Release Year: 1939
Average Rating:
Last Reviewed On: July 2, 2002 (by Scott)
(DVD version)
Scott's Review:
on July 2, 2002This is a movie that manages to hold up pretty well against the tides of time. I'm not going to suggest that it holds up perfectly though. Basically, it's the story of a naive man that goes to Washington, and gets it in him to do his good deed. Only, in the process, he finds all the forces are working against him, and he ends up fighting against the system.
It is in many ways a classic. Showing the David versus Goliath struggle in our modern governments, and also highlighting the general loss of principles that many candidates suffer once they get into office (or at least, so it seems). In that respect, it's a brilliant film. The story is very well done, and the acting, especially by Stewart, is incredible. The entire filibuster scene remains one of the defining scenes of Stewart's movies.
There are some bits that tarnish around the edges. Some of the elements of the movie are overly dramatic, as appears to be Frank Capra's style, and also generally the style of the time. A couple of scenes stand out, such as the "all men are created equal", and the "little boys in danger" scenes. If they appeared in movie of today's era, I'm sure they would fail to provoke any reaction other than laughter.
That aside, the movie really is good, and I can very easily see why it's in the same category as such movies as It's a Wonderful Life.
-- Scott and Michelle