The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Movie Review

Here are some of my thoughts on this postwar classic about three servicemen returning home. I hope you enjoy the review. :)
Many special thanks to those who have shown additional appreciation for these videos through Ko-fi--THANK YOU!
If you happen to notice any awkward pauses or transitions here, that's because a) the file ended up so big that I decided to do less fine-tuning, and b) I had to cover up a few mistakes. That's not unusual--there's actually a lot of patching that goes on in the editing process--but sometimes the result isn't as smooth as I'd like. Hopefully nothing's too jarring here!
ko-fi.com/weiselberry

[@jk3521]

One of the greatest movies ever made ! Breaks your heart.

[@jamesalexander5623]

.... And then Gives You Hope!

[@michaelwolfe7105]

Betty Davis said, "The Best Years Of Our Lives" was the best movie ever made, PERIOD! A PROFOUND AND COMPLETELY ACCURATE STATEMENT EVEN TODAY.

[@jamescarbonaro596]

Thank you for remembering and honoring our Veterans, your review says it all.. Had tears in my eyes... :)

[@GeneRogers-xl9um]

I found your KZbin video by accident. I’m a Vietnam War veteran. My father fought in WW2 in the Pacific and his older brother fought in Europe. As one who’s had PTSD and it was not really recognized after the Vietnam War I commend you on a brilliant analogy of this movie. No words can convey the deep crevice of emotions this film brings to me. I honor my father who never spoke about his experiences and my uncle. As you might know I was drafted into the Army and after my training quickly deployed to Vietnam. It was a harrowing experience that still haunts me. I was not like and couldn’t wear my uniform in public places. I was identified as part of the war. To me this is one of the greatest movies about returning veterans who each one has to deal with fitting back into American society and trying to make it work! The dearest scene is Wilma helping Homer take of his hooks in his bedroom brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your honest and deep respect for the movie’s characters and their adjustments back to civilian life. May God keep you on your mission to keep your site active with human incite no matter how much it hurts or tells the truth. ❤

[@wayned1807]

By far the best review of any movie I've ever heard, let alone one of my favorites. So insightful, both the movie and your review. As a veteran of the Vietnam war, I can honestly say your comments at the end were extremely helpful and kind. We don't hear them enough. Thank you. I often think of that day when I came home after being away for 3 years. Adjustment doesn't come easy but managed to get through it. I was born just a couple of years after this movie was made and my Father was WWII Veteran in the Navy. His adjustment was much more difficult than mine but still lived till 2004. Our whole neighborhood growing up was full of WWII vets. May we never forget their sacrifice

[@CarlB_1962]

I saw the film for the first time a year or two ago and wasn’t prepared for the extent to which it affected me. My brother spent most of his working life in the army and, although he never fought in any international conflicts, he did several tours of Northern Ireland during “the troubles” in the 1970s, and I know he saw things there that affected his mental health for the rest of his life, which is probably what contributed to my reaction to the film. I know it’s a vague and inadequate way to describe such a richly textured film, but I found The Best Days of Our Lives to be a beautiful film, well-deserving of its Best Picture and other awards. Your review more than did it justice, and its impact on you was clear throughout.

[@roachman1412]

Glad to see young people discovering these old classics I just got the blu-ray amazon for $11.00 your doing a good job keep it up thanks for honoring are veterans 👍

[@THEPETERC1]

JW, your absolute best video essay: deep, thoughtful, moving, mature, and persuasive--the eloquence of a beautiful spirit. I actually thought of the Gettysburg Address and Faulkner's Nobel Prize acceptance speech while you were speaking. I was born in the same year as the film, and have lived to walk the the battle fields of the Civil War and the cemetery at Pearl Harbor, and have worked within sight of Arlington National Cemetery. Peter Collins, USAF 1964-1968. I write this as a civilian at heart, and not as an "old soldier".

[@duleybraza4558]

A beautiful review of one of my favorite movies and you nailed it at 23.30, as a vet, I kind of choked up. I appreciate your comments. On another note, Harold Russell wasn't just your typical pretty boy actor he was a life long advocate for the disabled veteran. He was appointed by President Johnson to chair the presidents committee on hiring the handicapped, which led to modifications to government buildings allowing access. I think his contributions to enabling the disabled in the workplace is often overlooked.

[@duleybraza4558]

Tennyson's "The Charge of the Light Brigade" is well known, but Rudyard Kipling wrote a lesser known poem titled "The Last of the Light Brigade" after seeing what happened to the surviving veterans of that war.

