (except potter) was ecstatic to see him get better
I'm only 17 watching a movie that is almost 80 years old. This is the best movie ending in cinematic history. You know the end is powerful when it makes YOUR DAD CRY!
Frank Capra drew some criticism even in his day for his overt sentimentality and what some people call naïveté, but I contend that’s a misunderstanding of his material. His films don’t deny that the world is a horrible, dark place. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and this film both make that abundantly clear. Note that the banker who stole his money never gets his comeuppance! But even among that fog of cynicism, what makes his body of work endure is that glimmer of hope and faith in good old common decency, which is so perfectly embodied in Jimmy Stewart, who is the poster child for the American set of ideals if there ever was one. It’s not naïveté, it’s just a belief that these ideals actually mean something even when some people act like they don’t.
Where to start with this? Surely in my top 5 movies of all time, Christmas or no. An EPIC story of an America sadly gone. Younger folks, minorities viewing it today might disagree with its backdrop, and with some reason I suppose. But still...a classic of the ages. America in an era that beat a Depression, won a true war of good vs evil, and a celebration of who we were across the globe. I imagine the Lord our God loved this film, possibly the pinnacle of a great American story.
This is one of the best movies ever made in cinema history.. That goes for Christmas movies and movies in general. I am genuinely touched every time I watch it and I never fail to cry. I'm glad I knew you, George Bailey.
I used to think this movie was boring when I was a little girl, now I watch it every Christmas season with my mom For me the part that kills me is when he sees Harry because he just saw his brother's grave and then he was there in front of him alive And then of course Clarence getting his wings 🥰
I was in a much worse way than george a few years back. With out getting to into it, Im a wounded veteran of the Marine Corps and i suffer with survivors remorse. i also am deep in debt and had loost my job. I had gotten to the point where I was planing on telling everyone that i got a job in another state and going deep in the woods to swallow a bullet. but my best friend called me before i could go through with my plan and asked me to go out with him and his wife and a few of my good friends. while at dinner he mentioned that if it wasnt for me he would have never met jessica and never had his kids, a few of my other friends chimed in and menchioned the ways in wich we all had tuched eachothers lifes for the better. than my best friend said you see george "my name isn't george" NO man is a failer who has friends. now you have no reason to believe me but every thing Ive told you is true. however its not the point. every one of us is a george baley in some small way, all we need is for our own personal clarance to remind us of it frome time to time
JackReace360 all i have to say is that your story touched me... and i also want to say is thank you for your service... and lastly i hope you have a happy merry Christmas
Semper Fi brother, not that I am going through what you went through but I went through some issues after Afghanistan. What helped me was talking to people and being honest with my challenges, but what helped me even beyond that was getting a dog, a Golden Retriever you have no idea how much they can bring you back and help you find balance. Good luck.
Surprised no one's quoted the best line in the whole movie.. "I wanna live again.." "I wanna live again..." "I wanna live again... please God, let me live again". 😩🙏 Chokes me up every time... I've never heard more emotion given in a movie like Jimmy Stewart saying that line..
That’s my favorite line too! He was so honest with emotion and his eagerness to live you couldn’t help but really feel that moment. Wow. That holds on to you.
I used to see promos about this movie on NBC in the 90s and rolled my eyes when one of NBC's stars said, "If you don't cry in the end, you didn't watch the whole movie". Saw it back then but didn't cry. Then got older, found this clip on this site and when his brother says the "richest man in town" line, I lose it. That NBC star was Robert Stack and he was right.
As a kid I loved watching this movie with my parents and brother. It was tradition and I enjoyed it. As an adult, with a wife and two little girls, who took over the family business this movie hits really close to home. I struggle to keep from crying just watching it. I only hope I’ve helped and affected people as much as George Bailey does in the movie. It’s been an encouragement and a challenge to me over the years each time I watch this movie.
What makes this movie work so beautifully is because the character of George Bailey is imperfect. He is a flawed human being just like anyone of us. To me, that is the reason why the ending is magical. We can relate to him on so many levels.
