George Bailey is always taking one step forward and two steps back. For every morally right action this philanthropic humanitarian takes, his own goals and dreams slip further away from him, but such is the price of putting others before himself. Now this could be seen as a rite of passage to Heaven; how morally righteous choices triumph over the selfish want to earn your place under the grace of God - however the Christmas scene and Christian theme is more of a framing device for the core message and does not affect the heart of the story. That comes from George's friends and family, and how life is not a singular isolated experience no matter the person (almost in a stoner, butterfly effect type of way). Circumstances in George's life become more and more unrelenting until one fateful Christmas eve when he is on the brink of losing everything, he contemplates suicide. That is of course until in his final act of kindness in helping an old man takes an odd twist as the old man turns out to be none other than Clarence the kindly Angel. He shows George what life would be for those in his life if the latter had never existed. This is George's rite of passage to happiness, to acceptance and love. George comes to accept that he is part of the community soul; while the welfare of these people have dominated his life, he comes to understand and appreciate that he is just as much a part of theirs. They care for him as he cares for them though they aren't as equipped to demonstrate it. It's this circle of caring that makes George realise people make the world go round; love, family, friends and appreciating what you have rather than what you want; selflessness - it's the spirit of Christmas after all.
Film Graduate, tea chugging, whiskey sipping metal head. Love of films, video games and a perfectly healthy appreciation for comic books. Black Bolt is the greatest superhero and Rock Me Amadeus is the best song ever made. No, don't argue.
