by Ian Morton

Created on: March 25, 2008

It's a Wonderful Life is difficult for some to appreciate, and for others it is an absolute gem. Regardless, we have here a classic tale. One in which the main character struggles through the challenges of his life, and in his darkest hour, finds the answers to his life, and thus truly is happy.

The movie is set at the end of the World War Two in the small town of Bedford Falls. George Bailey, played by James Stewart, is struggling with his place in life. He has lived his whole life yearning to explore and see the world, and find his great calling in the vastness of the world. Unfortunately for George, events conspire against his departure, and he ends up living his life as his father before him did. Owner of a building and loan company, George helps people to own their own homes and save money as well. But for George this isn't enough. He feels that he is not finding the value in his life. During his life, he has married, had children, and owns his own house. Yet when despairing times fall upon him, due to trouble with the accursed business, George to falls into despair.

At this point of the movie, we have a great man, who has never been allowed to find his destiny, or so he thinks. He views himself as a failure, for he has not been able to get to college, nor out into the world to find his important place. He loves his wife and children, yet he feels that he has also failed them by staying in his small town, and not being able to truly excel. He suffers deeply from despair, to the point at which he doesn't feel that his life has any value. He decides that the only saving grace is the life insurance policy that he has, and so decides to commit suicide, and leave the insurance earnings to his family. He foolishly feels that this is best for them as well.

So far it sounds like a very dark movie, but rather we see his life as it unfolds, and while disappointing, the audience can see the value that he gives to his family, and friends, and to his town. George can't see it however. So in true Christmas fashion, George's guardian angel appears, and saves George. Clarence then proceeds to try to convince George that he is an angel. George has none of it, but in their conversation, George blurts out that he wished he'd never been born. Presto, Clarence gives him his wish, with some help from above, and all is changed.

From this point George is forced to confront his place in the world. While he feels it is tiny and somewhat meaningless, Clarence is able to show him the

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