[@jody6851]

Harold Russell was never a trained or professional actor. After this film, he did not remain in show business and only appeared in another film many years later, even after he became the only actor in history to win two Academy Awards for the same role (best supporting actor and a special achievement Oscar for the role of Homer contributing to the morale of wounded vets). Russell actually lost his hands in an Army training accident explosion -- not from wounds in battle. William Wyler discovered him while watching an Army training film Russell was in called "Diary of a Sergeant" to help wounded vets with their rehabilitation. This film can be found on KZbin. Wyler immediately saw Russell had such film presence he had to cast him in the film as Homer. In the book, Homer was suffering from PTSD -- not the loss of his hands, but Wyler decided that wasn't visual enough for a film compared to Russell's prosthetics, though of course the scene of Dana Andrews having a PTSD nightmare inserts that condition back into the film. I knew a man who had the same hook prosthetics due to a chemical explosion that blew off his hands while mixing a solution as part of his work. Very similar to what actually happened to Harold Russell.

[@4Topwood]

I hope you won't hesitate in future to make a video about a movie that's been extensively covered by others. Your POV is always interesting, insightful and enjoyable. Now back to the video!

[@gatsuuga9]

Yeah 'cause I don't watch or read those other critics lol

[@winterburden]

True. I only watch Jerome Weiselberry, tbh.

[@marbanak]

@@gatsuuga9 BINGO!

[@4Topwood]

@@winterburden Same here.

[@billolsen4360]

Yes, she has a very bright analytical mind.

[@scott09g96]

Wow, you honor our Veterans beautifully. I'm having a hard time finding the words to type here, because this was very moving. I'm not a cryer, but this made the backs of my eyes prickle. Sooo well done! As you know, I was one of those who didn't see any real action during my time in the service and consequently felt my contribution was pretty insignificant. But for the first time in years this made me feel like my small sacrifice actually mattered. So thank you for that. I haven't seen this movie, and have no idea how I ever missed it. Definitely going to hunt it down. You did an outstanding job describing how it feels to come home after being gone for so long and having to re-adjust to normal life. It looks like this movie nailed it. I think another movie that pulled this off well was The Hurt Locker. Not sure of you've seen it but toward the end the main character comes home from his deployment and there's a scene where he's standing in a grocery store just looking at all the options, appearing lost, overwhelemed and out of place. He's been surviving with the barest of minimums for so long that even a grocery store just seems surreal to him. He later has a small breakdown with his wife and says something along the lines of "there's a war going on over there and nobody here cares about it." Its an accurate depiction of what you go through. I was never in a war zone, but spent months at a time away from my family on other state-side mobilizations. Your whole life is your service. But the world moves on without you. You miss your loved ones and think of them often, but come home and feel like they didn't even notice you were gone. It takes time to adjust back into a civilian routine, but even when you do there's a part of your time away that never leaves. Its always with you. I've been out of the Army for abt ten years now, and still have dreams I'm back on some barracks a thousand miles away and am a year away from seeing any loved ones again. Thanks again for this touching review. Your content just gets better and better, and you knocked it out of the park as always with this one. Hope you had a happy Veterans Day.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you, not just for your service, but for being so open about your own experience. Your story testifies to the film's timelessness.

[@rmoore1686]

The Best Years Of Our Lives is on KZbin. If you watch it you’ll love ❤️ it. It’s a wonderful movie.

[@victordelacruz7985]

I recently saw william wyler being interviewed and was in awe of his energy. much like francis ford coppola.it seems like their strength and energy never ends.like john carpenter says being director is a very hard job

[@debedwards1717]

I just watched this movie for the first time yesterday. I loved it. Thanks to KZbin I can watch all the movies I want from the 30’s to 50’s.

[@lewstone5430]

Just watched it for the first time yesterday. I graduated from a military college, have been around a lot of active duty personnel and veterans, and this film got to me. It’s still free on KZbin as of January 2024.

[@AllanGonnella]

Whenever I see this film it reminds me of my father after WWII. After the war he settled in Southern California (moving from Minneapolis) and there was absolutely no work for the returning GI's. He was working in a statuary for decorative yard statues and fountains for like 25 cents an hour. The country was still transitioning from a war-time economy to a peace-time economy and jobs were hard to get. After getting married in 1946 they lived in a little apartment above a garage in a back alley and could barely afford the rent. Times were really rough for a few years until the late 40's.

[@carolelinda6476]

My all-time favorite movie. I never fail to be crying at the end.

[@WilliamBrothers]

This movie is so incredibly powerful. My dad and grandfather were WW2 vets and had a special place in their heart for this movie

[@stevebiddell2839]

Great review Jerry (Now Voyager?). Very warm appreciation for your veterans! Ironically only the petulant Marie complained about giving up the best years of her life - none of the guys did,even having sacrificed so much!

