 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Best Years of Our Lives
- Review Date: May 10, 2003
- NR
- Genre: Drama
- 1946
Common Sense Media says
Fine movie for families with older kids.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that acceptance 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.
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.
What families can talk about
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Outstanding post-war movie
This excellent classic deserves its spot among the greatest films ever made in America. It chronicles 3 veterans of the war returning home and how they not only are affected by what they see at home but by each other's choices. A must-see movie for anyone mature enough to appreciate it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | William Wyler |
| Cast: | Dana Andrews, Fredric March, Myrna Loy |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 172 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 21, 1946 |
| DVD release date: | July 18, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
