If Tomorrow Comes (1971)

If Tomorrow Comes Poster

In California, a young Caucasian girl and a Japanese-American boy defy local prejudices and secretly marry on Dec. 7, 1941, minutes before Pearl Harbor is attacked.

Introduction
"If Tomorrow Comes" is a 1971 police procedural movie directed by George McCowan that checks out styles of desperation, criminal activity, and redemption. The film centers on the life of a young couple faced with financial and individual chaos, leading them down a course of bank robbery and moral crisis. Regardless of being a lesser-known movie, "If Tomorrow Comes" spins a tale that analyzes the repercussions of pursuing illicit methods to fix issues.

Plot Summary
The film introduces us to the young and in-love couple, Eileen Phillips and Jim Alden, living a modest life in their village. Eileen, who is pregnant, imagine a much better future for their household, feeling the monetary strain and having a hard time to make ends satisfy as Jim's earnings as a vehicle mechanic are insufficient for the upcoming requirements of their growing family.

Desperation sets in, and the couple is forced to consider extreme measures to protect their financial future. Convinced by a former convict named Bernie to rob a bank, they find themselves caught in a moral quandary. The possibility of easy money is appealing, and with their backs against the wall, they choose to perform the bank break-in.

Their plan, nevertheless, doesn't go as smoothly as anticipated. Consequences develop right away after the heist as they face regret, fear of getting captured, and the looming threat to their life ahead, emphasizing that their actions might have permanent impacts. The consequences of the robbery unleashes a series of events that result in their moral redemption and realization of true values.

Character Development
"If Tomorrow Comes" effectively provides its characters as fleshed-out individuals with complicated inspirations. Jim and Eileen start as down-to-earth, relatable people faced with an alarming situation. Their change throughout the film is important as they journey from a state of innocence to criminality and finally towards seeking forgiveness and satisfaction.

Bernie, on the other hand, is highlighted as a corrupting influence. His existence and past weigh heavily on the narrative, showcasing a plain contrast between those who are swayed by desperation and those who embrace a life of criminal activity with little remorse.

Themes and Motifs
One of the main styles in "If Tomorrow Comes" is the struggle in between right and incorrect. The movie highlights how extreme scenarios can warp the ethical compass, triggering people to act in ways they never ever thought possible. The objective to provide for one's family at any expense is another considerable theme, as the couple's love and their responsibility as future parents clash with their ethical beliefs and societal standards.

The theme of redemption is likewise widespread, showing the audience that it is possible to return to the best path after making grievous errors. Jim and Eileen's characters personify the idea that while one's scenarios can lead one astray, it is ultimately one's choices that define their character.

Crucial Reception and Impact
While "If Tomorrow Comes" does not stand as a canonical classic, it uses a thought-provoking story that resonates with audiences who sympathize with the challenge faced by the lead characters. The movie prompts discussions about economic pressures, principles, and stability, making it a modest yet impactful piece in the police procedural genre.

In capturing the human experience in a moment of weakness and subsequent look for redemption, "If Tomorrow Comes" works as a narrative example of the power of hope and the human capacity for modification. The subtle performances, coupled with the story's trajectory, deliver a potent message about the options we make in life's most tough minutes.

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