The Human Comedy

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Michael F One of the most touching films to come from the 1940s, World War 2 era. Mickey Rooney gives his best performance in this movie. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/24/24 Full Review Mark B It is obviously difficult for Americans of the 2020s to understand what the home front was like during World War II. Our loved ones were being shipped overseas and coming back horribly wounded, or in crates -- or not at all. Wide-sweeping domestic rules and protocols were in place, and in 1943, no one really knew how this was going to turn out. In my quest to watch all ~600 Best Picture-nominated films, I've stumbled on some gems, such as 1946's "The Best Years of Our Lives." I was always amazed at the bravery of that film, to show the harsh realities of PTSD (before it had that name) to an American audience that was literally on top of the world. So when I read about the plot of this one, I thought it was a great opportunity to show what daily life was about for small town Americans who weren't in the war. Hollywood gave us many, many action films, but the fact is only a small percentage of Americans actually saw combat. What a lost opportunity. I guess Hollywood *had* to be pluckish and hopeful in 1943, but good Lord this is one of the most syrupy, maudlin, melodramatic films I've ever seen, and if we made a drinking game based on the number of times Marsha Hunt says "darling," we'd all need liver transplants. Perhaps this could be remade. A realistic homefront film with a slightly-too-young to serve telegram deliverer who tries to not get jaded. Cut out the angelic brother and father, give him an arc, and do it right. Hmm. (#448 in my "watch all Best Picture Nominees" bucket list) Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/24/24 Full Review Quentin P The Human Comedy is a kind and gentle story of a world that lived in Saroyan's expansive mind, it is a vision of goodness, and it was the earnest talents of the actors that saved it from the saccharine director who loaded it with schmaltz. With lesser talent it would never have been have remembered and loved. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/30/23 Full Review william d Mickey Rooney's Oscar-nominated performance may be the best of his career. Unfortunately, it takes place in one of the sappiest movies ever made. I don't mind sentimentality in films, but this was just too over the top. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review steve d Corny and forgettable. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review s r Not as good as the book, but it gives it a good go. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Human Comedy

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