Review of Make Way for Tomorrow (1937) by Zachary S — 20 Sep 2008

I haven't felt this way about a film since I saw Ordet - some years ago by now. At this point, it's a little difficult to explain in words what a masterpiece of cinema this is. Made the same year as his famous The Awful Truth (also great!), this film is far superior.

The film leads its audience from despair to laughter in 90 minutes. A film about everything, about life, and about death; never have I felt such joy watching such sad subjects. All good art somehow can incorporate the humane, the comedic, into life. This does so flawlessly, that one wonders if film can ever accomplish any better. 1937 was a year for film.