Sight & Sound
It has everything it should have -- a literate and often sharp and honest script by Robert E. Sherwood, supple direction by William Wyler, and is ingratiatingly played by at least one actor -- Frederic March.
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The Best Years of Our Lives
William Wyler’s Best Picture-winning classic at the 1947 Academy Awards, following three servicemen going through the difficult phase of social re-adjustment after World War II. Fredric March and Harold Russell won Oscars for their roles, starring alongside Dana Andrews, Myrna Loy, Virginia Mayo and Teresa Wright.
Al Stephenson (March) cannot seem to connect with fellow ex-servicemen when he’s placed in a comfortable position at a bank. Fred Derry (Andrews) is unable to find a steady blue-collar job while his marriage suffers. Homer Parrish (Russell) had both his hands burnt off in the war, causing him to question his fiancée's feelings – is she still genuinely in love with him or sticking around out of pity?
Less1946Rating: G170 minsUSA
DramaRomanceWarClassic
- Director:
- William Wyler ('Ben-Hur', 'Roman Holiday', 'Funny Girl')
- Writer:
- Robert E. Sherwood
- Cast:
- Myrna LoyFredric MarchDana AndrewsTeresa WrightVirginia MayoCathy O'DonnellHoagy CarmichaelHarold RussellGladys George
The Best Years of Our Lives | Awards
Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Fredric March) and four other Academy Awards 1947; Best Picture - Drama at the Golden Globes 1947
The Best Years of Our Lives | Reviews
98%93 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
All reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Chicago Tribune
Every member of the cast Is so much like some one you know, every one so natural and likable, as real and pathetic as any human being close to your heart...
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Boston Globe
An eloquent tribute to returned veterans [and] a magnificent, brilliant contribution to motion pictures as an art.
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Variety
Almost a full hour is required to set the mood and the motivation, but never does it pall. Not a line or scene is spurious.
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Time Out
Overlong, perhaps, but this tender and occasionally tough look at the plight of returning war veterans is one of Wyler's best films.
Full reviewThe Best Years of Our Lives | Release Details
The Best Years of Our Lives is available to stream in New Zealand now on Prime Video.