One of the best WWII movies

Rating: Null/10 (18 April 2000)

The reason "The Best Years of Our Lives" is so great is because unlike so many World War II films, it doesn't show what happens before or during the war. It shows the aftermath of the war, which was the most dramatic. For instance, Al Stephenson (Fredric March) doesn't want to return to his position at the bank. He also drinks heavily. And Homer Parrish (Harold Russell) tries to adjust to his life after losing both arms at the elbows. He doesn't want anyone to pity him, and he doesn't trust the love of his before war sweetheart Wilma (Cathy O'Donnell). Fred Derry (Dana Andrews), married a flashy girl (Virginia Mayo) he barely knew while he was in the war. She was just impressed with his uniform, and wants him to wear it even after he's discharged. So Fred turns to the comfort of another girl (Teresa Wright).
This movie tells the story of three men (Homer, Al, and Fred), who meet on a plane going home, and who try to adjust to post-war life. It's sweet and very moving. Although all the actors are brilliant, I think the best are Myrna Loy, who plays Al's wife, Millie, and Oscar winners March and Russell. I think Russell is especially good, because he wasn't a "real" actor. He was a guy who lost his arms in the war, and he literally plays himself in this. If I didn't know that he wasn't an actor beforehand, I wouldn't have been able to tell. He shows the talent of March and Andrews, and of some of the best actors ever in cinema.
"The Best Years of Our Lives" is so unique and wonderful, that everyone really must see it! I give it a 10 out of 10.