You'll definitely agree when you see--that's right--
I'm talking about the It's a Wonderful Life movie.
I must confess. I love watching feel good movies.
Why? Because they make me cry. They make me laugh. They make me feel that life is great and worth living. And for me, this is one of the top inspirational movies of all time.
Released in 1946, It's a Wonderful Life was directed and produced by the great Frank Capra, and starring one of my favorite actors of all time, James Stewart. Decades later, people still talk about it, and tv programs can't help but make references to it.
I first saw the film when I was a child, mainly because it was one of my parents' favorite feel good movies. And I haven't stopped enjoying it since. Keep an eye out for it. You might find that it is often replayed at Christmastime.
In the film, James Stewart plays George Bailey, the small town average guy whose life didn't turn out the way he had planned. There's something about George Bailey's character, played so well by James Stewart, that I can identify with.
He started out as a young man with big dreams.
We all want to make the most of our lives. Don't we? Les Brown tells us it's good to Live Full, Die Empty.
But circumstances and obligations put an end to them. Years later, he finds himself stuck in a small town, juggling running a business, a family and the demands other people make of him. All brought to a head by a very big problem. Catastrophe looming, he contemplates taking his own life.
Who hasn't had their hopes dashed?
Who hasn't had to make sacrifices for family or friends?
Life can throw us curve balls. But we still make our own choices. Start by Choosing Your Future.
But George Bailey's predicament is even more painful when contrasted with the life of his younger brother. At the height of his troubles, George sees his younger brother having the life he should have had. A war hero and married to a rich woman, his brother has none of the worrying responsibilites that he faced.
But George Bailey's suffering isn't pointless.
The truth is that with this film as in real life, pain makes victory more poignant. And sweet.
And the message is clear.
We should be grateful for what we have. What little we think we have accomplished, may not be so little after all. Small deeds like small pebbles can create big ripples.
More importantly, it reminds us of where our true riches lie, and inspires us to become better persons.
And how could I forget Clarence, the angel? He's not the typical angel I imagined in my childhood. But even if you aren't religious, who has never wished to have a guardian angel to rescue us and show us the way in times of crisis?
The It's a Wonderful Life movie is one of the top inspirational movies of all time.
Watch the trailer. Then get the film.
I'm sure you'll agree.
If you've already seen It's a Wonderful Life? Would you like to see more feel good movies?
Watch this space for more listings of top inspirational movies.
Les Brown can inspire you live a life of great achievement.
