How One Classic Movie Became an Antidote to Modern Cynicism
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- čas přidán 20. 12. 2017
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A video essay looking at It’s a Wonderful Life and its discussion on individualism that is arguably more relevant than ever.
Featured films;
It’s a Wonderful Life
Star Wars: A New Hope
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Music;
United States Marine Band - Auld Lang Syne
Danzi: Wind Quintet Op 67 No 3 In E-Flat Major, 1 Larghetto - Allegro Moderato (played by Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet)
Kevin Macleod - Angels We Have Heard
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-license (creativecommons.org/licenses/.... Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-... Artist: incompetech.com/
Elgar - Ave Verum Corpus, Op. 2
Dexter Britain - Auld Lang Syne - Licensed at; www.musicbed.com/artists/dext...
You make a great point about _It's a Wonderful Life_ subverting the hero's journey. Characters like Luke Skywalker or Harry Potter seem ordinary but are destined to be extraordinary and go forth into the larger world. By contrast, George Bailey seems extraordinary but is destined to be "ordinary" and stays in one place the whole time. What he accomplishes at home has incredible value of course, but I never realized how unusual of a hero he is.
He was definitely a hero when he saved his brother Harry when they were kids. Because later in the movie Harry was there to save every man on the transport while fighting in World War 2. So in a way George Bailey was an extraordinary hero because he saved a future war hero!
The thing is... what he accomplishes IS extraordinary. How many people can you imagine making those sacrifices? Of voluntarily subjecting himself to what he sees as... failure. It's not death or maiming, but in some ways worse. Because it is still there, still taunting you with the temptation. What you might do.
George COULD just leave. Could always steal from the business and just... leave. But he didn't. Again. And again. It's... humbling. Particularly because I'm sure we can all think of one or two real people who did something like that in our lives.
Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu -- aka: Blessed Teresa of Calcutta - aka: Mother Teresa
'Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.'
'I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things.'
And, from another source, older but no less poignant:
John 15:13
'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
'
And George did not just lay down his life. He did so again and again. Even his suicide, averted as it was, was for the life insurance that would stave off Potter...
I don't think it is the case - George is still a looser by every possible measure. The movie communicates other message: that it is possible to loose and remain human. That it is possible to loose. And yeah - "change attitude, not realty" - common, very destructive trope of psychotherapy and coaching. Accept inevitable, stop struggling....
It's colkata you just called her a black dog that said don't change it she really was nothing but a lying bitch @@charlesatanasio4363
This video turned me from believing myself to be a failure who should die, to a person who can make a difference. Thanks.
Too bad it did not teach you to turn to God instead, who is at the centre of the film, and who did miraculously save George after he prayed and others prayed!
@@fredblahblah.6352 oh brother
I watch this every Christmas and tear up at the end when Harry raises a glass to his brother, “a toast to my big brother George: The richest man in town.” It must be the most earned and satisfying ending of any film I’ve ever seen.
I actually do an exercise called “It’s a Wonderful Life” and you reflect on how you’ve made others’ lives better. It helped me realize how many people see me differently than how I see myself.
I once had a girlfriend who, knowing the movie only by reputation, derided "It's A Wonderful Life" as happy-clappy drivel. After watching the film with me, she turned and said, "That was dark." And indeed it is. It is also warm, and funny, and clever, and one of the very greatest performances by an actor (Jimmy Stewart) in film. If you've never seen it, well, go and see it.
Back when optimism, camraderie, friendship and family actually meant something
Nowadays this would get accused of being all "sunshine and rainbows"
I watch this every year. I always cry when George runs down the street yelling, "Merry Christmas!" and when they sing Auld Lang Syne at the end. In fact, I can barely hear Auld Lang Syne anywhere without getting teary.
You see, at the very end of Downton Abbey, the people downstairs sing Auld Lang Syne, and I cry like crazy! Just like when George Bailey cries "I want to live again!", I cry like crazy! (From Brasil, dec/2020)
@@mariaeddycesario9939 Did you notice that when George said,"God, I want to live again!"The snow started falling and things go back to normal? Was Capra showing that calling on God gets quick results,as opposed to calling on your Guardian Angel? Think about it.
