It’s a Wonderful Life

RECOMMENDATION:

DESCRIPTION:

One of the most beloved Christmas films in the history of cinema. George Bailey dreamed from a young age of traveling and discovering the world. He wanted to leave his hometown of Bedford Falls to pursue his ambitions. However, a series of unforeseen events constantly kept him in the small town. First, he had to give up his plans in order to save the family business – Bailey Bros. Building & Loan, when his father unexpectedly died. The company was vital to the residents of Bedford Falls, offering them fair home loans, which stood in contrast to the greed of the wealthy and ruthless Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore), who sought to gain complete control over the town.

Despite his unfulfilled dreams, George finds happiness in everyday life. He marries Mary Hatch (Donna Reed), his childhood sweetheart, and together they start a family. They have four children. Despite many challenges, George strives to run the family business honestly and with dedication to the local community. However, his life full of sacrifices, selflessness, and difficult decisions gradually overwhelms him. Everything reaches a climax on Christmas Eve, when due to a mistake by his Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell), Bailey Bros. Building & Loan is on the verge of bankruptcy. Uncle Billy accidentally loses $8,000, giving Potter the perfect opportunity to destroy George and take over the company.

Devastated, George feels there is no way out. He believes he has failed his family, employees, and friends, which leads him to a dramatic decision – he contemplates suicide, believing it would have been better if he had never been born. At the last moment, he is stopped by his guardian angel – Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers), who is sent from heaven to save George and earn his wings.

GALLERY:

LET’S TALK ABOUT:

What particularly moved you in George’s story?

At the age of 12, George saved his younger brother’s life on a frozen lake. And later, one of the patients – while working as a helper in a pharmacy.

Do you have similar experiences – of saving someone’s health/life or being saved by someone?

Are you brave? Tell us about one courageous decision you have made.

George’s greatest dream was to travel the world, design bridges and skyscrapers.

Tell us about your childhood passions and dreams – have any of them come true?

What are your passions today?

What place in the world would you like to visit?

George sacrifices his dreams for the good of others – his family and neighbors – the residents of the town.

Tell us about something you have sacrificed for the good of others.

What are your relationships with your neighbors like? Do you help each other?

For what cause would you be willing to give up your dream job/studies?

Due to a series of unfortunate events and a conspiracy by a dishonest competitor, George loses all his wealth and good name. He attempts suicide. He claims it would have been better if he had never been born. In response, his angel Clarence shows him an alternative reality – what would have happened if George had never existed in his town.

Can you recognize how much good you bring to the world around you? Tell us about specific examples.

Tell us about a few examples of good that you experience from other people.

Are you grateful for what you receive from them?

George, influenced by the vision presented to him by the angel, begs God to let him live. His prayers are answered. At home, he finds family and friends who have collected an enormous sum of money to help save his company.

Do you ever get involved in initiatives to help people in need? In what way?

What value does helping others hold for you?

Which of the listed values (see list) does the film address?

Which of them are particularly important to you?

List of values:
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Heroism, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Honor, Humor, Creativity, Loyalty, Wisdom, Bravery, Love, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformism, Responsibility, Courage, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Ingenuity, Sacrifice, Beauty, Truth, Friendship, Punctuality, Joy, Reason, Integrity, Heart, Strength, Coherence, Respect, Sincerity, Happiness, Transcendence, Care, Honesty, Moderation, Order, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Fidelity, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life