It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

This Frank Capra's picture illustrates the view of the world according to which (i) one should act in accord with one's desires and in spite of the prevailing social norms, and (ii) if studied carefully, one's ultimate desires---those that grant most satisfaction---will consist in being attentive and kind to others.

Was George Bailey's happiness derived from the sacrifice of his youth's aspirations in order to promote the well-being of his neighbours? No. Had George Bailey travelled the world, he would have come back to Bedford Falls. Otherwise he would not have stayed there in the first place. Hence, the movie does not promote self-sacrifice. The movie advocates doing whatever one thinks is right for himself, and this is what George Bailey did. And what happens to be right for oneself, is typically also generous with respect to others.

The movie underscores that in choosing a spouse (or a friend, or a companion) one acknowledges the direction in which one would like to go, and one acquires an inspiration and a stimulus to persevere moving in that direction. Yet it is better to travel without a compass than with a faulty compass. George Bailey was fortunate. Mary shares George's integrity and is beautiful. They do not make them like this anymore.