Rated: NR
Director: William Wyler
Review
Winner of seven Academy Awards, including best picture,
director, actor, and screenplay, William Wyler's brilliant drama about
domestic life after World War II remains one of the all-time classics of
American cinema. Inspired by a pictorial article about returning soldiers
in Life magazine, the story focuses on three war veterans (Fredric March,
Dana Andrews, and Harold Russell in unforgettable roles) and their rocky
readjustment to civilian life in their Midwestern town of Boone City.
Capturing the contradictory moods of America in the mid to late 1940s,
this three-hour drama spans a complex range of honest emotions, from
joyous celebration and happy reunion to deep-rooted ambivalence and
reassessment of personal priorities. A movie milestone when released in
1946, The Best Years of Our Lives still packs a punch with powerful,
timeless themes. --Jeff Shannon
------------
If you have ever served in the military, you will see much
of yourself in this very moving tale of how three WWII veterans adjust to
a post-war life. All face difficulties, jealousies, and awkward moments.
All become friends. Dana Andrews is magnificent as the Fred Derry, a
one-time aviator hero who resigns himself to returning to his job as a
soda jerk. Virginia Mayo is superb as his wife, who fell in love with his
Army uniform but has no use for him now. Myrna Loy and Frederick March are
excellent as a long time couple who deal squarely with his disinterest in
his banking job and their daughter's emerging love for Fred. Harold
Russell is totally believable as the vet who loses his arms and won't
burden his girl with the inconvenience. Theresa Wright is touching as the
daughter of one veteran and the savior of another. They don't make films
like this anymore. I'm afraid that the characters in current films like
Good Will Hunting are subordinated to a morbid fascination with profanity
and sex. All the more reason to get The Best Years of Our Lives.
 |
