Tools for this page
Print

The Best Years of Our Lives

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Fine movie for families with older kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Tolerance for those with disabilities is a theme of the movie
  • Violence:

    Scuffle
  • Sex:

    Subtle references (by today's standards) to Marie's infidelity
  • Language:

    None
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Al and Fred get drunk, Milly makes Al promise not to drink so much and checks what he is drinking at the wedding to make sure he is keeping his promise

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Best Years of Our Lives was written by Nell Minow

Parents need to know that tolerance for those with disabilities is a theme of the movie, though dated by today's standards, as there is no suggestion that Homer can or should get a job.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the challenges faced by each of the servicemen in adjusting to life after the war. Would it have been easier for Homer if his family and Wilma talked to him about his injuries when he first came home? Why was it easier for Homer to talk to Fred and Al about them than it was to talk to his family? Why was Al so awkward with Milly at first? What did he mean when he talked about collateral at the banquet? Why was it important for Fred to realize that he knew how to learn? How did that change the way he thought about himself?
Did this review help you decide?

Are you going to see it?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on The Best Years of Our Lives

What’s the Story?

THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES centers on three WWII soldiers returning home from service:. Fred Derry (Dana Andrews), a bombardier, Al Stephenson (Frederic March), a middle- aged footsoldier, and Homer Parrish (Harold Russell), a sailor who has lost both hands, fly back to their home town of Boone City, excited, but a little apprehensive about beginning their post-war lives. Fred is returning to a beautiful wife, Marie (Virginia Mayo), whom he barely knows. Al is coming back to his wife, Milly (Myrna Loy), and their two children, who have grown up while he was gone. And Homer is coming back to face his family and his fiancée, Wilma (Cathy O'Donnell), with hooks replacing his hands. Each of them has a lot of adjusting to do, and the story follows their post-war struggles with relationships, post-traumatic stress syndrome, careers, injuries, and more.

Is It Any Good?

The theme of adaptation to changing circumstances and the need for genuine closeness is a timeless one, and many kids will experience and learn about post-war issues as a result of Iraq and Afghanistan. The most important scene in the movie is the one in which Fred realizes that he can use the same skills he used in the war -- especially his ability to learn -- to bring him what he is looking for. Fred and Homer both have a hard time believing that they deserve love, because each feels helpless and inadequate. Homer is afraid to risk rejection by Wilma, so he brusquely ignores her. Fred plans to leave town and never see Peggy again. But both ultimately take the risk and find the love they hoped for.

Al is also brusque and awkward with Milly at first, but by their first morning together he is ready to return to the relationship they had. Milly's description of marriage to Peggy is particularly important in this context, making it clear that "living happily ever after" requires commitment, courage, and work.

Movie Details

Studio: MGM/UA, Director: William Wyler
Run time: 172 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1946
MPAA Rating: NR

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about The Best Years of Our Lives?

or

to post a review

See all 1 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Avatar

    Avatar

    Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.

  • Advice for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Get info and facts to keep your kids safe and smart on Facebook.

  • Book of the Week

    Beautiful Creatures

    Beautiful Creatures

    Dreamy, lyrical supernatural Southern romance.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Simplz: Zoo

    Simplz: Zoo

    Family-friendly puzzler mixes in a bit of zoo simulation.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name