[@myrondyal6117]

I AM A VET AND EVERY TIME I HEAR THIS MUSIC I CRY.....IT JUST HITS ME IN THE HEART AND MY GRIEF FOR MY FRIENDS THAT NEVER CAME HOME!!! MYRON DYAL

[@tonydeluna8095]

Hi Jerome, I will be here always supporting your channel whatever days you upload a video, God bless you and your family

[@petermetcalfe6722]

I've seen it several times and saw it just a few months ago. It's one of my all time favourites and like you I always get emotional at the beginning. A friend of mine met Theresa Wright in London UK in the late '70s and she thanked her for asking for her autograph. She was a lovely lady.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

The scene where Homer salutes Al and Fred as they drive away in the taxi always gets me. So much is going on in that scene, but it seems so simple.

[@williammedford5891]

A warm and wise review of an important movie. I was born in 1946, and served back to back tours in Vietnam, so thanks for the love.

[@arnepianocanada]

The summary may be your best monologue ever. It recalls the horror of Vietnam veterans returning from a war they did not ask to fight, derided and belittled by antiwar masses.

[@Hi-jw7oq]

It’s on free on Pluto I’m going to watch it

[@homeworkandheartwork1724]

I immediately went and watched this, as it was a WWII era movie I hadn’t seen. Oh man, how beautiful. And I couldn’t even get through the first 15 min or so without crying. So so good! Thank you for recommending this!

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed the film!

[@charlieeckert4321]

My all time favorite and it has been for years. One of the best pieces of directing I have ever seen is when Peggy covers Fred's eyes in the nightmare scene. How perfect!

[@mariafinn1082]

Beautiful film. I have watched it at least 7-8 times. Just hearing the opening credits music makes my eyes tear up. So many great comments here showing worthy appreciation for this masterpiece. There is not a single moment in this film that doesn't hold the viewer's rapt attention. I can't put into words how much I adore this film. My father served in the Pacific in WW2, came home, married my Mom and raised me and my five siblings. They truly were The Greatest Generation. Homer and Wilma's street reminds me so much of the street of my childhood. IMHO, the best movie ever made.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Best Years is a tremendous film, I've seen it several times, and, as usual, you did it justice with passion, insight and intelligence. Well done, JW!

[@iakona23]

Oh yes, one of the all-time great movies by any measure. It’s so good. This was the highest grossing film since Gone With The Wind when it was released.

[@jody6851]

I believe it also was the biggest hit the same year in Great Britain, as well. The British could completely relate to the film for obvious reasons.

[@tommoncrieff1154]

@@jody6851 Yes. It’s a purely American story in its specifics but its characters and emotions are universal.

[@davidschecter5247]

What a fabulous review you gave. I enjoyed it almost as much as this movie, easily one of the greatest American motion pictures of all-time. I think it will always be timeless. It's still relevant today, 75ish years later.

[@lbbotpn5429]

I get choked up just thinking about Homer's homecoming... I got a little choked up when you just showed the stills... Nicely done, JW...!

[@caomhan84]

I love that top...fall AND owls! And yes I like that movie. I saw it and the first thing that struck me was when they were in the boneyard with all of the planes being disassembled. At first I was sad when I saw that, because I love classic war aviation, but then I thought about it and it's sort of a metaphor for the soldiers returning home. They're no longer needed for war and now they have to strip down their training and return to civilian life. As for one of the storylines, let's just say that it hits close to home for me. I have cerebral palsy, so watching this movie was a bit emotional. I don't tear up often in movies, I really don't. But this one made me tear up. I really do love it, for many reasons, not least of which is a great portrait of post-war life. And I'll echo another comment below. It doesn't matter if this film has been covered ad nauseam by other people from KZbin or by scores of movie critics for the past 75 years. You're the only "movie person" I watch on KZbin. So your viewpoint is the only one that matters when it comes to classic movies. I'll always enjoy hearing it.

[@GoodmanMIke59]

20:49 The penultimate scene showing all six principal characters is amazing. Everybody gets swallowed up except Fred and Peggy.

[@danvalenti]

When I listen to her takes on older movies I have hope for the future

[@patrick4662]

She really is something else

[@sallybrown4947]

Terrific Job. I talked to a WWII Vet just yesterday and brought up the Movie and he knew it and loved it.

[@anthonyperez5757]

I've seen this movie at least three times but it wasn't till I saw your review of it that I really appreciated the camera work. Thank you.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

I'm glad I could point out something new!

[@michaelreeves1429]

Just discovered you this morning and watching your reviews. You're doing great. and yes I liked and Subscribed. That said what I feel that really sets this movie apart is William Wyler understanding as a disabled war vet himself having lost most of his hearing flying on bombing raids - to the point he used head phones to hear dialogue when making pictures after the war . He himself went through PTSD, having issues both professionally and personally. Great review. I think a great scene is when Dana Andrews is trying to buzz into his apartment and falls down drunk. - He was really drunk according to Ms Loy. there's more about that - but he cleaned up his act and turned in a great performance.

