It's a wonderful life

I would say It's a wonderful life (Frank Capra, 1946) is not only a Christmas film, but an optimistic one, a (too?) innocent tribute to goodness and generosity.

The action starts in heaven, when an angel, Clarence (Henry Travers) is asked to help George Bailey (James Stewart), a man who lives in a desperate situation. Clarence is told George's life in a flashback from his childhood to the currect situation.
We learn about his family, friends.. but, above all, we learn about his dreams. He plans to travel to Europe during a year.

George Bailey choosing a new suitcase.

"- What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary." 

He falls in love with a perfect girl,Mary (Donna Reed) everything seems to presage that all his dreams are becoming true sooner or later, but suddenly something happens. George finds himself trapped in a situation he can not get out, but he is supposed to be happy. One day, he gets into real trouble.

This close-up reveals how George is feeling when he realize his dreams are never going to become true.

Then, the action comes back to present. The angel shows George how the town would be if he never existed. This is a very original device, and it is similar to that one used in "A Christmas Carol", the novel by Charles Dickens. In both cases, it is used to change the main character's view.

During the whole film we witness George's sacrifices. He sacrifice his dreams (himself) for his brother, for the family business.. there's always something that postpones the departure date. I find James Stewart's interpretation perfect. We really understand George's feelings. He feels dissapointed for his lost dreams, but grateful for his family and friends at the same time. 

I would recommend It's a wonderful life. At some points it is too naive, but at the end, it manages to get you into the Christmas spirit. If you are one of those who hate Christmas, the vision of a kind world will, at least, mesmerize you.