Holiday film traditions vary from person to person, family to family, whether it’s binging the Home Alone movies, watching all the classic holiday specials, or watching the ten newest Hallmark movies. It’s no surprise that when everyone’s holiday watch list comes out, It’s a Wonderful Life appears on almost all of them. This 70-year-old film welcomes new viewers every year.
As is their usual holiday tradition, the Brattle will host three full days of screenings of this holiday classic. A quote from the Brattles site says: “Forget about watching this classic film at home on TV, we’re showing it the way it was meant to be seen: on the Big Screen on real-live 35mm film!” After attending the past few years, it’s a wonder why I even bother watching any Christmas movie on a TV at all. During the introduction of the film my first year going, some words really stuck with me: the sadder moments are sadder, the funnier moments are funnier, and the happier moments are happier. The journey the audience takes is one they take together, and there’s no better feeling than hearing Auld Lang Syne as the film concludes.
Growing up Jewish, some of the more religious based films didn’t hit to me as much as they did with others. While there are religious elements in the film, It’s a Wonderful Life is a tale of selflessness, and a reason to call this season the season of giving. There’s something so universal about the story, and it makes sense that seven decades later it’s still being screened. It’s a joy to see people of all ages come together for the tale of George Bailey, and how generosity can triumph over greed. As a bonus, see how relevant the Mr. Potter character is, and how satisfying it is to watch Bailey win.
Tickets go fast, so don’t hesitate and plan your vacation this weekend to Bedford Falls! I hear you can even get the moon as a souvenir.
It’s a Wonderful Life
1946
dir. Frank Capra
130 min
Screens (on 35mm!) 12/13-12/15 @ Brattle Theatre
Friday, 12/13 at 4:30pm, 7:30pm
Saturday, 12/14 at 12:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 9:00pm
Sunday, 12/15 at 12:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 9:00pm
