Reviews of Casablanca

Casablanca

Posted : 1 year, 4 months ago on 30 June 2008 04:24 (A review of Casablanca)

Humphrey Bogart is my favorite actor. Ever. Yes, he could play some real questionable characters, but there was always an elegance and sophistication about him that made you like him. No movie better showcases that duality of rough edges and soft middle then Casablanca. And what more can be said about it anyway? This isn’t just one of the films that will keep Bogart alive and well for generations upon generations, but Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet , Conrad Viedt, Claude Rains and, of course, the luminously beautiful and incredibly talented Ingrid Bergman. Naturally, with a powerhouse cast of big name stars and contract players, Casablanca is a great example of screen acting. Bergman’s face alone while listening to Sam play “As Time Goes By” is something every modern actress should watch. Such complicated and diverging emotions are clearly and economically translated in a short matter of time and with a minimum amount of changes. It’s all in her eyes and her mouth. And when Bogart is alone after seeing her for the first time in years, drinking his pain away, he too can translate numerous emotions with, seemingly, very little effort. His eyes have it, but no one could hold a cigarette like Bogart. Even the way he smokes shows a different emotion. From the effortless cool when Rick is first introduced to the way he desperately yet stiffly smokes during scenes with Ilsa, he always found a way to make interesting choices.

And the story combines a little of everything, never remaining entirely too much of one thing to stick to one category. There’s a romance, a war backdrop, some political intrigue, and, of course, a Nazi or two. Yet it never feels overloaded or like it’s reaching too far and covering too many different tangents. The romance is sweepingly epic and heartbreaking, and the politics interesting and appropriately grimy. It is no wonder that Casablanca is an American classic. It would be a classic in any language or time period.

1 comments, Reply to this entry

Pure classic filmmaking!

Posted : 1 year, 6 months ago on 2 May 2008 07:03 (A review of Casablanca)

"Here's looking at you, kid."

It has been over 6 decades since Casablanca was first released. That totals over 60 years of movie lovers and film enthusiasts alike admiring this masterpiece with the utmost praise.

Casablanca is a magical tale of loyalty, love and radiant romance that deserves every bit of praise it still receives, and then some. Casablanca is one of the only old movies that I could watch daily for the rest of my life and never get sick of. The film is a true original Hollywood classic that will always be thought by some to be the greatest movie of all time. It will always be in my Top 10.

Casablanca has not dated one iota; it's appealing, charming, magical and a downright masterpiece. Set during World War II, the main action of this exotic tale is located in the non-occupied French Morocco city of Casablanca, logically enough. The central character is a cynical café owner named Rick Blaine (Bogart), a discontented soul who "sticks his neck out for nobody". Rick finds himself coming into possession of two letters of transit; these can guarantee safe passage out of the country to whosoever carries the letters. Rick is informed that the leader of the underground in Europe, Victor Laszlo (Henreid), has arrived in Casablanca with hopes of escaping to America. But he needs these letters of transit that Rick is presently in possession of. The twist is that Victor arrives with his wife Ilsa (Bergman). Ilsa and Rick were lovers in Paris many years ago and departed under tragic circumstances. And now a classic love triangle emerges; two letters and three people that want the letters. Rick must now decide between being selfless or selfish.

Casablanca is an unforgettable film that is still mighty appealing in this contemporary age of cinema. It is classic and timeless in every sense of the word. Many people still regard the screenplay to be the best script in existence. Do I agree? Absolutely! The script is definitely the best script ever written for the screen. It contains some gorgeous lines that we often hear parodied and quoted. ("Round up the usual suspects", "We'll always have Paris", the list goes on) If you ever do a course on writing screenplays, Casablanca will be brought up as an example. The lines cannot be faulted at all. There is never anything cheesy and never anything too corny. The film is never boring and is also the perfect length.

Both the screenplay and the directing assist in making this perfect film into a reality. It almost goes without saying that the performances are fantastic. Humphrey Bogart was in his prime when this film was released. After The Maltese Falcon he was finally given his big break. And since this film in particular, Bogart has gone on to become one of the world's most memorable actors. Bogart's performance is masterful. Every line is delivered with such precision; keeping the audience interested and enthralled in everything that is going to happen next. The final line uttered in this movie is the greatest last line in cinematic history without question or debate. And Bogart's delivery is essentially flawless.

Ingrid Bergman was an extremely talented actress when this film was made. Her performance is sublime. The romance is never cheesy, and each line delivered by either her or Bogart glistens with perfection. The song As Time Goes By is the greatest movie song of all time. It will give one goose-bumps because of its poignancy and power.

I've seen this film broken down during filmmakering classes. Everything in this movie is to perfection. People will always suggest Casablanca as an example of a perfect movie. There is little wonder or debate surrounding that statement. I've said it many times before and I'll say it again, Casablanca could be the greatest movie ever made. If you want an example of a perfect movie then watch this one. If you want a good movie to watch with your partner, watch this one. Rush out and buy the movie with hesitation. I cannot put it clearer than that.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

Casablanca review

Posted : 1 year, 9 months ago on 31 January 2008 09:34 (A review of Casablanca)

This tragic love story focuses on one man's conflict between following his heart and doing the right thing. This movie, with its rich characters and impressive screenplay, makes a strong emotional impact.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

My favorite movie of all time!

Posted : 2 years, 3 months ago on 2 August 2007 08:33 (A review of Casablanca)

Acting, writing, directing, all perfect. Claude Rains steals the show as the lovable but corrupt local police chief. It is a move about sacrifice, duty and longing.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

A must see and a classic Gem

Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 9 March 2007 08:25 (A review of Casablanca)

This is a movie that should have been a flop. It was rewritten till the final day of production. Instead it is a heartfelt love story to the backdrop of the war. The cast is filled with A list stars and they only make it better. The movie is a misture between laughter, romance and heartbreak. It is a movie that holds up to the test of time and even audiences of todays film goers will not be disapointed. Anyone who considers themselves serious about movies must see this film.

0 comments, Reply to this entry