[@tim2269]

Strong work JW.This film and this generation bring my feelings to the surface everytime

[@liquidbronstein]

On WW2 PTSD can I recommend Tunes of Glory (1960).Which Hitchcock thought 'one of the finest films ever made' and Anthony Burgess considered exceptional.

[@rsacchi100]

Great review and wonderful tribute at the end. Having the veterans in the nose of a B-17 and the view of the countryside was a fantastic idea. It shows them they are home and what a beautiful country it is. The scene in the junkyard is also touching because it's easy to empathize with the feeling the former captain might think he also belongs in a junkyard. It's within this mass of scap metal that he makes the right decision that gets him on track for civilian life. There are so many little things in the film that got things so right. Thanks for posting.

[@ericlawrence8753]

Very good review. I was nice to get your comments about this excellent film.

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

One of my favorite moments in this movie comes when Peggy says to her parents that they never had and trouble. Milly turns to Al and says, '"We never had any trouble." How many times have I told you I hated you and believed it in my heart? How many times have you said you were sick and tired of me; that we were all washed up? How many times have we had to fall in love all over again?' A very adult response in a very adult movie. Thank you, JW, for this thoughtful, sensitive, and eloquent review.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Yes, that's a great moment!

[@sumo0172]

Thank you for sharing. Your personal thoughts are just as impactful as facts you provide. This movie always brings tears to my eyes as well. I have many friends and family who are veterans and I remember this being one of the first movies I saw that helped me understand the struggles of veterans. Your words about and to veterans are amazing! Bravo!

[@dennisjames6753]

Been years since I've seen this film. I love the cast, themes and production of this film. I should get a copy of it.

[@rayrain5505]

I cannot think of anything else to add to what you had commented on. Everything was on point. "The Best Years of Our Lives" is one of the best movies that I have ever seen. You are not wrong about not being choked up within 30 minutes of the movie.

[@rickpalacio7]

Hi Jerome! I'm so glad you decided to give a full, dedicated review to this film even though you've mentioned it in the past. I've always felt that it's one of the very greatest movies that Hollywood has ever produced. I feel that way for many reasons, most of which you covered eloquently in your thoughtful and multi-faceted review. One of the main reasons it's a masterpiece for me is that, although I love many films made in the Hollywood system because they're entertaining, beautifully executed and enthralling, it may be said that not all of them are "true". This one is. True, compassionate, honest and very human. It speaks from both the heart and the head. What more can one ask from a film?

[@peterermish3017]

Your essay was very very good. Wise, insightful, sincere. Impressive.

[@zantigar]

One of your very best reviews of one of the most beautiful movies ever to come out of Hollywood. I groaned, "I dunno..." when I saw the 26 min. time length on the thumbnail before hitting play, but your discussion was so brilliant and moving, the entire thing was over before I knew it! "I'd never categorize this film as a romance, but it is romantic." - so perfectly put! I'm so glad you indeed took the time and effort to bring this masterpiece to everyone's attention. Your sincerity and generosity are greatly appreciated!

[@kurtlarson6678]

Thank you for your excellent tribute to our men and women who serve our country as we remember our veterans. Your review was insightful as always with many interesting facts about the making of the movie. Thank you for your work!

[@bertpunkaficionado8357]

The Best Years Of Our Lives is my absolute favorite film. I'm hard-pressed to think of a film I love more. Honorable mention would go to The Grapes of Wrath (winner for film/novel combo, and also Gregg Toland as DP) and It's A Wonderful Life (I love more every year). I love the blank verse style for Kantor's novel. William Wyler is so underappreciated.

[@mandolindleyroadshow706]

Terrific review. One correction - Homer was always part of the story, both in the Kantor book and the screenplay. What director, William Wyler, did was recast the role. Originally, it was to be played by Farley Granger (in his acting debut), with a different war injury. It's when Wyler saw a training film featuring Harold Russell using his hooks that the director decided this was a more realistic way to go, and thus, Russell was hired to play Homer. I learned his in a great resource, a book called "The Making of The Best Years of Our Lives" by Alison Macor. A must read for fans of this film. By the way, the book also tells how Fred MacMurray turned down the role of Al Stephenson because he only wanted to do "starring" roles, and he saw this film as an ensemble.

[@RaptorFromWeegee]

Naw, Fred "Mr. Douglas" MacMurray would not have been good in this film. Too young to be Al Stephenson but a little too old to be Fred Derry. Dana Andrews was old too but still perfect for the role. "Best Years..." was like a perfect storm that created a great movie.

[@artbagley1406]

You've created a touching, emotional analysis of TBYoOL as well as tossing in film production history and nuts-and-bolts lessons of cinematography. Were I a professor of film history at a university, your video would be required viewing with, perhaps, a related essay question on the course's final exam! A very apt salute to America's veterans on their special day of recognition. Thank you for your insights and heartfelt look into such a great film!

