Review of The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) by Adrian B — 02 Feb 2011

One of the most incredible films to be released in the 1940's, "The Best Years of Our Lives" is one of the most beautiful Best Picture winners of them all. It is big, powerful, and emotionally effective.

The film follows the lives of three soldiers (Dana Andrews, Harrold Russell, and Frederic March) who come home from serving in World War II and have to cope with normal, peaceful lives and it is not that easy for them.

There are scenes of utter magnificence. The scenes with Frederic March and his wife, Myrna Loy, in the first hour are so effective. You can see the absolutely greatness of Myrna Loy to see her husband again (powerful acting).

Another powerful scene is Harrold Russell, who lost his hands in WWII (real life in effect to add the effect), with Cathy O'Donnell, his fiancee, where he is looking at his riffle and he misinterprets his younger sister viewing him the window.

Thinking she is taunting him, when she is just glancing in curiously, he smashes the windows with his claws, scaring his little sister and making her cry. He then cries, and so does Cathy O'Donnell.

This scene brought tears to my eyes and remains for me as one of the most beautiful images in cinema history. "The Best Years of Our Years" is William Wyler's masterpiece and one of the greatest films of all time.

Here is worthy Academy Award winner.