Were going back quite a bit here, but for those of you who have seen it, how can you not vote Casablanca?
Im not a fan of this genre generally, and while many of the movies on the list are undeniable classics, they didn't pique my interest. Casablanca, 70 years later, is one of the most relevant films of all time in my eyes. The dialog is superb, one of the best ever put on film. The acting is great, cinematography first-rate and the story offers a difficult mix to succeed with in the combination of drama, action, and romance. The shame of this movie is that it lacks color, which is an automatic turnoff to some people, which means truly missing a classic.
Ill provide the basics of the movie here. The backdrop of the film involves Rick, brilliantly played by Humphrey Bogart. Bogart had typically played a gangster in previous roles, so his depiction of Rick Blaine, a bitter club owner who "Doesn't do nothing for nobody" is top notch. Ilsa, played by the incomporable Ingrid Bergman is Rick's former lover who disapeared on him in the middle of the night. She arrives in Casablanca with her husband, Victor, played by Paul Henreid, seeking Rick's help in getting safe passage to America, which Rick holds the papers too. Rick didnt know Ilsa had a husband, so is thrown for quite the loop when she arrives with him. Both Ilsa and Rick are still in love with one another, which makes Rick's decision all the more difficult(along with policemen on their tail).
I have no doubt that if this movie had been released in 2001 as compared to 1941, not a single vote would go elsewhere. From memorable quotes "Here's looking at you kid", the drama of making decisions based on your interests or that of someone else's, the sense of urgency that ominously hang over every scene, and the tear jerking story of love lost, found, and lost once more in the name of a bigger cause are the elements that drive this movie. There's a little bit of something for everyone here.
I went in to this movie agreeing to watch this movie with my wife reluctantly, and found myself thankful she insisted. This is truly as close to a perfect film as Ive ever seen. The dialogue is superior. The musical score is among the best of movies, as memorable as even the best of musicals, only Casablanca isn't a musical. Just as the main song of the movie is about a fight for love and glory, exactly what the entire free western and allied world was engaged in at that time, so the viewer feels where they stand in their heart of hearts. The characters plights are easy to relate to and those familiar with history who value things such as freedom and democracy will openly cheer for the characters. Snide dialogue, cynincal comedy and romance are at it's best here, while at the same time showing the cruelty and drama of war. Its amazing how this film combines so many genres successfuly, and with perfection. The drama is palpable, the romance top notch. No other movie in this category comes close to Casablanca's brilliance.
