Casablanca

Rating:
Summary: A Review of Casablanca
Review: Sweaty palms and an ever-present awkward silence interrupted by erratic and unintelligible squeals of two shy and squeaky voices. There is nothing more anticipated or more feared than the first date. Dinner and movie and, if both survive, maybe a second date. The one component of such a date is the movie choice - nothing too scary and nothing too obscene, but something just right: the perfect love story. Although many times deemed as a "chic flic," a love story can make or break a date and, consequently, a relationship. Casablanca is one of the greatest love stories of all time; it has all the elements of not only a quality film, but the extra details needed for a love story. The story line and setting of Casablanca are the bases for the timeless quality of the film. The setting of the movie has a great impact on its viewers, if the film is set in a foreign country there is an added aura of mystery and danger. The fact that story takes place in Paris and mainly Casablanca adds to the romanticism of the movie. Paris, "the city of lights," is considered to be a very romantic city and Casablanca is a very exotic location. Those watching the film gain an added sense of wonder and excitement with foreign location, instead of the familiar sites of their homeland. The time frame of the movie also adds to its fame. Casablanca takes place during World War II and one major character, Victor Laslow, is in danger of being caught by the German army. In the beginning of the story Rick, the main character, has to leave Paris because of the German threat. The constant presence of army officials adds an element of danger to the film, therefore making every action of the characters even more meaningful because they are risking their lives for the sake of someone they love. The time frame also adds to the viewer's identification with the movie. Most everyone is familiar, especially at the time when the film was released, with the war. The thought of World War II affects people in different ways and bring back certain memories of loved ones lost to the war. The film was probably more embraced by its viewers than it would have been if the war had not been mentioned. Adding to the aspect of danger is the element of drama, which gives the filmmaker the ability to play with the emotions of the audience. This drama can be seen in the lines of the characters, such as: "we'll always have Paris" and "Here's looking at you kid." These phrases not only add to the drama, but have become universal and add to the lasting popularity and remembrance of the film. The major characteristic of the film that is responsible for this drama is the lighting. The filmmakers were both limited and fortunate that the movie was filmed in black and white. They were limited because they could not use the color of the settings or costumes to impact the movie in any way. But they were fortunate because they were able to use the black and white to their advantage. Casablanca is one of the most visually powerful movies there is. The lighting on the set is so precise that, at first, it is not even noticed. The movie contains unforgettable scenes that leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Casablanca is a well-made film that transcends age, gender, and social and cultural barriers. It is a classic that still brings us to tears every time we watch it. What makes this such a great love story is the ending. The guy does not get the girl. He goes through hell to save her and then tricks her into leaving the country with her husband. He makes the ultimate sacrifice and watches his only true love fly away with another man. If the film had turned out any other way it would not have been such a success. The story encompasses the kind of love that everyone wants to feel for someone - when you love someone enough to let them go.

Rating:
Summary: Boring
Review: This is one of the only movies that I will turn off before it's finished. Although I did have to watch the rest of it so I can say I watched Casablanca.

This movie is horrible! It is so boring and unoriginal that I can't stand it. The only good thing about it is the cast. Bogie is the man of course and Ingrid Bergman makes the screen shine with her beauty and talent. But that's it.

How is it boring? Because all they do is talk. The only moment I felt enthralled is where Rick flashbacked to Paris and the end. That's it. The rest is a bunch of talking and ordering the African-American around. Now I know it's old but it's not based on the Civil War. It's during World War II. A lot of people, including blacks, got killed so the studios could make this awfulness.

How is it unoriginal? It's about a love triangle. You take away the locale and the nazis and that's all it is. Besides, there's absolutely no chemistry between Bogart and Bergman. They looked more uncomfortable than in love. A lot of professional reviewers praise it because they base it around World War II. Of course they did, the movie was made in 1943.

According to the AFI this movie is #2 in the best movies of all time. It's right above The Godfather. Say it isn't so say it isn't so.

Final words: If this movie is so great then could anybody tell me the director or the screenwriter?

Rating:
Summary: A good test for a prospective wife?
Review: If you're a movie buff but have never seen this movie, there is a giant gap in your viewing experience. What are you waiting for? See the movie!

If I may be a bit tongue-in-cheek, a man looking for an emotionally mature mate might use this movie as a screening method. A woman who is disappointed at the ending may have a tendency towards excessive romanticism of the wrong sort. But a woman who sees the beauty of Casablanca's denouement -- THAT is a woman who understands life. ;)

Rating:
Summary: A romantic amazement
Review: Casablanca

Score: 89/100

If you're heart is racing because you think Casablanca is going to be the best film ever made, slow down and keep on the tracks. Casablanca is far from the best film of all time, but it is one of the best romantic films ever made, an intriguing classic that grabs you within the first minute of the theme and doesn't let go.

In World War II Casablanca, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), exiled American and former freedom fighter, runs the most popular night spot in town. The cynical lone wolf Blaine comes into the possession of two valuable letters of transit. When Nazi Major Strasser (Conrad Viedt) arrives in Casablanca, the sycophantic police Captain Renault (Claude Rains) does what he can to please him, including detaining Czech underground leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). Much to Rick's surprise, Lazslo arrives with Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), Rick's one time love. Rick is very bitter towards Ilsa, who ran out on him in Paris, but when he learns she had good reason to, they plan to run off together again using the letters of transit. Well, that was their original plan....

I think this film is a little overrated. It comes in many people's top 5 films of all time, sometimes deservedly, but for me, it probably wouldn't make my top 30. Sometimes the film just loses it's entertainment value and occasionally left me uninterested. But, that was only occasionally, and in my book, that means very little. The film strings itself together amazingly, bringing the characters together with a vivid spark. The three screenwriters do a brilliant job of showing off their marvellous skills, each have added their special part in Casablanca, and they all make it a memorable and intriguing idea, one of the most praised scripts ever put to film. The performances truly burn in memory, Humphrey Bogart is fascinating, this may very well be his best performance. He is remarkably moving as Rick Blaine, and makes the film's watchability boost to 100. Ingrid Bergman is stunning as well, she strides onto the screen with stunning beauty and power, and is a mezmerising romantic touch. You never know whether to love or hate each character, because each of them have a certain originality about them. This 'love-them-or-hate-them' thought is a brilliantly done aspect of the film, and it sustains right to the very end, when we know the characters true self.

Casablanca is a great explosion of a film, not to be missed. Without this movie, romance films may of never been so powerful. Thank you, Mr. Curtiz, you've bought true love to our screens.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies of all time
Review: If you haven't seen CASABLANCA, you're in for a real treat. Not only is it a love story but it's a thriller set in Vichy France Casablanca with intrigue and broken hearts. And, unlike many movies that started out with good intentions, this baby delivers in all areas, even story.

Some real twists and a great surprise ending. A real gem. Hold on to this one and love it.

Rating:
Summary: AFI Voted Casablanca #2 ALL TIME CLASSIC !!!!
Review: Casablanca is the 2nd greatest movie of the 100 top in the last 100 years according to the American Film Institute (AFI) poll of 1998.

Warner Brothers Studios produce an abundance of hit patriotic romance features during the War Years (1940's). They had a stable of the greatest stars (Bogart, Bergman, Rains, Lorre, Greenstreet to mention a few) which produced countless movies in short order.

In Summary; French Morocco during World War II love triangle night club owner Rick (Humphrey Bogart), Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) & Victor (Paul Henreid) try to outwit & escape the Nazi's with many twists & turns involving an assortment of memorable characters you'll never forget.

Casablanca was the greatest of Warner Brothers (Best Picture Oscar)1940's features. In my opinion the #1 movie as yet due to the fantasic script, sreenplay (Won an Oscar) plots, cast, direction (Best Director Oscar)and charismatic attraction you'll have in watching this movie over and over.

The extras include a fantastic documentary narrated by Bogarts wife, Lauren Bacall.

Seeing is believing, trust me, pull up a comfortable chair and watch this digitalized Black & White classic "CASABLANCA".

Rating:
Summary: Triple Oscar winning classic movie with all star cast.
Review: What is there that a reviewer can say about "Casablanca" which is new? Surely just about everyone has now seen this film and everybody knows the plot which is set during World War Two at a night club owned by American Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) in Casablanca frequented by many dubious characters of all nationalities. Just to complicate matters in walks Ilsa Lund Laszlo (Ingrid Bergman), his ex lover from years before who had abandoned him. She is now married to resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) on the run from the Germans. Bogart can help by supplying them with the vital transit papers they desperately need to escape to America but is he willing to do that when his policy has always been "I stick my neck out for nobody"?

One of the great Warner Bros. films of the forties - possibly the most productive decade in the history of Hollywood .... and how about all those "classic lines"? It is very unlikely that any other movie contained as many quotable lines as can be found in "Casablanca".

Here are just a few of my many favourite lines from the film:

Humphrey Bogart: "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine".

Ingrid Bergman: "Play it Sam. Play 'As Time Goes By'."

Bogart: "You played it for her, you can play it for me .... if she can stand it, I can. Play it".

Bogart: "Here's looking at you, kid".

Bogart: "The problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world".

Claude Rains: "Major Strasser has been shot. Round up all the usual suspects".

Bogart: "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship".

The film is worth seeing over and over again just to hear Bogart uttering those unforgettable lines in his inimitable style. And of course to enjoy that celebrated song by Dooley Wilson - "As Time Goes By".

"Casablanca" featured one of those all star casts that only come along once in a lifetime - Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, S.Z. Sakall, and Dooley Wilson. (The first choice of leading players was to have been Ronald Reagan, Ann Sheridan and Dennis Morgan but if this proposed casting had gone ahead I doubt if the film would have received the cult following it has today!).

"Casablanca" won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director (Michael Curtiz) and Best Screenplay (Julius and Philip Epstein). It also had nominations for Best Actor (Bogart), Best Supporting Actor (Claude Rains), Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing and Best Score. I was really sorry that Bogart didn't receive the award for Best Actor but he was recognised some years later when he won the Best Actor Award for "The African Queen".

