 wrote following statements imdb message board user wondered best years lives forgotten movie br br  watching movie like opening time capsule think many ways the best years lives probably one fascinating character studies holds extremely well look life us mids wwii believe coming home the deer hunter released  recent films closest capturing numerous issues military men returning war brought the best years livesbr br what really impressed watching movie entirety college around  many college students applauded end moviebr br this movie still packs wallop im happy read posts users feeling movie definitely stand test time br br im happy see movie ranked near top  movies imdb afi also though competition eventually became christmas classic wonderful life arguably best years lives oscar wins including best picture welldeserved br br ive seen film  almost  years best years lives still powerful beautifully acted wellcrafted motion picture