Maureen Maher

This film is an absolute revelation of how deeply you can enter into a great story when it's given all the time and care it deserves to properly unfold. It made me embarrassed for modern films with effects that are aimed AT the viewer; this movie is a 3-hour cleanly-filmed, human-scaled invitation to absorb and recognize, and finally revel in, the gorgeous value of human life. Miraculously there are no cheap shots here, no judgment of those grappling with circumstances both momentous and mundane that drive them at an epic historical moment, and to which they respond in very authentic ways. Even the most minor supporting characters who are losing their battles with vice or are as yet oblivious to the value of life are treated with a level compassion and dignity that must have been born of the enormity of what humanity had just endured when the film was made in 1946. Thank you, William Wyler, for the pleasures of long, naturally developing scenes which allow us to fall in love over and over again with such a variety of vulnerable souls. And for the endearing, well-placed and unforced moments of quirkiness which keep the story from emotionally bogging down. I will watch this film again for many reasons, not the least of which is Harold Russell's face. Its naturalness as he works through his fears and accomplishments transcends mastery; he's figuring it out as we watch. I'd like more time with Fredric March as well. His character is given the lion's share of The Message to deliver. How tempting it may have been to chew the scenery, yet he chooses restraint, with additional intensity at the moments it matters most. With surprisingly few lines, Myrna Loy's charm & charisma hold all the storylines together. Her patience, practicality and optimism speak for William Wyler himself on the screen. So many other standout performances! Virginia Mayo is delish and Hoagy Carmichael musically delights while quietly steering choices toward love. The bank president. The bombadier's stepmom and father. So few lines but so well done. William Wyler, you genius you! ❤️

Enjoyable on many levels, although the big reveal needs to be grounded in better foreshadowing, ie knowing when the protagonist's surgery occurred in the film's timeline. The leads & cinematography dazzle, although Emma Thompson overdoes her shtick by half. Sorry, Emma!