Watch It's Good to be Alive

It's Good to be Alive is a powerful film from 1974, starring Paul Winfield, Louis Gossett Jr., and Ruby Dee. Set in the early 1970s, the movie tells the true story of Roy Campanella, the celebrated baseball player who was paralyzed in a car accident in 1958. At the beginning of the movie, we see Campanella (played by Winfield) in his prime. He's a popular player who can do no wrong, loved by fans and teammates alike. But all of that changes in an instant when he's in a car accident that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down.

The rest of the movie shows Campanella's struggle to come to terms with his new reality. We see him in the hospital, fighting to regain some independence and dignity. We see him struggling with depression and frustration, angry at his body for betraying him. And we see him dealing with the complications that come with his newfound disability, from the practical challenges of living in a wheelchair to the emotional struggles of adapting to a changed identity.

Through it all, Campanella is supported by his family and friends, including his wife Roxie (played by Dee) and his old friend and teammate Buck (played by Gossett Jr.). We see the deep bond that exists between them, and how they all work together to help Campanella in whatever way they can.

It's not an easy journey, and the movie doesn't shy away from the tough moments. There are scenes that are heartbreaking to watch, as Campanella struggles to do things that used to be simple for him. But there are also moments of triumph and joy, as he learns to adapt to his new reality and find satisfaction in new pursuits.

The performances in It's Good to be Alive are top-notch across the board. Winfield is particularly impressive as Campanella, conveying a wide range of emotions with subtlety and nuance. Dee is also excellent as Roxie, striking just the right balance between strength and vulnerability. And Gossett Jr. brings his typical charisma and warmth to the role of Buck, making the friendship between him and Campanella feel genuine and heartfelt.

The movie is also notable for its thoughtful portrayal of disability. It shows the challenges and limitations that come with paralysis, but it also shows the ways in which people in wheelchairs can still lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. Campanella may not be able to play baseball again, but he finds joy in other activities, such as painting and coaching Little League.

Ultimately, It's Good to be Alive is a moving and inspiring movie that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. It shows that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, it's possible to find joy and purpose in life. And it reminds us of the importance of family, friendship, and community in supporting us through the toughest of times.

If you're looking for a powerful and emotional film that will leave you feeling uplifted, It's Good to be Alive is definitely worth checking out. It may be over 40 years old, but its message is as relevant today as it was in 1974.

It's Good to be Alive is a 1974 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.