It's a Wonderful Film!

Rating: 8/10 (18 March 2018)

There's a reason this is considered not only one of the best Christmas films of all time, but also one of the best films of all time, period: Its themes, of how each of our lives touches so many others, have resonated with audiences for over 70 years now, and it seems they'll only continue to resonate for generations to come.
Much of the film chronicles the life of George Bailey (fabulously played by Jimmy Stewart) and all the ways he helped people/had a positive impact of their lives from very early on - often without even realizing it:

He saved his younger brother Harry from falling through the ice when they were young boys.
He prevented the drug store owner, Mr. Gower, from accidentally giving another kid poisoned capsules.
He kept the Bailey Building and Loan aloft even after the death of his father.
He married Mary Hatch (Donna Reed) and she didn't become an "old maid" as the film suggests she might have otherwise.

and numerous others. All while staying in the quaint little town of Bedford Falls, without being able to go out exploring as he had wanted to since he was a young boy.
Then, on Christmas Eve, shortly after the end of the Second World War, some money belonging to the Bailey family accidentally ends up in the clutches of the cold banker, Mr. Potter, and George is left at the end of his rope. He nearly drowns himself, but is stopped by Clarance the Angel (in human form), who has been sent to help him. Clarence even shows George just how terrible life in Bedford Falls (or rather Pottersville) would be if he'd never existed. Realizing his would be mistake, George begs to exist again. And he does.
Giddily restored, George runs straight home to Mary and their four children, greeted by all the friends and family he's had over his wonderful life. And Clarence even earns his wings as a result of helping George.
As it takes place around Christmas, it is often considered a "Christmas film", but its themes are again largely year-round and as such the film can still be watched and enjoyed almost any time of year.
A wonderful film, indeed! And a wonderful 8 of 10 stars for this classic!