On B List of Movie Reviews

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The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 9/13

9/13: Directed by William Wyler, The Best Years of Our Lives is a moving, albeit long, film about several returning veterans of WWII, but it's certainly not Best Picture material.

However, this one is the originator of its genre, that is, war veterans who are trying to adjust to their normal lives. As far as acting goes, Myrna Loy is the winner. So, I'm surprised she didn't receive an Academy Award nomination. She's sublime and a true woman. Frederic March and Dana Andrews are very good, too. Virginia Mayo plays her part beautifully well.

Harold Russell, a former soldier who actually served and lost his arms during the war, steals the show, winning two Oscars for his performance. Oddly, he wasn't given a billing like the rest of the thespians. Won't that be defined as a discrimination against people with disabilities, or is it because he's a nobody?

All in all, The Best Years of Our Lives is a feel-good movie, but it's too long.

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