Rating:
Summary: A Timeless Classic
Review: I've got this on DVD and every once in a while I pop it in to spend an evening remembering why it is so incredibly special. The characters in it are as fresh now as when I first saw it, and their struggles are just as meaningful. You watch Rick go from a wry lover to a jaded man who tries to pretend nothing matters any more. Ilsa is torn between loyalty to the man who taught her to be a woman and her passionate love for Rick, who makes her feel like one. Every character has strong motivations, and is acted superbly.

The black and white might be a drawback in other movies, but here the use of shadows is amazing. The textures and depths come alive under the masterful hands of the cinematographer.

The DVD has a 'making of' which goes into a lot of the background and techniques, and also explains why the dialogue is so amazing. At least three sets of people worked on it, each adding in their own talents to make the romance real, the conversations an intellectual chess game, and the tensions high. They wrote it as they went, altering the dialogue to match the characters, so they were almost developed 'live' as the movie progressed.

In the end, I think what appeals to me the most is that Rick made a tough decision to do what he thought was 'right' instead of what would be best for him personally. He had to send his love off with another man, knowing that it was the best thing he could do. Ilsa had to choose between two men that she loved for very different reasons. It's an amazing film about responsibility and maturity in difficult conditions, and one I will gladly watch over and over again.

Rating:
Summary: It just gets better every time.
Review: "Casablanca" is one of those films that is not good just in spite of its many defects, but almost because of them. The many qualities it shows push it still further ahead of most films, and it has remained not only a classic, but and enduringly popular one. The acting is excellent, the black and white cinematography is magnificent, and the direction is inspired. When one finds out how this film was really produced, how many rewrites there were, how ignorant everybody was about the ending, it appears incredible that such a film should flow so beautifully. And flow it does on the strength of a peculiar love-story that relies on terribly faulty history to get to us.

Rick (Bogart) is a romantic hero with a chance to help those whose causes he has defended his entire life. He is a bitter and reluctant hero, though: being on the side of the losers in Spain, and then being dumped by Bergman in Paris just as the Germans were marching in, have done a good job of turning him into a cynic. Enter Bergman once again into his life, waltzing into his cafe in French-administered Morocco during WWII. This is a romantic story and a romantic view at the world at a time when the world was facing a true hour of darkness. In hindsight, this is all about losers and losing, and it has touched most of us because we can identify with not getting all that we want, with losing big, with great dreams and harsh realities, with big hopes and small results, and, in spite of everything, we can look at Rick and say "Yes, I wish I could be like him, even if it meant losing, again, as he does." The problems with the film are historic: letters of transit signed by General DeGaulle, who was a sworn enemy of Vichy France and the Nazis, were not going to be respected by the colaborationist French or their German overlords. When Peter Lorre's character explains the wonderful nature of these two letters, it is clear that incredible confusion guided much of "Casablanca" along. When Bogart walks with Claude Rains at the end in what could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Rains mentions a French garrison in Brazzaville that they can join, but such garrison was actually pro-Vichy. Errors like these can sink a movie that pretends to be factual, but "Casablanca" aimed from the beginning at being a fictionalized account of the struggle at a time when victory for the Allies was uncertain at best.

Bogart loses, but wins. Claude Rains (the police inspector) wins his dignity and a friend. Bergman has her husband, loses Bogart, and goes on. Czechoslovakia will get rid of the Nazis only thanks to the Soviets, and it will take it four decades to get rid of its "liberators" and to recover its democracy. France will lose its empire. Germany will lose the war.

There are no happy endings in "Casablanca." The love story is there but the lovers rise far above their "hill of beans" and become truly noble, particularly Rick, the cynic who still hopes. The only true happy ending is that the Allies did win, but at the time of production that was very much in doubt. Such a memorable film produced memorable lines, like "Round up the usual suspects," "Vultures, vultures everywhere," "I stick my neck out for nobody," "Here it's looking at you, kid," etc., although Rick never says "Play it again, Sam." The players are there, as well, in other related films: Bogart in "To Have and Have Not" against a Vichy police inspector, played by the same actor whose role was to be the doorman to Rick's Cafe in "Casablanca." Paul Henreid (Lazslo) plays a nazi in "Night Train to Munich," and Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains will face each other again in "Notorious."

As in literature, classic films are those pieces of art that seemingly without effort weave in the right moments with the mistakes, the faultless details with the obvious errors. Classics are human; they have to be. Like us, their mistakes only help them get closer to the people they were created for. "Casablanca" has many errors. The whole is and feels almost perfect. My third favorite film truly gets better every time I watch it.

Rating:
Summary: Brief Reflection on Casablanca
Review: Casablanca is Ingmar Bergman's best work, and quite possibly the best product of the old-school Hollywood studios (with the possible exception of North by Northwest) ever created, and this DVD carries it through marvelously. The picture is better than ever, the sound is wonderful, and the additional materials really stress the ability of Casablanca to capture a spirit that could never be reproduced by the years of "sequels" and spinoff movies and television shows that tried to display the same sheer joy, sadness, and romance.