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The Best Years Of Our Lives

  • Director: William Wyler
  • Year: 1946
Out of the list films so far, this is the one that sounded most like "Oscar bait" (even though Oscar bait as a term wouldn't be coined until the early 80's).  The premise, with 3 returning servicemen each facing their own ordeals, certainly sounds melodramatic. Due to excellent direction and strong performances, it's superb. It's certainly well-attuned to the reality of the situation, with each character embodying a different aspect of Wyler's own experiences when he returned home - however, the film stays true to its unique characters that evolve and grow.  There are many scenes that feel like they were written to elicit our emotions, but in almost all cases, there is significantly more nuance in the direction. It's a historical artifact that has something to say about values are baked into the American experiment. In contrast to so many contemporary noirs, it tells a strong story with characters that feel true and refreshingly ordinary.
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