Classic Christmas Film Comes to Canterbury
Get into the festive spirit with a screening of It's a Wonderful Life, a timeless tale of redemption and kindness. The Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury is hosting a special showing of this beloved film.
Dir: Frank Capra
Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond
131 mins · 1946 · United States of America · Cert U · English
IMDb 8.6/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 94% · Metacritic 89/100 · TMDB 8.3/10 · Trakt 85%
Awards: Nominated for 5 Oscars. 11 wins & 7 nominations total
In a small town on Christmas Eve, a man's life is turned upside down, leading him to consider a drastic decision, but for the intervention of his guardian angel. It's a Wonderful Life is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that explores the value of kindness, community, and the impact one person can have on those around them. • The film boasts an impressive cast, including James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore, who bring to life the charming town of Bedford Falls and its quirky inhabitants. • With a runtime of 130 minutes and a U certificate, this film is suitable for all ages and is a great way to get into the festive spirit. • It's a Wonderful Life has received widespread critical acclaim, with scores of 8.6/10 on IMDb, 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 89/100 on Metacritic, and has been nominated for five Academy Awards.
The Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury will be screening It's a Wonderful Life on Sunday, 20 December 2026. Tickets are on sale: say tickets are with the button beside the article. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a true classic on the big screen and discover why it remains one of the most beloved films of all time.
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What viewers say
Lazo · 10/10
It was the most beautiful and emotional movie I have ever seen, I recommend it to everyone. This movie was there when I needed it the most, it shows how much one man can make a difference in the world, no matter what he does, and how we sometimes don't even realize what impact our very own existence can have on other people's lives.
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AndrewBloom · 9/10
8.8/10. An incredible, life-affirming movie that has enough of a dark heart to earn the amazingly heart-warming sequence at the film's climax. Some of the angel stuff gets a little silly at points, but it's still just a stellar look at the advantages and pitfalls of the road not traveled, what doing and being good takes from you, and the invisible but strong connections within a community that form when a noble man takes the world on his…
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TKPNPodcast · 10/10
This is one of my all time favorite films and the recent re-watch did not move me from this conviction. The character of George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart at the height of his abilities, is so easy to relate to and a wonderful human being. He's not always a great guy...he has an anger management issue and is sometimes consumed with revenge, but you can't help pulling for him. Lionel Barrymore's Mr. Potter is a treat to watch and Henry…
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2fst4u · 4/10
Honestly incredibly boring. I struggle to see why this is so highly rated, it was an absolute chore to get through.
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Sólstafir · 7/10
There is charm in old movies and charisma in old actors. After seeing Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, I wonder why such movies don't get made more often. From expressions to delivery, both James Stewart and Donna Reed are an absolute pleasure to watch. George Bailey has given up his dreams of seeing the world to take over his father's business. There is always one opportunity to step out of the town, even if briefly, but is always foiled by…
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Yirba · 10/10
_It's a Wonderful Life_ is a beautiful film and a true classic. It's often considered one of the best films ever made, and I am inclined to agree.
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SparklinDiamond · 8/10
Finally I have managed to watch this film. I really enjoyed it, it felt like it went on a little bit too long.....but the message was beautiful!
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Schenley · 10/10
A true classic - I can't believe I've never seen it before. Watched it with the kids, and they were slow to get into it, but were fully engrossed as soon as [spoiler] Clarence jumped in the water![/spoiler]. Of course, we had to watch the colorized version - they wouldn't even attempt the black and white version. Although the rate of inflation really is evident in this one, the story and the meaning still hold up extremely well. It did spur on a…
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