Comments on: What It’s a Wonderful Life Can Teach Us About Travel

By: Stephanie - The Travel Chica

Stephanie - The Travel Chica — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:44:41 +0000

You are right! I didn’t remember that recurring theme in the movie, even though I watch it every year.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:12:51 +0000

Hi! I just stumbled across this blog, and I must say, this post is just spot-on. It’s the first time in years that I haven’t been able to see “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and it’s always struck a chord in me – but it was always the “no man is a failure who has friends” that I held onto. The message about travel and keeping one’s dreams alive never crossed my mind, and once you think about it, it’s quite obvious! Thank you =)

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:24:39 +0000

You should see it, if only to experience a little bit of americana!

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:24:26 +0000

Thanks Nancy! I had a brainstorm while watching on X-mas even and thought “crap, can i get this out before new years?” Appreciate the kind words!

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:34:06 +0000

Great post Steph! Timely, reflective words. I haven´t seen the movie in years, but this makes me want to go watch it. Many people do live lives of quiet desperation, but they don´t have to. Perfect end of the year post. .-= Nancy´s last blog ..End of the Year at the End of the World =-.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:42:49 +0000

I’m with Candice and have never seen the movie and even more so never heard of it (you have to let me off I grew up in a tiny country Australian town). In saying that I like the message you took from it and will be looking it up for a watch now.

By: Steph

Steph — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:42:23 +0000

I’m getting the feeling that the love affair with this movie is very much an American thing. You should definitely see it! It makes me cry every time.

By: Candice

Candice — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:41:11 +0000

Would you believe I've never watched this movie? I think I must. .-= Candice´s last blog ..How Do You Define Home? =-.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:47:59 +0000

I've seen that movie so many times and I can't wait to watch it again having read this. .-= Susan´s last blog ..movies, inspiring travel: reader edition =-.

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:56:41 +0000

I think that’s the mark of a truly great movie or book, you can experience it again and again and get new things out of it.

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:52:47 +0000

I have seem Up! It is a gorgeous movie- I love the dog.

By: Gray

Gray — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:47:51 +0000

I admit, I haven’t seen this movie since I was kid; so many TV shows and made-for-TV movies have riffed on it over the years (badly) that I just can’t stand it any more. While I believe Steve is correct about the intended message of the movie, I agree with you that there is definitely a different way to view the text than the intended one. That’s the beauty of stories in all forms; each person views the text from their own particular lens on life. Two people can derive very different meanings from the same text.

Have you seen UP? It’s got a great travel theme. Not subtle, but a fun movie for travel fans.
.-= Gray´s last blog ..Christmas in Burlington, Vermont =-.

By: Akila

Akila — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 22:54:41 +0000

We watch It’s a Wonderful Life every year at Christmas Eve, cuddled in with our dogs, with a yummy chocolate dessert. It is Patrick’s and my favorite Christmas tradition and every year I cry at the end and get something a little different about the movie. It is one of my all time favorite movies and I can quote nearly the entire movie by heart.

This year, I got something totally different from the movie because of our experiences traveling long term. Like George, I always have that ache and itch to go abroad. But, when I am home with my dogs and my husband, I am so happy being at home. What makes life wonderful is finding the richness that life brings in all its many facets, as George found, and the ability to make friends wherever we are. And, so I didn’t come away from the movie thinking that we should make the most out of this one shot but rather that we should be happy with all of the gifts that life gives us in whatever form they are – whether traveling or being at home. Interesting isn’t it how multilayered this movie is?

By: megan @ gypsytracks

megan @ gypsytracks — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:49:31 +0000

Thanks for writing this interesting post on one of the greatest films of all time. I haven’t seen ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ in ages, but the next time I watch it, I’m going to be on the lookout for this hidden message of ‘get out there and travel’!

By: Steph

Steph — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:36:44 +0000

Very good point, I think that the movie did intend to point out the values of hard work, dedication and service to the community. In the 1940′s those would have been very important sentiments.

However as a former English major I tend to make a hobby out of finding unintended messages and meanings . I think that in the light of modern times, and particularly coming from a more free-spirited, traveling background, the movie can be seen as a cautionary tale.

I definitely agree with you on the importance of balance. Throwing yourself into running a failing savings and loan is no road to happiness, but neither is ditching your family and all your responsabilities.

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:09:06 +0000

Interesting post about one of the all-time great movies. Another way of looking at it is that George learns that everything he needs is right at home. And I bet when the movie came out, I lot of people agreed with that sentiment too. It came out right after everyone was returning home from WWII.

But your post and the movie touches on an age-old dilemma: (1) plan for the future by building a life at home to obtain things like job and economic security, a family etc. or (2) live for today by seeing the world and traveling. Plenty of people do both.

It seems like at least some regrets are in store for those who go too far down either path. Putting off your dreams for too long often means forfeiting them. Living for today for too long can mean facing some bleak tomorrows.

The trick seems to be finding the right balance.

Whatever path you take, by all means avoid inadvertently giving all of your town’s money to a ruthless capitalist. (Especially, if this happens while you’re poking fun at him at the bank).