The Best Years of Our Lives

And this week's Friday night movie has been... The Best Years Of Our Lives!

Original image located here. Accessed 1st March 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 19 (1946)

Last month I watched Mrs Miniver so it's fitting I should watch this. That's because both films share the same director, William Wyler, and both have the same DNA. Whereas Mrs Miniver was a film made during World War II and focuses on the civilian life during the war, The Best Years of Our Lives was made after the war and focuses on the lives of three servicemen as they adjust to the aftermath. 
Well, you can't accuse the Academy for not lauding films that tackle topical narratives.

I assume it would be safe to say that this movie perfectly described the feelings and mood of people in the aftermath of World War II. And if this movie exists to function as a document of that time period then it is well and truly successful. It is, if anything, honest and challenging - pretty much all that a great movie needs to do. 

It's a Wonderful Life

And this week's Friday night movie has been... It's a Wonderful Life!

Original image located here. Accessed 24th December 2021

Okay so I'm cheating as I have already seen this movie.
And it may be easy to bag this movie as being flogged to death at Christmas time, being replicated many times since (what if...?) and being required viewing for people struggling with self-worth.

But you know what? Both such observations and the passage of time has done little to diminish the power of this movie. Indeed, if this film has been revisited many times over the years, over many a Christmas, it is for a very good reason.
And yes, i will admit it did indeed leave a personal resonance
I mean how can you not with that final scene?!