[@dclarkin4671]

You do a really good job breaking this wonderful masterpiece down. Great job. My absolute favorite movie in the world. Nothing can beat if for human drama, nostalgia for a past time, and honor for our veterans. Well done.

[@reader1956]

It's a much better movie than "Citizen Kane" though, interestingly, both have magnificent camera work by the same man ~ Gregg Toland. This is a magnificent movie. Maybe the first cinematic depiction of PTSD (Fred Derry) that I can think of. I also love the ensemble-scene-acting. No resting here. Everyone has to be on point in those scenes - at Butch's (twice) and the nose of the bomber. Also, the opening music themes when the titles come up is one of the most stirring themes I've ever heard in a movie. It gives me chills every single time I see this movie. It is also reprised at the very end. Wonderful, wonderful.

[@williamblakehall5566]

Thank you for this. I love this film, I sit down for it any time it comes on. I must be one of the few people who related to Al Stephenson's son Rob, so gawky and earnest and awkward. (You're right, we get a particularly great performance from Fredric March.) We always like the new data you bring, Rome, but we also enjoy and value your instincts and impressions, so please never talk yourself out of giving us your own personal take on anything already widely discussed, because this essay worked out beautifully. Your mix of sensitive heart and analytic mind packs a mighty wallop. PTSD was indeed an awkward subject way back then -- I recall a short film using a DOG to convey the problem of PTSD in a kind of public service announcement. A DOG. "He just doesn't seem like his old self." Ouch! I also appreciate the Hoagy Carmichael character of Butch. The "And for what?" scene always infuriates and moves me. I call it "alchemy" whenever a thousand little elements of a movie all seem to come out right, and that's what this is. By the by, my parents met in the Air Force, I would literally not exist without their service. Very much appreciated, Rome, owl be seeing you.

[@esaaecha]

Hello, well your review of this film is not only heart warming, but intelligent and comforting. Thank you for quenching my thirst with a tall drink of guaranteed interest. I hope i hear more from you in the future. May GOD richly bless you.

[@arthur12345cat]

Still a very moving film, thought provoking, and offers no easy answers just have to make the best of life with your loved ones

[@howardfrank6050]

I'm the son of a World War II vet ('43-'46) who exhibited the "Greatest Generation" values seen in this amazing film. Dad quietly went about his life, served others, and like Fred Derry, seldom discussed and frequently downplayed his military service. He did what was expected. That was his generation. So, like you, I tear up when Fred's dad reads General Doolittle's citation. That sizes up The Greatest Generation's approach to life. And I'd add for the record--they sold pots and pans for scrap, lived on rationed food, and didn't dump billions on future generations to fund the war--they bought war bonds. Your review is excellent--and the first I've seen from "Jerome." Your delivery and demeanor are self-effacing and sincere. I can see why you've hit the eight-year mark. Perhaps you should do a "Wilder versus Wyler: Two Paths to Redemption" segment. Wilder takes the low road--sarcasm and self-interest lie at the center. Wyler speaks to cardinal virtues--love of family, love of country, courage (physical and moral), and decency. Sergeant Sefton of "Stalag 17" is the anti-Fred Derry. But in the end, Sefton assists the escaping flyer and reveals the spy in their midst. C.C. Baxter of "The Apartment" is not Judah Ben Hur, but even Baxter becomes a "mensch" in the end. I probably identify with Wilder's worldview more than Wyler's, but understand there's plenty of room for both. Meanwhile, keep up the good work!

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you!

[@janishannes9221]

This is one of my favorite movies, and you’ve done an extraordinary commentary on it! Glad I found your channel.

[@ralphcoviello8430]

Well done! Could not have been said better than your wonderful appreciation of a great film and its equally great score. Thanks!

[@denisrodrigues1455]

In the same year of the unforgettable Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful life", there was another masterpiece called "The Best Year Of Our Lives". For me, this movie has elements that gave it its great value: a extremely well done performance of all the cast (specially, as you said, by Harold Russell, that could bring a very real emotion and feeling in his acting); a sensible way to talk about feelings (for me, when the parents of Theresa Wright's character said to her that she don't has idea about the misunderstandings moments about them in their relationship); and the great cinematography scenes (like the broken airplanes in that airport). The presence of Hoagy Carmichael (composer of the classic "Stardust") as a pianist is other special point. And, it must also be said: the wonderful treatment about the life of a people with disabilities, their challanges with the society in general and the real and good feeling winning in the end. Fantastic! Today, I try to keep my DVD collection, and this movie is one that deserves a very special place and care. Thanks, JW, for another great review and option!