I’m pretty sure the ending gets everyone... old or young, rich or poor, religious or not! It just makes people realize they’re not as insignificant as they believe many times and even the smallest of actions (good or bad) can have a HUGE rippling affect on tons of people and change their lives.
Wonder what the world would be like if we all had hearts as big as Bedford Falls. The ending of this movie literally manifests everything humanity needs right now.
If you’re ever feeling lost in life, feeling like you have no purpose, this film is a good reminder of how we all have touched someone’s life in some way sometime.
I’m so glad my Grandmother watched this with me growing up. The true spirit of Christmas No matter how many times I watch it I cry. I miss her more then words can describe.
It was My grandmothers favorite movie and I am glad I got to watch this with her before she passed. This movie will always bring back that memory for me.
@Nolan it's Ironic because this people bailed a business who helped them. Decades later the government would bail banks who didn't do anything for the people.
@@robertpolanco1973 Believe it or not, Robert, when this movie was released in 1946, there were some of the wealthier interests in this country who asked the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate this movie as "communist propaganda" - because the villain of this piece is a banker. Sad, but true.
@@MegaJustGeorge - Well, no wonder that this country is under the psychological grip of the right-wing establishment for decades! And that is even sadder!
This warms my heart and brings me to tears to see Roger appreciating the same art I do. Me too my friend, this scene never fails to bring me to tears. It's so emotionally uplifting, I'm always more affected by it the more I age. Thank you my friend, thank you so very much. God bless you and all that you are.
I'm 63 years old , I didn't understant this when I was young but I do now. Live your life as if it was your last day, love your friends and family, don't take anything for granted.
23 years ago today, we said goodbye to Jimmy Stewart, who died at his home in L.A. at age 89. Without a doubt, this was one of his best movies of all time and one of, if not, THE best holiday movie of all time. This ending gives me chills. Thank you, James, for a truly remarkable career of entertaining not only audiences, but also our nation. You are missed. R.I.P.
Jimmy Stewart was in some powerful movies. "It's A Wonderful Life" was his most powerful movie, but... He was also in Harvey, Mr Deeds Goes To Washington, The Flight of The Phoenix. Each of these movies teaches the viewer about the human spirit in some way.
This is not a movie about Christmas, it is a movie to become aware that we matter, that our life is worth even when we doubt it and this movie has stood time because that message is meaningful and powerful. Ps. This movie has also of the most romantic kisses (phone scene) ever..
It is about Christmas! It is about the love and hope and joy that the birth of the Christ Child brings to the whole world. How His tiny Heart spreads love everywhere. How it brings out the best in the worst of us and teaches us what truly matters in this life.
What a lot of people don't know is that Jimmy was suffering from severe PTSD from his time in the military as a pilot flying bombing missions over Europe in WW2. His pain, the horror on his face, his desperation, it was all real.
It's been a tradition with me and my mom every Christmas to watch this, and I love this movie, and I love my mom, and I thank her for showing me this movie.
Everyone should watch this film, you learn such a valid lesson about how precious life really is and how important each and everyone of us is to each other...sometimes some of us go through life without realizing what an impact we could have or have to so many others, we under value ourselves which can make us end our lives tragically or do sinful things because we lose our identity and lose the sense of what is right or wrong. Thank God this film was made, this is one of my favorite movies of all time and i have a feeling that for the rest of my life this will remain one of my favorite movies.
i dont know anyone who has watched this same film and said otherwise... i think they sort of did a remake with Nicholas Cage under another name? but it was never the same although i have to say Nicholas Cage in some ways reminds me a bit of Jimmy Stewart especially in the way he talks....
+ruth peres The movie you are thinking of that starred Nicholas Cage was called The Family Man. It was loosely adapted from It's a Wonderful Life, but it had some major differences in the plot. In the The Family Man a single, wealthy business man is given the chance to see what his life would have been like if he had stayed and built a life with his ex-girlfriend rather then going to London to study investment banking. It was similar in that a man is shown a different life by a spiritual being and the people of the mans former life don't know him. The difference is that while George realizes he was important to others lives and comes to value his life, the character Jack Campbell in The Family Man comes to value and want the life he could have had.
