Your life is important!

Rating: 10/10 (28 July 2018)

**Spoiler Alert** (nothing too specific though)
George Bailey (James Stewart) has become fed up and frustrated with his life in Bedford Falls. George wanted to travel and live a grand life of exploration and education, but his path was reset by the death of his father and the attempted takeover of the family business/town by Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). Due to a series of unfortunate events and setbacks in life, George decides that he would be better off dead and goes to a local bridge to jump in. Before he can jump in, his guardian angel Clarence (Henry Travers) jumps into the water which promptly causes George to forget about his own issues and help rescue Clarence. After the rescue, Clarence and George are in a shack by the bridge getting dry and warmed up when Clarence starts trying to explain to George that he is there to help. George ends up saying that he wishes that he had never been born and Clarence has the idea to make it so. Clarence shows George Bedford Falls as it would be if he had never been born and it allows George to gain some perspective. George soon realizes the impact that he has had on so many lives and requests to go back to his old life. Clarence makes this happen and George goes back to his family with a new perspective and a more positive attitude about his life. The people of Bedford Falls rally around George and donate enough money to help George out of his troubles.
The theme of the film is the importance of God's greatest gift (life). George is thinking of committing suicide and throwing his gift away, but the film shows his journey to understanding the importance of life. I personally enjoy this movie when I am having a down day or going through a rough patch. George Bailey's journey will forever resonate with me on a personal level and make me remember what is truly important in life. I believe that this is a universal film because of that reason. It is a timeless classic and will always be relevant.
Forrest Gump is another film that echoes this theme although it is not the main theme of the film. Multiple characters in Forrest Gump contemplate suicide but decide not to because of the influence of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks). Much like George Bailey, they needed some perspective and to really reflect on their life and its importance.
This film utilizes motif throughout to hit on other important themes such as jealousy and the negative effects that it can have and that perspective can change your entire way of thinking. George is jealous of his brother and friends that have had the opportunity to get away from Bedford Falls and get an education. His life in Bedford Falls is a good one, but his jealousy leads him to question his own life and devalue it in comparison to others. The perspective that he gains from Clarence changing the world to be as if he had never been born is tremendous. It took seeing that for George to realize the impact that he had on other people.
Lighting was also used to enhance the theme throughout the film. During George Bailey's struggles and difficult times, the lighting is often very dark. During his roughest time, it is dark, cold, and windy. It is also snowing and the lighting makes the whole evening/night appear very gloomy and depressing. This helps accentuate the theme and drive home the emotions that George is dealing with in the film.
This is my favorite film of all time and it sends a powerful message with its theme. I always love telling other people about the film and urging them to watch it because I think it is capable of making a positive impact on people. James Stewart did a fantastic job with the part of George Bailey and this film gets watched each year during the holiday season as a reminder to appreciate what we have.