[@taanbrown4275]

Great job Jerome! Ur approaching 7000subs! Gee wiz! I feel like I remember when it was in the hundreds? Maybe under, and you've come a long way. Thank you for taking the time and all,of your dedication to this. Idk the first thing about filming takes or edititing, and I appreciate what you've done and how much you have learned on the fly. Uss Philadelphia helmsman/planesman here, machinist mate, petty officer of the deck, guard sentry and look out. This is the perfect stuff to watch to relax:) wish me luck in school this week! H14signing off.

[@larky368]

I love the part where Fred wakes up in a bed with lace curtains and he immediately checks his wallet.

[@dondemko2934]

Jerome, this was my favorite of all of your reviews! All of the specific scenes and moments you cited (especially Homer looking at the dawn on board the plane and Fred's father reading his medal citations) were scenes that mean the world to me. The moment where Wilma forces Homer to make his final decision was one of the most poignant and beautiful in cinema history, and I can never watch it too many times. Your depth and insights are awesome; I don't see anyone online who does better film reviews than you. Keep up the great work.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you! I agree, that sequence between Wilma and Homer is so perfectly done, and I love that they took their time with it. Nothing in this film feels rushed, and it's all the better for it.

[@billcouch8308]

Excellent insightful analysis of the greatest film ever made!!

[@SabrinApollo]

What a great overview of my favourite movie. I watch it a few times a year. I never noticed Fred holding Homer’s hook and shielding him after Fred punched the “and what for” guy. Every time I do watch it, I am amazed at all the nuances I have missed when I discover a new one.

[@jody6851]

My mother lost a brother serving in the 7th Army in France during WWII -- an uncle I'd never meet. She was of the generation being depicted in the film. The early street scenes seen through the windows of the taxi showing young mothers wheeling their babies represent women who are either dead now or in their 90s if still alive. One woman wheeling her baby carriage even looks like my mother at that time. And those babies were the first wave of all aging Baby Boomers now in their mid to late 70s. Whenever "Best Years of Our Lives" would come on TV, my mother would try to watch it but would always break down sobbing after just a few minutes and could never watch the film in full even decades after the war had ended.

[@cjpreach]

LOVE - LOVE - LOVE this Review! Thorough. Informative. Interesting. Well done, my dear.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@tylerolsonfilms]

great review jerome. keep up the great work! this is one of my favorite films!!

[@kevinrussell1144]

I neglected to say it in my earlier comment, but let me add now......... a really solid, thoughtful review of a true classic.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tomsharkey7034]

One of your best reviews and one of the best reviews I have seen on KZbin. This is a great movie with a great director and fabulous cast. I particularly liked Dana Andrews in as you said what may be his best role. I also liked your tribute at the end. Your intellect and talent are something to look forward to in your movie reviews and readings. Thanks for being so good.

[@dansmith3085]

I have very mixed feelings about the way the American military has been used around the world by the parade of cretins that have ruled over us for the last century or so. Having said that, my father was a veteran of Korea and Vietnam. I will not question the courage or commitment of anyone that chose to serve.

[@dileniaa.8580]

I can relate to your comment.

[@apricotcookie4850]

I love this film and watch it every single time it shows on TCM. Your review was as amazing as the film itself: touching, intelligent, perceptive, sensitive, profound. Thank you for this. And for your spot on, heartfelt tribute to our veterans, past, present, and future. Your delicate touch packed quite an emotional wallop. Thank you!

[@dscameron]

WOW! Your review is insightful, academic and passionate. That’s a wonderful perspective to bring to a movie review. You manage to impart film facts, the character and charisma of the actors and the quality of the film and its reception and perspective at the time of the release. Great work! I’m looking forward to watching more of your reviews. Thanks.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you!

[@peterconetta399]

Thanks for a brilliant review of this truly classic movie. I've seen it many times but still can't resist watching it again every time they show it on TCM.

[@RSEFX]

This movie conjures up so many thoughts, moments and, sadly, regrets and feelings of loss, that, to me, in spite of the extreme emotions, it is an absolute MUST-see for everyone. It moved me very much to see a profound, deeply-felt and expressed commentary by someone so removed in time (but obviously not in feelings) from that tumultuous, world and people-changing era. Of course, my thoughts go back to my parents (now long gone) and the anguish they endured and the strengths they summoned (my dad was stationed in the jungles of the Pacific in that war) in those trying years, a time, no doubt, that changed, impacted them for the rest of their lives in many, unfortunately never fully buried but often invisible-on-the-surface ways. This review is a treasure, like the film itself, as first, inspiring us about the best in humanity after its having survived its worst, and, at deepest heart, as a reminder, a remembrance, a requiem.

[@peterermish3017]

Your review was intelligent and insightful. It will be a reference point for me when considering other reviews.