@@richardranke3158 Not so. In another scene the exact opposite happens.
God answers sometimes in unexpected ways, sometimes as wished for, but always in His own good time.
Yes 🙌 so beautiful ♥️🙌
This movie is pretty much the definition of timeless for me. I’m general relatively cynical but the friends I have are the most important in my life right now and they often keep me from giving up entirely. I love the way that It’s a Wonderful Life is hopeful and explores the strengths of the connections we make with other people while not shying away from the darker and more depressing elements of George’s situation.
Same for me. I agree!
and don't forget God!
@@niconava870 They don't care. Too much indoctrination. They see God is at the centre of this film, God miraculously saves George after he prays and others pray ... yet they are utterly blind to the fact ... all they can do is cry and chatter about their emotions and their Christmas traditions.
In the West we are certainly obsessed with individualism. I have fallen into the trap myself. Self-help, philosophy etc. Lovely video, thank you.
This was just fantastic. I spent a long time beating myself up over being unable to fulfil all my goals but I've finally come to realise that there is much more to life than constant striving after the unobtainable and sometimes it's just as beautiful to find contentment. That's not to say it isn't a good thing to have aims but rather, it is better if aims or goals are tempered with acceptance that they might not work out.
beautifully said!!
But how?
What if I DON'T want to be content with what I have now? What if I don't want to be the house helper, the man who gave up his dreams to fulfill my dad's stupid dream of watching U2, the man who washes dishes? The man who will do all of this repeatedly till his own parents die and him alone while everyone else close to him continues with their own lives, with their own problems? Far as I can tell I'm expendable
How will I ever be content with that
Don’t give up, just surround yourself with people that have what you want
@@spongeyspikes09 Instead of seeing how you are used by others, see how you add special joy. Don't simply take orders, but be creative so that you are giving what you are good at. Maybe you can't give money or time, but you can make people laugh or distract them or make something crafty or simply listen. When you give generously, you'll find it's also easier to ask that your own needs be met. Also, take time to receive warmly what others enjoy giving -- because people love being appreciated for their own voluntary and special contributions.
@@AlexPerazaTV You don't "just" become friends with someone who is at the point that you (assuming you were ambitious like the one you responded to) want to be in life. You have to develop a routine and implement good habits, little by little. Eventually, if you're even remotely smart (and slightly social), you'll meet people with those same habits, and (if you're consistently improving yourself and learning) you and usually one or two others from the group will outgrow it and move on. You move up circles this way, you can't "just" decide to sit down with a multi-millionaire to pick his brain. It's almost as if you hate the downtrodden and are just gaslighting the dude
This is the kind of movie you want to show and share with your entire family. Not only because it's absolutely lovely, but because the spirit of this movie must live on in our community and there is no better place for it to do just that but in our own immediate surrounding, among out most loved ones 🥰
Your best video
Thanks Will!
@@LikeStoriesofOld I have now seen two of your videos; this one and the one about Cloud Atlas.
*Both* have been quite moving for me.
You do great work. I subscribed and I look forward to keeping up with your channel.
That video is a masterpiece, saves me so many times!
Yes it is indeed. Whenever I feel down I come back to this video. Truly amazing
Before watching this, I first re-watched It's a Wonderful Life. Both are fantastic and both bring up tears at the end. The only other thing I can say, is that the two down-votes must be Mr. Potter and his henchman because no one else would do so. Happy New Year!
Michael Freed That George had a wonderful life inspite of all the things he went through. He lost his ability to hear in one ear,he didn't get to persue his dreams like he had hoped,but inspite of that he still helped the town every chance he could get. Think of it this way,even though people are not nearly as friendly with one another,back then they were. Also,if this were a movie like most movies are today, George would have lived his dreams. I respect you because you are human and you have the right of freedom of speech. My take on the movie was that the characters in the movie are still relatable. I think everyone,at least once in there lives has wondered if things would have turned out better if they had never been born. Now,in my beliefs we don't have guardian angels,but inspite of that I still love this movie.
