Review of The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) by Matthew D — 19 Jan 2009
Winning seven Academy Awards in 1947, accepted into the film collection at the Library of Congress in 1989, and often prominently placed on lists of the top films of all time [e.g. #37 in AFI's 1998 & 2007 poll] -- there is a reason why THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES continues to be honored throughout the years by so many respected sources; simply put, it is one of the greatest films ever made.
As three servicemen [Frederic March, Harold Russell, and Dana Andrews] of differing backgrounds return to the same home town, they come to find their public and private overlapping as they strive to readjust to civilian life.
Moving performances from its principle actors and richly-detailed shot sequences and compositions from Wyler and Gregg Tolland greatly elevate an already-supurb screenplay. Granted, many might be dissuaded by three hour running time; but those who do watch its interweaving stories slowly unfold will be rewarded with one of the most emotional and satisfying cinematic experiences of the last sixty years.
It is on the (very) short list of my favorite films of all-time and, deservedly, on the short list of best Hollywood films ever produced.
This review of The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) was written by Matthew D on 19 Jan 2009.
The Best Years of Our Lives has generally received very positive reviews.
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