[@jasonpeters9295]

You've done a beautiful job of bringing out the jewels in this movie. I was interested in seeing what post-war movies were made in the late forties and I chose this movie by chance. And I'm glad I did. I was a little worried at first because of the almost 3 hours run time, but the movie starts off right away hitting my internal, emotion-loaded soft spots with the unbelievably real coming home scenes, and the oncoming, inevitable family transitions. To put it in old fashioned terms, this movie really does have a happy ending, i.e. everybody makes out on the deal, in the end everyone is happy. Happiness is everywhere. Your commentary gave me some extraordinary highlights I did not notice at first, but I more fully appreciate now. Great job on the video. Thanks!

[@Nax12345678910]

Hello J., this was a nice surprise. I've seen the film twice and I'm long overdue to watch it again. Agree with everything you said, and love that you pointed out the things I'd not noticed or taken for granted, like the deep focus and unusual mirror angles. Excellent job with this, look forward to more.

[@mr.danandhorror4230]

Excellent review Jerome! I was only vaguely aware of this thinking it only focused on Harold Russell's character -now I really feel the need to see it!

[@marycampanella2433]

You did a wonderful job reviewing this movie. You maintained continuity and retold this very long movie in a very short time, hitting all the important scenes and themes. Also, some of the important technical and musical features, but not excessively. You even gave an excellent synopsis of the post-war ethos which this movie depicts-- the good and the ugly. This is the best review of any film I've seen on KZbin. Nice job.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you!

[@davidfrench2653]

Hello, I enjoyed very much your review of one of my all-time favorite movies which I just watched for the first time in many years. I think your commentary is spot-on, and you pointed out several things which I had missed. I will subscribe and look forward to seeing more of your work.

[@ygstuff4898]

Great review, and great thoughts.

[@jadehobman]

I really loved your analysis, so enjoyable to watch, done in such a respectful and kind way, the use of words to describe - I wish my vocab was a top notch as yours! I loved the movie, especially the surprise of Peggy and the Captain getting together, and how kind the three main women characters were.

[@davefsmith6040]

I'm a fan of the film - you brought out a few things that I wasn't aware of, making my appreciation for the film all the deeper.... Question ... would you consider this an "Anti-War" film..?? It certainly does not attempt to show the "Gung-Ho, we're the best - fruits of our victory" feeling of the films that were so prevalent at the time... YET.. it didn't actually condemn the war, but pointed out the unspoken, unexposed tragedy ... regardless, another WONDERFUL review.... You're videos are so rich, focused, engaging...and I think you're great, Jeri .

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you! I wouldn't call it an antiwar film per se because to me it doesn't fit with more overt and outspoken films in that category. But it does have a subtle bite, questioning the cost and criticizing certain attitudes. My feeling is that it falls somewhere in the middle and (for the most part) takes the point of view that war is horrible, but there are times when it can't be avoided. And when such times come, those who go off to fight need the support of those they're fighting for, both during the war and after it. Interesting question!

[@rmoore1686]

I didn’t take it as being anti-war. It’s an honest film. It deals with reality.

[@frankg7177]

Thanks for your wonderful, insightful review of this great film!

[@betinaceciliafeld9854]

Such an excellent and touching review! I love this movie and I haven't watched in a very long time. Thanks to you I think I'll be rewatching it soon.

[@Sp33gan]

I wouldn't call it a romance, either. It's a healing of hearts and souls. It's a message to other returning service members that there is hope and things will get better. Thank you for noticing the musical score. From a time when the music was as important to the movie as the acting and the dialogue. While American Graffiti made use of the Rock 'n' Roll soundtrack to act as storyteller, but so many movies since then just fill the time with music that hasn't any bearing on the story or the feeling and mood. Back then, the score was an art in itself, drawing from influence and inspiration. Anyone who doesn't cry a little at this movie feels nothing inside. The performances are all top notch but, as you say, Harold Russell's Homer steals the pride of place. Emotion is conveyed in perfectly subtle ways and wonderful facial expressions. We don't need to see their tears. We can feel them. Thank you, Jerome ♥

[@michaelcooper3425]

I saw this in the early 80's (I think), when they would still show classics on regular TV. I haven't seen it since because I found it heartbreaking, I feel the same about the Omaha Beach landing in Saving Private Ryan. I only saw it once at the theater. The one scene that stuck with me was when Fred walked through the aircraft graveyard. Excellent review, as always.

[@tallmikbcroft6937]

Amazing! I just watched this movie for the first time yesterday. I love your review. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@rdleahey]

Your review is absolutely brilliant. I never realized how long the move was until you pointed it out. Now I see that time for me was suspended while I was engrossed in this great film. My only regret is that this movie was in competition with another of my very favorite moves; "It's a Wonderful Life", which was robbed of an Academy Award by bad timing. And, as a man, I must say - prior to watching this movie, if I had occasion to say, "Wilma", I would say, "Wilma". Now every time I hear or think of "Wilma", I think, "Wilma!". She is to DIE for.

