It's a Wonderful Life

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings!” I’d heard that phrase so many times before but never knew where it came from. And now, voila! There it’s said in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, a 1946 Frank Capra film, by none other but, Clarence the guardian angel. I was lucky enough to receive this lovely film as a Christmas gift from one of the most gentle and kind people I’ve been so lucky to meet here in a land so far from home; a gift that couldn’t be sweeter with its extraordinary message.

That message being that:

“Each man’s life touches another man’s life…” and “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends…”

This black and white film was divine in every way, and I’m proud to say that it most certainly has made it onto the list of ‘Jair’s Favourite Films’. Being alone for Christmas yet another year, sacrificing for something I believe in, this film couldn’t come at more a significant time. It was heart-warming to say the least and expertly orchestrated from beginning to end with scores of encouraging lessons.

It is films like these that relinquish any thoughts of giving up on one’s dreams and steer one back on the path he/she needs to be. I noticed the small but brilliant quote hung in George Bailey played by James Stewart’s office which read:

“All you can take with you, is that which you’ve given away.”

And how very true it is! It is only what we share of ourselves and give to one another that is the most meaningful in life. Everything else is secondary. Your presence will always be more splendid than any present and this is what so many of us forget time and time again. It reminded me a bit of ‘The Alchemist’ in that sometimes what you’re searching for, is right in front of you, you have nowhere to go but just be.

Keep the tissues nearby as it is sure to bring on the water-works; the audience quickly falls in love with its main character George Bailey and throughout the film we are captivated with his sincere relationship with his nature and all those who grow to meet him. It is a marvelous story of what faith is and what it can do if you believe and never give up. Keep doing good things and good things will follow you. ‘Good things come to those who wait’ and ‘Dreams really do come true’. You’re never forgotten in life, therefore we only need to keep striving and pushing forward knowing that we all have our days in the sun.

My favourite line in the film was: “What’d’ya want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it!” For many men promise girls the moon and stars, but what if you were in love with the moon itself…what if a girl could really have that moon…How happy it’d make her as it did Mary Hatch played by Donna Reed, whose only wish was to be with the one she loved. J

A film I’d recommend for anyone who feels they’re a failure, anyone who runs away from the truth, anyone who is ready to truly live their life with meaning and light. It was drama, fantasy and inspirational and a film for the whole family.

Here’s to a Happy Christmas, to the true meaning of friends and family and most of all LOVE! J