Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4929 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-07-05
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Black & White, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 163 minutes

Synopsis
Perhaps the most memorable film about the aftermath of World War II, it unfolds with the homecoming of three veterans to the same small town. The leads all touch emotional truths: Loy seems able to express longing, joy, fear and surprise - mostly with her back turned - in a particularly poignant welcome home. The movie never glosses over the reality of altered lives and the inability to communicate the experience of war on the front lines or the home front. A landmark achievement. Winning a clutch of Oscars for Best Picture, Direction, Lead Actor (Frederic March), Screenplay and remarkably, WWII vet Harold Russell, who lost his hands in the war, is the only person to win two Oscars for the same role, Best Supporting Actor and a special Oscar "for bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans through his appearance."

Customer Reviews

the best film of its type ever made ??
This film is quite simply my favourite film of all time . The 163 minutes pass by in no time and the fact it won 7 academy awards is a further pointer . The story is simplistic ...3 American serviceman return from war duty with a mixture of relief at coming home to fear at how their families will react to their reappearance after years away with differing outcomes...the signature performance for me is from the disabled serviceman who was plucked from total obscurity to play this role and whose story is the most poignant . The direction from William Wyler is magnificent and a further delight is the musical score which undoubtedly squeezes every ounce of emotion from your body as you watch the film cover a mutliplicity of scenarios that beset the returning serviceman and their loved ones at that time .I am a relatively stereotypical middle-aged man who keeps his emotions in check and in the last 30 or so years that has passed since first watching the film (I have seen it at least 15 times over the years ) it has brought tears every time ...a masterpiece it truly is and I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants to look at a definitive reflection of the emotional side of war when heroes who have served their country (try to) return to the physical and emotional ties of their civilian life .Yes , it is over 50 years old and dated to many but as someone who is a genuine film buff who has watched and enjoyed many genres of films made from all decades this one is my all-time favourite . Buy it and enjoy ....

The Best Years Of Our Lives
Captivating film that has stood the test of time. Great storyline and acting. The film also has a positive message about life which many current films dont have. Really enjoyed it. Uplifting. Recommended.

Trying to Belong
After being caught up in world war two in the services,the returning servicemen want to get jobs and pick their relationships with their wives and girl friends. They are returning to a differant atmosphere and they feel like strangers. It's tense and awkward because some hav lost limbs like Homer while serving in the navy, some have partners that have strayed into affairs, like the army air force bombadier. People of the civilian world no longer have time for them because the war is over,what they did as servicemen is now forgotten, gratatude is non exsistante. There are no special favours, like the ex sargient infantryman tries to give in his capacity as a banker. The best years of our lives are over we have to make out in the new civilian world.If this film were remade in todays world they would have spoken in a more grafic language as returning servicmen.A first class picture.