The film in no way criticises Capitalism, which is a brilliant system corrupted by vested interests - though because the film has been labelled 'liberal' or 'progressive', it is has been chastised in the past as such. The journey is an internal one, a hero's journey into and past nihilism to find a sense and purpose. Clarence's intervention allows George a perspective that he had lost, and like health, it's not appreciated until it's nearly gone. Ask any suicide's family and friends if they would be willing to healp and how they wished they'd known the pain he/she had been going through.
It’s a Wonderful Life is a story about that fundamental human tendency for all of us to believe we are on our own which is an incredibly lonely feeling. God took George out of his life so that George could see it as God see’s it. A series of miracles so every day, they get missed for the blessings they truly are. Maybe more cynical people would say “well he could have asked his friends for help.” The fact is George didn’t know he could. He was the one to help everyone, not be helped. This movie was way ahead of its time, because the hero allowed himself to be saved by his friends and family. And he is changed for the better for it. Best movie ever made.
Thumbs up...as I wipe away tears. Well done.
I majored in sociology,so seeing your references for this analysis brought many memories and makes me wish we had referenced this movie more, because those themes are very clear and the agency vs structure (therefore individual vs collective) is a key theme in sociology as a discipline -and in society as a whole. Recently watched this movie and it hit something personal in me. Thanks a lot for your video
Cried through the whole thing. Like reaching into my soul and showing it to me raw. I'll need more therapy...yesterday.
"A hero can be anyone even a man doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a cold around a young boy's shoulder to let him know that the world hadn't ended!"
l have been and will keep coming back to this. Always!
Thanks, brother!
This was beautiful and I feel like all of society should watch this. It really sucks and drains your spirit when you feel unaccomplished but you gotta have hope.
This is beautiful, I cried like a baby. The last 4 minutes are genius. Thank you very much !!
Watched this two months ago and by the end I still cry like a baby.
Me too
Same my friend.
Another flawless video, illuminating and emotional all at once. Your work is a great inspiration to me.
Altruism doesn't exist sorry.
The older I get, the more relevant it is and the dearer it becomes to me
damn i almost cried at the end. You're very skilled at the use of music.
When you give a man money then he will always come back but if you give a man a kindness then he’ll spread the greatest currency, hope.
Not everyone sees money the way you do. Remember that
this essay is beautiful , and it now shines brightly at this year end.
i hope to express my gratitude for videos like these that deconstruct a film's theme and message, without robbing it off the experience of watching it ourselves.
iv'e been inspired by film essayers and movie reviewers ever since i was a pre-teen, but nowadays with constant life inconsistencies and lack of opportunities i can never settle for the life of a writer or editor, only dreaming and hoping that my life as a critic may exist one day once iv'e accomplished enough to earn myself inside it.
it is essayers like you that i value and respect so much is what drives me to see the value in every perspective and never disregard anything no matter what is meant for.
i wish you a happy new year and good luck on your future projects, without people like you, there's no true youtube.
Thank you for the kind words, happy new year to you too!
Happy holidays everyone! What great time to discuss one of my favorite films! There's some extra backstory on Frank Capra to this one which you can read about here: www.patreon.com/posts/its-wonderful-16001638
I wanted to do something special for this one so I got some licensed music for the ending which I believe makes for a powerful climax. Although I think it was totally worth it, the fee (which was a little bit higher than my current Patreon pledges) does mean I’m cutting a loss on this one financially and so I’d like to remind you that, in case you have some kindness to spare, it’s possible to leave a one-time donation at www.paypal.me/TomvanderLinden Thanks!
I also want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those who have already donated and pledged to my Patreon page, you all are making this happen! Thank you!!
Like Stories of Old please have a look at what Dr Yaron Brook said about this film, altruism, and the individual vs collective. You may want to include some critique in your film essays, which mostly focus on the positive experience we can draw from them.
I almost never comment on CZcams videos, but I just wanted to say that your videos are possibly my favorite. Very well put together. I would love to see you do one on American History X, one of my favorite films.
