Review of The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) by Jared L — 21 Sep 2007

Just as relevant today as it was then. Will Wyler's film touches on a fundamental truth: war changes people in difficult and unexpected ways. The standout performance here is Harold Russell's portrayal of Homer Parrish, a man who lost both of his hands in combat.

Russell, who, in real life, did lose both his hands in war, ably conveys the difficulty of adjusting to such a terrible loss, the self-doubt and emasculation, yet, heroically, the ability to adapt and overcome.

Wyler also presents the difficulties adjusting socially and economically for other characters aptly portrayed by Fredric March and Dana Andrews. Finally, he looks at the demands and stresses the post-war society placed on women to "stand by their men" and juxtaposes the good (Wilma and Peggy) with the bad (Marie).