It's A Wonderful Life is still considered to be a timeless movie classic, and for many people it is a lifelong favourite. It features comedy, drama, love, morality and purpose; a truly amazing film that still stands up today.
(Trailer from the excellent 2012 digitally re-mastered re-release.)
Following years of disillusionment and unfulfilled ambition, George Bailey is driven to the most extreme circumstances to try to escape the life he no longer wants. Leading to a journey of self-discovery where he learns the true nature of who he is, the purpose of life, and what has the most meaning.
Throughout his life George Bailey develops the belief that he has achieved nothing worthwhile. Having high ambitions from an early age to travel and to construct grand buildings.
Due to his selfless nature he is consistently pulled back to his home town of Bedford Falls and fails to achieve his plan. Over time George becomes increasingly bitter and angry that he has not achieved his aims. A set of unfortunate circumstances result in him being falsely accused of fraud. On the brink of suicide, he meets with his guardian angel and is given the chance to see what it would be like if he had never been born.
He realises life has true value and that just by being himself, someone who helps others, he has achieved something more valuable than his greatest ambition.
Definitely one of the greatest Christmas films! A very close second to Elf :D
Elf is good but not as good :-p For one thing, it has Wonderful in the title, that proves it! :-D