Thank you, I really needed that wisdom. I've been become increasingly cynical about others. I don't really like that about myself as it makes me feel lonely.
when i feel detached from everything, i remember this video
"If might makes right, then love has no place in the world" that line hit deep, especially in the context of the essay. You would think a great philosopher penned that. Truly will remember this in my life, making sure love will always have a place in this world.
This movie will always be relevant because it shares a true message about human nature and the world.
Probably my most favourite video essay to date. I really needed this. Thank you.
The ending broke me down to tears
Your videos are some of my favorite on CZcams. They just fill me with a great feeling about life.
Agreed, I have found my way to some great books due to you and find your videos illuminate when I need some extra encouragement.
A great reminder to keep my spirit up for my self worth has been in a continuous downfall.
Dear sir, I have yet to watch one of your videos without being fully tearful by its end. Thank you for what you do. Happy new year.
This should have more views. I'm sure I make up like 50 of the views alone. Every once in a while this video pops up in my recommendations and I have to rewatch it. Beautiful film, great video.
This made me cry for the first time in ages. Truly an amazing breakdown of an all time classic. So glad I finally came around to watch it.
I can see alot of this video was inspired by Nerdwriter's. I'm glad you expanded on it. I played George in a play recently and it changed my perspective on life forever.
Every time I watch this I get a little misty eyed
My God, that scene where they both hold the phone and George realises his mistake nearly sent me into tears. Such a touching and, dare I say, wonderful film.
" Who ARE you, who are so WISE in the ways of SCIENCE ? " This was quite something. Concise scholarship in the cause of the betterment of us all - enlightening, thought provoking, humbling and ultimately inspiring. What a Christmas morning you have made for me. I live in gratitude to you, whoever you are. I am undone.
George Bailey did lay down his life for his friends. He put his dreams on hold and then dismissed them altogether to enrich and protect his town. No greater love did George have the power to offer. In doing so he inspired others to do the same, Mary, Harry, and most of the characters in the town that respected his example.
Sam Wainwright conquered and was good, but a little bit of evil existed in him. Potter conquered and was evil. We can hope there is a little good in him, but it is hard to find in the film.
This is the third year in a row that I have watched this video, it has become a new tradition for me it seems. :)
Compassion is a weakness it's just one everyone can love and appreciate for the good it does for humanity as a whole, one we all wish was more common in a world of computers where you can behave as well or as badly as you want. Compassion is a weakness but it's also the greatest virtue of human kind.
correction: compassion *can be* a weakness. Then again, so can greed. Indeed, as the storytellers among us know: anything can be a weakness. Character traits are like the colors in a painting: they cannot be judged in isolation of each other, or the whole.
Sophie Jones Well said Sophie. I agree. It is true that compassion can be a weakness,if given to people who will use you,but I also agree that it can be the most humain and beautiful trait in human beings. I loved your illustration using the painting,that was brilliant. Simply brilliant. May I use that in one of my books that I'm working on? It was excellent, and profound.
of course! and thanks for asking :)
Sophie Jones Thank you so much! And no problem,I always like to ask for permission before using things like this. Thanks again
Great analysis... One of the best things we've seen on CZcams in a while
Another great video. All of the videos of yours that I watched are profound and insightful and beautiful in how positive and hopeful are. They helped me come to terms with issues I've been struggling with for a long time, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that they've changed my life and what I want to achieve. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making them.
Thank you Ahmed! That's great to hear :)
Back again 3 years later. One of the best Christmas movies and videos out there.
Thank you for this wonderful analysis of one of my favorite films. I think there's a little bit of George Bailey in all of us; flawed, yet important to those around us. This film always reminds me to never take my role in others' lives as well their roles in mine for granted. We are all players in other people's stories, and that is meaningful.
This is why It’s A Wonderful Life will never leave my letterboxd top 4. I always cry. Highly recommend listening to John Greens podcast episode on the song Auld Lang Syne. It relates I promise. The podcast is called The Anthropocene Reviewed.
