Casablanca

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre
Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Box Office: $10,462,500
1943

Times Seen:
Tim: 4

Summary: A club owner, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) in Casablanca is trying to survive admist the backdrop of the Nazi takeover of Europe. His world is turned upside down, when an old love, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) suddenly shows up, along with her heroic anti-Nazi husband (Paul Henreid).

Review:

Tim: Any film critic, hell, anyone that knows enough about movies to fill a sock will be able to tell you that Casablanca is one of the greatest films of all time. Its difficult for me to write anything about this film, because my fingers are shaking just thinking about its brilliance. I could write a novel, but I'll keep my comments short.

First off, this movie is a close to perfect as a film can possibly get. It is unbelievable to watch a completely flawless film, but that is exactly what this is. It benefits from perhaps the greatest cast ever assembled on one set. Humphrey Bogart is unbelievable in this role. He plays it absolutely perfect. His performance is one of the best of all time- perhaps one of the greatest performances man has ever given. Ingrid Bergman gives an outstanding performance as well, and you can tell because she lights up every single scene she's in.

Perhaps the best aspect of Casablanca is that it is so damn quoteable. If you ever hear a movie quote and you're not sure where it's from, you might as well just guess "Casablanca" because that gives you the best shot at being correct. I mean, who hasn't heard, half of these?--

Ilsa- "Play it once, Sam. For old times' sake."

Rick- "Here's lookin at you, kid"

Rick- "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine"

Captain Louis- "What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca?"
Rick- "My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters."
Captain Louis- "The waters? What waters? We're in the desert!"
Rick- "I was misinformed."

Rick- "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

I could go on and on with the quotes, but just see the film yourself. I promise you won't regret it. This is a story of redemption, and tells its tale perfectly.

Like I mentioned, I could write a novel on this movie, but I'll just end here. There isn't much more to say about this film, other than it is cinematic perfection, and you must see it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 10



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Gone With the Wind, The African Queen, Citizen Kane, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre