Review of Miracle on 34th Street (1947) by Chrismizerak — 21 Jan 2020

Whether or not you believe that Santa Claus exists, I think we can all agree that we believe in what he represents: kindness and good will onto others. And no other holiday film reinforces this point home quite like “Miracle on 34th Street”.

Edmund Gwenn is impeccably cast as the one and only Kris Kringle, who becomes a department store’s Santa in New York City and meets the acquaintance of a family that doesn’t believe that Santa is real.

Obviously, Kris Kringle himself has a tough task on his hands by not only proving to this family that such a person as Santa exists, but prove to the world that he is Santa Claus himself. Even if you either think Christmas movies are good to watch only once a year or you find holiday films too sappy for your tastes, there’s something behind “Miracle on 34th Street” that will appeal to believers and non-believers alike.

Believers can still appreciate the optimistic and uplifting attitude Kris Kringle exerts along with how seriously he takes children with their happiness and well-being. Non-believers will continue to be impressed with how the mere idea of a person like Santa Claus is invaluable to our society and the development of children in general.

This family film is very wise to keep the doors open for interpretation so that everyone has their own conclusion of what’s true or false, even into adulthood. Such small yet significant storytelling choices make a big difference in the grand scheme of things.

And this can best explain why the legacy of “Miracle on 34th Street” has persevered for so long. Its priceless idea of happiness and imagination being a critical part of childhood and suspending disbelief for something better than you can imagine makes “Miracle on 34th Street” a timeless holiday gem.