I never saw this movie until my last year of college. For years, I had dismissed it as a sappy, sickly sweet, old flick. I should have known better than to make up my mind about something that I knew very little about.
I spent a lot of time at some friends' house and participated in whatever they were doing. Because of them, I got hooked on Survivor, CSI, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars: Epic Duels. One night, just before Christmas break, they showed IAWL. (With the equipment they had, their living room was almost like a theater, so I was willing to watch almost any movie there.)
I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, I loved it! I had no idea that it has fun, lighthearted moments (like George teasing Mary when she's hiding, naked, in the bushes) as well as dark, disturbing ones (like George coming dangerously close to killing himself by jumping off a bridge). I had no idea that it's about a man who wants to "shake off the dust of his little town" but can't ignore his desire to keep his fellow townsfolk out of the greedy Potter's clutches. A man who doesn't want to be tied down but can't deny his love for Mary. I had no idea that it's about someone who is given the gift of learning how valuable his life has been. I had no idea that it was - is- still so relevant.
Little did I know that I would soon be able to really relate to George Bailey. I wasn't able to return to college after the break, due to my mom breaking her hip and needing help. I was forced to stay in her dull, boring house. My situation got even worse when my brother begged me for my car and I couldn't refuse. He needs it more than me, I told myself. It got even worse still when he wrecked my car and used the insurance money to buy himself a new one. "I'll make it up to you someday," he said. But I'm still waiting. I can also somewhat relate to Mary Hatch. I love her response to George's offer of the moon (I'll take it.") That sounds like something I would say. And I think it's hilarious when she yells, "He's making violent love to me, Mother!" The Annie character also has a couple of great lines: "Boys and girls and music. Why do they need gin?" and "I been savin' this money for a divorce, if ever I got a husband."
So now I watch this movie at least once a year. However, nothing will ever top...
