Posted on 12/21/2014 7:36:31 AM PST by SeekAndFind
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP) -- What's the best movie ever made? A subjective question, if ever there was one. That's the magic of movies: some folks will enjoy a film that may seem an endurance test for others.
While "Casablanca," "Citizen Kane" or "Lawrence of Arabia" may be prime examples of technical and artistic innovators, I challenge you to suggest a more important message than that found in "It's A Wonderful Life."
In this film about an angel sent to Earth to rescue a man on the brink of suicide, James Stewart's George Bailey is given the opportunity to see what his community would have been like had he never been born. Director Frank Capra reminds us that our compassion and responsibility make a difference in the lives of those with whom we come in contact.
The things we say and do affect the lives of others. Hard to top that concept. Well, what about the movies that tell of Jesus, you ask? Good question. You are astute.
I can recall countless moments in "Jesus movies" that have touched, taught and inspired me. "The Passion of The Christ," for example, dynamically reenacts the physical horrors Christ endured. The movie is not really about what mankind did to Him, but about what He did for us.
But I would submit that It's A Wonderful Life shows Christ's teachings being put into action by a Believer.
I concede that there is no scene showing George hearing the Gospel and responding to it, so I'm making an assumption. That's another magic of the medium: the best movies let us project our sensibilities onto a film's theme. But when you analyze the consistency of George's caring nature that puts others first, is it really difficult to see him as a man of faith?
Some may not consider my film choice worthy of the title "Best Film" due to my least favorite element in the story -- the goofy angel. Clarence is good for a couple of laughs, but what impresses me with each viewing is the nature of the protagonist.
George is a real person, one with faults and foibles as well as nobility. We're allowed to see him struggle with frustration ("Why do we have to have all these kids!"). He's not a saint, but neither is he the average guy.
George is a complex fellow. While he dreams of adventures, again and again, he sets aside what he wants in order to serve other people. Something has impacted him throughout his life, some element that causes him to continually see the value in others. What makes a man do that even during the depth of self-despair?
Even during a clouded moment when he considers the proposition that he's worth more dead than alive, he abandons his suicidal choice to rescue a drowning stranger. Suddenly, his convictions remind him of life's sanctity.
I like to think of this as an example of how Christ has affected George. Yeah, I'm projecting, but it does add up. Something very spiritual is going on in this guy.
These are other prime contenders for the best film of all time.
The Oscar winning "All About Eve" has sophisticated dialogue unlike any other. "The Tree of Life" is a visual and viscerally emotional feast, with its exquisite imagery used to make profound statements. "Dr. Strangelove" is perhaps the best example of comic point-making satire. And each new "Star Wars" entry wows with special effects.
But the greatest aspect of any film is that which explores the soul of man. Without any sermons or altar calls, It's a Wonderful Life reveals how God's love transforms and sustains. For me, that makes it the best film of all time.
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In addition to writing for Baptist Press, Phil Boatwright reviews films for www.previewonline.org and is a regular contributor to "The World and Everything In It," a weekly radio program from WORLD News Group.
What? No love for Swayze?
Band of Brothers by light years
Haven't seen that in decades. First year in college I used to see an identical white Hemi Challenger at a gas station near campus occasionally. If it's still around it's worth a fortune.
I do like It’s a Wonderful Life, because it reminds me of my late father, a WWII combat veteran and a gentle man who always considered others before himself, the ultimate master of delayed gratification.
That said, must agree with you: 1946’s The Best Years of Our Lives is the finest movie ever made. Winner of seven Oscars, including best picture, director, actor, supporting actor, screenplay, film editing, and music score. Harold Russell also won a special Oscar for his promotion of disabled veterans issues, the only time an individual has received two Oscars for the same role.
Best Years rings true for me because multiple generations of my family have come home from lengthy overseas deployments in time of war to face the sometimes difficult adjustments that must be made. The film captures the situation perfectly, and it is applicable even today.
I would love just to drive a 440 challenger flat out or as close as possible once in my life. If the modern challenger want o-motors, I would have one. A guy I work with has one and loves it.
Years ago I found the original soundtrack on a use net group. It’s in the mountain of burned discs I am paring down some.
Do you know that if you say “Love Actually” 3 times in front of a mirror, Satan will appear?
++++
Hmmmm. No I didn’t.
Have you tried it? Does Michelle show up as well?
Godfather
Pulp Fiction
Apocalypse Now
I watch it at least once a year and it never fails to move me.
Been so long I can’t remember any of the music. I’ll have to look that up.
If you haven’t seen “Taking Chance” starring Kevin Bacon you should. It is a wonderful film.
Hear, hear. Makes me misty just thinking about it - speaks so personally to me.
. . .as you wish. . . (grin)
Of course, some might say that conclusion was. . .inconceivable !!
Greatest war movie so far.
I hate to be contrary, but I have never liked “Casablanca,” “Citizen Kane” or “Lawrence of Arabia”.
It’s A Wonderful Life - The Lost Ending
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7sqx2_its-a-wonderful-life-lost-end_shortfilms
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
I agree with “Casablanca”, thought it was really mediocre.
“Citizen Kane” was pretty good as was “Lawrence of Arabia”.
Don’t forget Ben Hur. And if you don’t remember it as Christmas movie, you need to see it again!
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