Review of The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) by Olivierpiel — 21 Mar 2019

This film is a marvel. It perfectly stands the test of time despite one or two antiquated special effects. Whilst it is as realistic as possible and tries to capture a fleeting moment in American history it manages to reveal the quintessence of the American soul, its extreme optimism, strength in front of pain and adversity, as well as supreme magnanimity (what was foreseen and celebrated as the real übermensch by Nietzsche and, sadly, despised by Dostoyevsky)...exactly what has made American culture so universally revered and envied by its enemies to this day. This is the same artistic transcendence found in other American art forms such as jazz for instance.

Not only do the script, acting and editing manage to make this 3-hour film feel so engaging and entertaining, some of scenes' cinematography shows glimpses of brilliance.