Review of The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) by Michael R — 20 Nov 2007

At almost three hours in length, William Wylerâ??s Best Years of Our Lives only scratches the surface of the difficulties faced by service members returning from war and their families; but everything it touches upon is treated most admirably.

While many war movies are hackneyed and contrived this magnificent picture about the consequences of placing your life on hold and returning changed is honest, compassionate and never excessive. Most of the film, in fact, is quite understated or, more accurately, stated with appropriate restraint.

Three stories are told and although theyâ??re connected theyâ??re also unrelated. Wyler masterfully cuts from one to the other without ever losing momentum. The film captures so many aspects of adjusting to â??realâ?? life after deploying and though three hours is not long enough to address them all in depth Wyler makes every second of every shot count.