I’ve just finished watching your It’s a Wonderful Life Essay and totally agreed with your points on individual self sacrifice and how it doesn’t seem to be appreciated in today’s world. As we go on in life I feel those that don’t adhere to the mainstream ideas of normal ie Social Media are somehow labelled strange or outsiders. Those who believe or work towards community are questioned because people can’t understand why an individual would choose to put others first before themselves.
This is absolutely true, I hope we all remember this in all our times when we feel failed, worthless. Thank you for this!!
LSOO - this video has touched my heart beyond words. Hell, that's the case with most of your videos. I find myself sometimes feeling helpless in the face of so much suffering in the world - hunger, poverty, murder, etc. It makes me feel small and hearing about the death of a child across the country on the news or natural disasters ruining lives for people makes me feel helpless because I so desperately feel their pain. But this video and your analysis of this timeless film ring something true - that if you want to change the world and make it better place, start with yourself and your community. There is no limit to how many people's lives you will touch and affect along the way. I may not be able to help everyone, but I can help the people closest to me. If we all realized this, then maybe the world would be a kinder, more beautiful place. Thank you so much and happy new year.
Speechless...wow...im in tears...Hi from Colombia...because of your videos my mind is much clear in many ways...revealing...shocking...THANK YOU.
Your videos never fail to bring me to tears
That’s my favorite movie and your essay made me cry and realize how much more I loved it. Thank you.
This movie always has such a special way of making me cry and feel so thankful for the people I have in my life, this video has done no less than exactly that. Thank you
Thank you for your wonderful videos. Each of them has been enlightening and emotionally touching. This one is wonderful, too!
Enriching and fascinating, just like your every other video. Through each video you're getting closer and closer to the souls of the audience. Keep doing great work brother.
Oh my heart! That was so beautiful I wept. What an insightful analysis. You've made me look at my world in a different way. Thank you so much.
Superb video. I like how you pointed out the other characters being there for George all along the way. I never thought about that. It puts this great movie into an even more special light. Thank you.
I watch this movie every year with my Mom at Christmas. You hit the nail on the head. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for this video.
Just come upon your videos. Thank you, they are making a difference in my life and ultimately those around me.
Thank you for a wonderful examination of what this movie means and how it says there is good in the world.
You do a great job of breaking down the philosophy behind movies. Keep up the great work. You are truly a great artist!
I love you man. So wonderful to hear these words from somebody else.
Beautiful. This has been one of my favorite films for years now. An ordinary life stands among the most wonderful, it’s up to you.
I love you man. I love what you have created. I'm so grateful. Thank you. Please dont ever stop. Yoi have a great heart, and the way you have chosen to share, could not be more perfect for you. Thank you
The most valuable channel I can ever find on CZcams ❤️❤️❤️Much love for you ❤️🙌
I cannot explain how much I love this channel. Every single video is so moving and beautiful. 💜You have a brilliant mind.
Thank you for all of this....for past few days, watching your videos ks giving peace to me.....
Far out ! I've just discovered a new favourite CZcams channel!!
These videos are amazing! Beautiful words, beautifully put together ......Thank you!
My goodness this speaks to me so deeply 😢. And millions more I'm sure of it! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Goosebumps, of an overwhelming emotional kind!
So much of what you say hits us so profoundly not because it is the voice we wanted to hear, but the one we forgot we had in each and every single one of us. In times where we have become so currupted by images that can be held in our palms, i find in your voice a strenght that tell me and others to look outward. Not only in ourselves but also into others and into the world. A voice reminding us to find a balance between joy and pain, excess and being humble. Of all the ones i hear and see, the voice of a stranger talking about the conflicts of the heart has changed mine...maybe this is what we forgotten, to have a heart for ourselves and the world.
I needed this. Thanks, as always.
Beautiful. The messages in your videos always seem to come to me at the right time. Perhaps you are my Clarence.
This is a perfect analysis. I have struggled to put my finger on why I love this film so much and what it means to me, but you have just nailed it. Thankyou.
