Rating: Summary: Study at Rick's School of Management and Behavioral Science Review: For me, the intriguing story of _Casablanca_ is not the story of Rick and Ilsa trapped between the reality of their present and the memory of their past. No, the truly interesting story of _Casablanca_ is that which is revealed in the DVD's supplementary documentary, _You Must Remember This_. The creation of this true work of art in an environment dedicated to the mass production of films gives hope to every artist who's had to perform commercially. Indeed, one almost comes away from a behind-the-scenes exploration of _Casablanca_ with an actual appreciation of the way in which deadlines and pressure can help the artist make a better product. _You Must Remember This_ is thus useful for its display of the whole "studio system" era in Hollywood. It gives a good glimpse into that time and could serve as a useful jumping-off point to anyone seriously studying the subject. Likewise, the way in which the film's producers and director led the project is a fascinating exploration of management science. The film became legendary, I think, because the people at the top allowed great flexibility for those they led, and weren't afraid to play around with ideas offered even on the studio floor. I think MBA candidates would do well to look at the way this film was put together for enlightenment. Still, I can't resist talking about the film itself. For me _Casablanca_ is the legend I return to in my own mind whenever there are romantic crises in my life. I think that part of the reason that this movie has survived is because it offers a unique perspective on romantic disappointment. Instead of concluding with scorn or hatred of partners who've left one hanging, it says that people can have noble reasons for causing pain. It also says that ultimately pain is eased when one achieves understanding of the other person. I'm not sure that any major American film gives such a positive spin to heartbreak as this one. It's thus not at all hard for me to recommend the DVD version of this product, for the excellent supplementary documentary alone, and the movie itself, for the surprising values it discovers in the heart of a morally ambiguous Morocco.
Rating: Summary: Great Fun. Silly, but fun. Review: I love the taco scene. My other favorite scene is the on with the thing by the waterpark or whatever that is supposed to be. I am not sure of one thing, however. Why does Sam keep playing that song?
Rating: Summary: To Adron... Review: To you critcizing this wonderful classic, you must be on ACID. This has got to be one of the best movies since "Gone with the Wind". The movie looked as if it was filmed today. That was really cool. IGNORE ADRON'S REVIEW. This movie is worth the money. BUY IT TODAY! YOU WON'T REGRET IT! ^_^
Rating: Summary: The Film is a Given - But the DVD Quality is Shocking! Review: I won't write even one word about the film itself; we all know how great it is. But what I wasn't prepared for, was how astonishingly beautiful it is on DVD. On my computer's 19" monitor, it was as clear, crisp and sharp as it would have been on the "silver screen." A TV really doesn't do justice to a film like this. Again and again my wife and I found ourselves gasping at the perfection and beauty of the cinematography, the lighting, the sets, the shots, the angles... Even on a big-screen TV, you only see a faint hint of this film's real beauty; but the DVD brings it out in a way that only people who saw it in the theaters back in 1943 ever got to see... until now. Get a big monitor, a fast computer, and a good sound system. Then pop some popcorn, and be prepared to be stunned.
Rating: Summary: Casablanca...Simply The Best Review: The elements that went into the making of Michael Curtiz' masterpiece were as coincidental as they were inspired, with rewrites taking place almost daily, it seems that more care was put into this film on the Warners assembly line then many others with more potential. Bogart choosing "The needs of the many over the desires of the few" defined the spirit of the day. The reality of WW11 adding to the suspense makes this the finest Hollywood motion picture of all time. It almost makes me long to have been alive during that period when our nation was more humbled, unified, and perhaps more truly American then at any time before or since.
Rating: Summary: How should I put this? Review: I hate this movie. Its not even a movie, more of a waste of time. I've wasting too much time writing this review already. THIS IS NOT A CLASSIC! It doesn't even qualify as bad or horrible! See CITIZEN KANE a million times (no really, a million) before you see this one. If I could just leave all the stars blank, then maybe I could begin to do it justice.
Rating: Summary: Round Up the Usual Suspects, and other famous cliches Review: Having just watched the DVD version of this GREAT MOVIE (#2 on the AFI list), I can enthusiastically say if you have a DVD player, get the "special edition" version of it. It has a fascinating "making of" documentary that will surprise you by what is revealed (sorry, no "spoilers" from me! ), but if you are into movie trivia, it's worth it. Picture and sound quality have been greatly enhanced over what you'd see on TV. No need to comment on the movie itself, as it is so well known, but this film should be in everyone's library.
Rating: Summary: The greatest movie of all time Review: Even though it's more than fifty years later, Casablanca is still able to thrill audiences to the same degree as they were at its release. This wonderfully witty and romantic tale will charm and amaze you, tear your heart strings, and leave you without a tear left. So if you still haven't seen this miraculous piece of film...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Rating: Summary: A classic movie that fully deserves its reputation Review: My favorite moment in Casablanca, and in a sense the moment that really gives meaning to the rest of the movie, is when the activist rouses the people in Rick's cafe to resist the Germans. It's done very simply. The Germans in Rick's are singing. The activist, the hero, inspires the rest of the crowd to drown the Germans out with a rousing French national anthem. So we see how powerful he is, and why people must make sacrifices on his behalf. It's a pleasure to hear the German song drowned out by an anthem of freedom. Needless to say, Bogie is great in this movie, not just another tough guy. We've heard that alternate endings were shot, but there can be no other ending.
Rating: Summary: Timeless! Review: If not the best movie ever made, Casablanca is certainy among the top three. Every bit of these fantastic movie is perfect: the flawless acting performance's by the whole cast, the endearing story, the classic lines, the great finale, the music, the settings, the historical content, the unforgetable characters, the memorable "As time goes by", etc. Rick and Ilsa's story is probably the greatest love story ever told on a movie, making almost every scene of it simply unforgettable. Certainly, a timeless movie that can be loved by any type of viewer, no matter the age.
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