A film I love. The story is told from the perspective of Huw Morgan, the youngest member of the large Morgan family. Huw recalls a past when his valley was greener and more beloved. Through his narration, we come to understand many interesting things—but ultimately, by the film’s end, we learn what it is he truly longs for. This is a film about longing and nostalgia. In that sense, it reminds me of another favorite of mine, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance[1].
The film[2] is full of little stories—like real life. It has memorable dialogue and beautiful women. The shots carry a sense of melancholy, yet the film remains warm and engaging. It feels like remembering a beautiful memory: a tinge of sorrow, but mostly joy. Its pacing is gentle, allowing you to stay connected. John Ford[3] adapted the film from a story of the same name. And it’s a good one.
Over the years, every time I’ve rewatched it, my rating has gone up. It’s always been a 10/10, but its ranking among my favorite films has shifted. The film itself hasn’t changed—I have. It used to be my number one. Then it became second, when The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance took first place. These days, It’s a Wonderful Life[4] sits at the top of my list.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)Sometimes I think that beyond the story, a big part of why this film affects me so deeply is John Wayne’s performance. Possibly his best ever. ↩︎
John Ford once said, “We’re all craftsmen, only Frank Capra is an artist.” I think he was being a bit humble—but there’s a meaningful truth in that statement too. ↩︎
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), directed by Frank Capra.In 1970, Capra released a colorized version of the film. Surprisingly, the color version is even more moving than the original black and white—unlike most other classic films. ↩︎