Great video essay. I think it is always important to reflect about this masterpiece. This film often reduced to a feel good movie for the holidays has so much more depth.
So Well written. I needed this. Thank u
I’ve seen this movie at least 50 times since I was a child (when it was in constant rotation during the holidays), perhaps my favorite movie of all time. This video gave me an even deeper appreciation of It’s A Wonderful Life. Thank you!!
Omg Bless you sir. I love your videos and I have always loved this film. Your calming synopsis really puts tears in my eyes as I write. thank you for bringing attention to the power of art and of film. I hope you know that You are surrounded by love. :)
This is exactly the thing I needed to watch today. Thank-you.
I did not expect to this analysis to be so deep. Very thought provoking.
Superb! Incredible analysis, very well made. Thank you!
Like Stories of Old ... I am so inspired! Thank you!
I was really moved by this clip, thank you.
This is incredible. Once again, hats off sir
Incredible well made, each of your videos is a light that sparks hope inside me, keep the good work, you add immense valour to my life.
That was amazing. This has become one of my favorite YT channels.
It's a Wonderful Life is easily one of the best films made. What I want to bring attention to, however, is the gulf between the encouraging message to be kind and gentle and loving towards each other, and the reality of capitalism in America in the 21st century, which rewards precisely the opposite of these values: greed, self-interest, profits, control, and the reality that all the love in the universe cannot appease a landlord's unsympathetic demand for rent payments each month.
I remember a few years ago in my 20s feeling genuinely moved after watching this film and inspired to be a better man. And then, typically within a day later, sometimes only an hour after watching, encountering a person who is trying to use me as a source of revenue, as a mere object, or facing the reality of the unflinching onslaught of taxes, and an absolute lack of compassion. The investment banks of 08 were bailed out and rewarded for all the damage they inflicted upon the world. So the reality is that real life is not a movie like It's a Wonderful Life. In contrast, in our reality, the Mister Potters win and the community watches George while offering no assistance, as he jumps off the bridge. That is the much more likely scenario, circa 2019.
And I'm not sure how to reconcile the naive ideal portrayed in the film with the harsh reality that in 2019 this just would not happen: 1) people would not come to the aid of George Bailey. 2) George's wife would not be single, but would have quickly moved on to another man or seven. 3) George would not be able to protect his community, as the banks of today are more more powerful and would have acquired George's bank years ago. I could go on. But I think we can all agree it's hard to take IAWL seriously in 2019 because people today just dont value that kind of self sacrifice the way its portrayed in the film. I wish we did. I really wish we did. Perhaps because Americans actually had stronger community ties back in 1946 than we do in the hyper isolated, self-obsessed 21st century.
So in conclusion, IAWL could not be rebooted in 2019, because the way our economic system has profoundly altered our society's behavior and values such that George's character and the community's behavior towards him, are nearly an unbelievable fantasy in 2019.
Your analysis is very deep and thoughtful and you have captured the very essence of this wonderful film. In many ways, you've said what I've always thought and in other ways you've pointed out the deep meaning of things that I've missed. This film has always been my favorite and your analysis has renewed my love for it. Thank you.
Thank you so much for making this video your channel is truly a godsend
Watch this film every year with my family. It's a beautiful reminder of the gift of life and the joy we can find in our fellow man
Thank you for making this channel.
This was terrific man. It’s a beautiful movie that I watch every Christmas. Jesus Christ be with you friends.😊
Wonderful....a great movie....lovely interpretation...leaves one teary-eyed..well done👍👍👍
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Your messages in these videos are heard and i understand your yearning to reach out to others for each has a story of their own and that story within each person, their lives, are connected with others as a meaningful life within all. As this is a beautiful way to bring each of ourselves the real meaning to touch our hearts, i see that truth can go either way, if not all ways. As beauty is within the heart which connects to the soul and alters the mind and thought process, one can see the peace we need to bring hope to this world and each other. And each video i watch, i see more of everyone within everyone.....
This was beautiful, thank you
Thank you Clarence (LSOO). You came at a very important morning for me.
Perfect analysis of the movie! Thanks a lot!!