Simple, Powerful, and Unforgettable--Perhaps Hollywoods' Finest Effort

Rating: 10/10 (7 March 2009)

I say, "perhaps," only to prevent myself from appearing to have lost all sense of propriety, balance, and objectivity. With this film, it's easy to lose those things, it is such a well-crafted work.
But it is not only the craft that emerges, nor is it the pinpoint perfect performances, nor is it the touching and poignant score--no none of these dominates ones viewing experience. What does is America itself--America in it's purest form, simple, powerful, at times, cruel and indifferent, but always....us. It is the mirror of our own lives, beliefs, and dreams we once held, perhaps still do, that is held up to us, and we are allowed to see ourselves, not as we are, but as we wished to be. America of hope, families, church, and tradition, where all peoples are held as brothers without the burden of a forced and artificial "ethic of multiculturalism"; America of "give the underdog a break," (while not being accused of being a socialist); America of good men wet with the sweat of good work, enjoying the freedom given by so many who paid so unflinchingly the ultimate price; indeed, this film presents us with an America that is the very incarnation and essence of the meaning of "hope," the greatest promise of our forefathers, to which they pledged their lives and sacred honor. And each character is faced with the acceptance of that hope. And it is beautiful.
If there is ever an award or citation of the "Most American Film" it must be this masterpiece. See it as an unabashed American, and hope that America may come back to us in this form.
PS - Feb. 17, 2011 - Just found out that this film did NOT make TIME MAGAZINE'S Top 100 Films list. Do we need any more evidence of the stupidity of the mainstream media? Good Lord. But "Charade," did make it. Please.