The perfect Christmas film that transcends being just a Christmas film

Rating: 10/10 (1 November 2005)

It's a Wonderful Life has earned its place in film history. A beautifully shot film with grand performances and a script that has its heart and mind in the right place, this film certainly is the best Christmas film. It also ranks as one of the must-sees when studying the classics of film.
James Stewart is at the top of his game as George Bailey, the man who sacrificed his dreams because he was truly a good man and nearly gave up because he couldn't see it. With steady handed direction from Frank Capra and a host of truly fantastic performances by Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell and Henry Travers, this film never weakens from start to finish.
It's a Wonderful Life offers a truly important message for all people to take to heart. It is hard to imagine that a film that centers around someone contemplating suicide could be such a perfect Christmas story, but when one takes into account how much George Bailey gives in his life, it makes sense to center it around Christmas. The film itself is a gift to any fan of good cinema.