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 watch it at least once a year and it never fails to move me.
If you haven’t seen “Taking Chance” starring Kevin Bacon you should. It is a wonderful film.
Well put.