[@earthcreature5824]

It has been a few years since I have seen this film.I thought very highly of it.The 170 minutes is a running time earned.The thing that strikes me the most about this film is that it was released only a year after the war ended.Many people were not released from their service til 46.This would have been more than just a film for a post war audience.I'm sure that it gave them some comfort to have a story that projected their own lives.I'd be fascinated to know what the collective experience of watching this film felt like in 1946-7.Francis Ford Coppola listed this as one of the 10 greatest films in the 2012 Sight and Sound poll.I never really knew how my own grandparents re-adjusted to civilian life after the war.Like many things,I wish I had asked them.Thank you for such a heartfelt presentation.

[@danielboyer5073]

Well done, Jerome this is My favorite film & I watched it for over 50 years. You Covered a Great Host of details , other reviewers didn't touch on. The music, William Wyler's directing, too much to text but you covered 99.9% of important facts of the movie 🎬 there is a kinda sorta sequel to best years, that came out 5 years later : I WANT YOU SADLY WE WERE IN A NEW WAR.... KOREA & NOT A POLICE ACTION . SOME OF THE CAST OF BEST YEARS WAS IN THIS FILM, DANA ANDREWS , RAY COLLINS WHO WAS FREDIC MARCH'S BANK BOSS IN BEST YEARS. THE ACTOR WHO PLAYED HARROLD RUSSEL'S DAD IN BEST YEARS WAS IN THIS. ALSO PEGGY DOW WHO WAS IN HARVEY WITH JIMMY STEWART IS IN THIS OUT OF THE MAINCAST OF I WANT YOU SHE IS THE LAST MAIN CAST LIVING MEMBER OF THIS FILM. ALSO JIM BACKUS (MR. MAGOO 'S VOICE & MR. HOWELL OF GILLIAN'S ISLAND 📺) IS IN IT. WHO ALSO AGAIN CO - STARED WITH DANA ANDREWS IN HIS LAST FILM... BROTHER JACK ABOUT JFK . BUT GETTING BACK TO BEST YEARS , YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB OF COVERING BEST YEARS YOURS IS THE BEST REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIC 🎬 FILM. IT HAS & WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME !! THANK YOU FOR DOING JUSTICE BY IT ! D.BOYER USAF (Ret.)

[@billolsen4360]

Your insights on the story are illuminating. Wish more people like you were doing professional movie reviews.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you for those kind words!

[@4Topwood]

Thank you for a insightful review and a very moving tribute to our veterans. I don't have anything else to add; you've said it all, very eloquently.

[@RSEFX]

Btw, if you haven't seen it, i think it is definitely worth watching DIARY OF A SERGEANT. It fills in Russell's background nicely. (Though not credited, it was directed by Joseph Newman, who later directed the classics 711 OCEAN DRIVE and THIS ISLAND EARTH. He lived near me, a very very warm, accomplished, compassionate man.)

[@rivkabornstein]

Your reviews are fantastic! detailed, excellent multi faceted analysis.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you!

[@island007100]

Wonderful review and your closing comments are just magnificent. Thank you.

[@sedumplant]

Well done! I saw it when I was a teen during those years and have seen it since a number of times. I still get emotional over it. My three uncles served in the army during that war and thankfully came back physically whole but not without emotional and psychological trauma. From my perspective it seems as if that war was different from all those that have followed, but I would be guessing to suggest the differences. Thank you!

[@custardflan]

What a wonderful detailed review. Thanks. I cannot watch this movie without weeping from the first airplane ride. Great reaction.

[@nationaltrails9585]

Growing up during the 60's, one of the two TV channels we received would sometimes show this film occasionally in a time slot before the evening news. I never watched it, but preferred to watch instead Tarzan, Science Fiction, Comedies and Abbott and Costello movies. It wasn't till as an adult that I finally decided to give it a chance and watch it on Turner Classic Movies. Wow!...I was deeply affected and now hold it in high regard as others have written. Out of chance I've suggested it to other KZbin reactors but none have reacted to it. Unfortunately, it appears there is a reluctance to react to anything in filmed in Black and White and made before the 70's (hopefully that will improve) .Another thing, it doesn't need to be done but I have wondered what it would be like if it were remade today. Congratulations on your most excellent review and appreciation for the Veterans, their families and for those who didn't come home (my Dad was a WWII Marine who served in the Pacific and did come home).

[@JohnSmith-hh5tz]

I have seen the film too many times to count. Just found your movie review. I actually watched your entire review. You do a great job. I will subscribe. Thanks for the review and the work you put into it.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.