Movies that changed my life: A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

Here’s why I think Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1946 film A Matter of Life and Death is life-changing. I managed to avoid discussing the second half of the film, so there’s no spoiler alert on this one. But if you haven’t seen it yet and would prefer to know absolutely nothing about it, then don’t watch this video!

[@whatonearth9809]

I watched this for the first time tonight, it’s an absolute masterpiece! Conductor 71 is a great role played impeccably! Lovely film.

[@NickSayre]

Great video! Just watched this recently and adored it. It's comparable to It's a Wonderful Life.

[@movierecsbylex]

Thank you so much! :)

[@andrewtongue7084]

A beautiful summation, Lex. I've always considered that one should not consolidate one's position at any, one time in life in the negative. It's clear you're a decent person, so don't allow yourself to consider otherwise. This film has been my favourite since the age of nine - it is an unparalleled masterpiece. To you: take care & stay safe, Best, Andrew 🙂

[@movierecsbylex]

Thank you so much, Andrew! :) Wow, I'm surprised you saw this when you were 9. I feel like you must have had someone in your life who introduced you to great films at an early age!

[@andrewtongue7084]

I come from a family of movie buffs, Lex, & on my Mother's side, there are a number of stage & film actors; I'm Irish & considerably older than your good self (I have a son who's just turned twenty-four - he's also a film aficianado - & single ! Just kiddin' 😉). My son & I send greetings from across the pond - Nollaig shona !! (Merry Christmas) 🙂

[@forrestsprague1095]

This series is one of the best I've seen that covers both subtextual elements of films, while also highlighting their continued resonance in the context of the modern human condition. The subjective elements you highlight in terms of how they change your life or philosophy speak to the universality of these works. I look forward to many more to come!

[@movierecsbylex]

Oh wow, thank you so much! I feel like a lot of people don't watch these, so I was struggling to decide which movie I wanted to talk about next since these seem to be my least popular videos.

[@forrestsprague1095]

@@movierecsbylex I really recommend Wings by Larisa Shepitko and Mr. Thank You and Ornamental Hairpin by Hiroshi Shimizu if you haven't seen them already. Similarly affirming to other films you've covered

[@movierecsbylex]

@@forrestsprague1095 Ooh thank you! That first one was already on my watchlist, but I just added the other two :) Mr. Thank You seems especially up my alley!