 | 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. |
It's a Wonderful Life
- Review Date: February 28, 2005
- NR
- Genre: Classic
- 1946
Common Sense Media says
This classic delivers warmth all year long.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic is both sweet and knowing. Teens will love it as an engaging story that takes on the human condition in all its complexity. It features a witty screenplay and a grand old score. See it in its original, glorious black and white. Younger kids may be drawn in by George as a youth.
What's the story?
Frank Capra's bittersweet, heartwarming movie about a man who comes to realize the value of his own life has been a Christmas favorite for years. At the story's center is George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a man with big plans whose even bigger heart keeps him from leaving his hometown. When George wishes he were never born, an angel shows him the tremendous impact he has had on his community.
Is it any good?
No matter how often you see this perennial Christmas favorite, you will be entranced. Flawless. Indeed, it has become such a familiar part of the holiday landscape that those who have never seen it might dismiss it as "Capra-corn," sentimental and syrupy. In fact, the movie's vision is that of a dark-edged world in which heroes are necessary. George discovers that his existence has saved his community from the cruelty of robber barons and, more importantly, from its own greed and shortsightedness.
Made just after the war, this movie was a favorite for both leading man Jimmy Stewart and director Frank Capra. And it's easy to see why. There's a delightful song and dance sequence, visually witty moments like the dance floor that converts into a swimming pool during a feverish Charleston competition, and sophisticated dialogue. Stewart gives the performance of a lifetime. Alternately affable and bitter, he is the movie's little-man hero. And if the movie is about broken dreams, it's conclusion is that these broken dreams can turn out to be a blessing.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the film's more disturbing aspects. For instance, George contemplates suicide because he thinks he failed in his life.
Families may want to talk about how each family member enhances each person's life and discuss how to show that every day.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Perfect for kids and kids at heart
The best christmas movie ever made. It delivers posotive messages about what it takes to be a good citizen and how good deeds can make a diffrence. There is some drinking at the end when he is really deprest but that is the only negative I can find in this.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I hate black and white movies. Good message though.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
One of the best holiday movies ever!
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE is, and always will be, one of the best holiday movies. The strong message of being thankful and living life to the fullest never ceases to inspire. You're always rooting for George Banks to see how precious his life really is.
As the film opens, you hear a voice in the stars (supposedly God) speaking to another star named Clarence. He tells Clarence that he must go down to Earth to save George, who is about to take God's most precious gift (life). We then see the events of George's life played out, up to the point where Clarence, his charming guardian angel, must show him how great his life really is. And the only way to do this...show him what life would be like if he never were born.
The overall theme of suicide is tense but not scary. There is no violence or language. Sex is very minor, with no sex, but when George and his soon-to-be wife are playing, she runs and her robe gets snagged in a bush. She then hides in the bush (we hear her voice) and is presumably nude (but we don't see anything at all).
It's a great movie. Watch it if you can.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Reassure first-time viewers
We thought our 11-yr-old was ready for it, but he questioned the suicide theme, and the scene where George gets hit and his ear bleeds. He liked it in the end, but was disturbed several times at our choice! As adults, we tend to wrap it in the good feelings from the end of the movie, but a first-time young viewer may need reassurance.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
its an enchanting heartwarming movie ever seen!
there is mild gunfights and scary child near-death, a naked woman is in a shubbery nothing is seen
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
August 23, 2010
AGE
Violence (PG): Mild gunfights, scary child near-death.
Sexual Content (PG): None.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Kids don't appreciate it!
While there is no objectionable content for kids, my husband and I feel you can't really appreciate this movie until you're a young adult - college age at least. We recently saw it in a vintage theater (fantastic venue for this) with a 9- and 15-year-old and they were both BORED! I would rather have my own kids see it for the first time when they can truly understand and value its message.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great for just about all ages if you think they could follow it
This is a great classic Christmas movies that you should show your kids. I gave it a 9 + just because you younger kids might get bored, and might not follow it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It's a Wonderful Life
A classic movie the whole family can watch and charish together. 5 stars for sure.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | RKO |
| Director: | Frank Capra |
| Cast: | Donna Reed, James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore |
| Genre: | Classic |
| Run time: | 125 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 20, 1946 |
| DVD release date: | September 19, 1995 |
| 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
