One of the Best Films of All Time

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2015)

I'm going to tell you all what you already probably know: "Casablanca" is one of the greatest films of all time. However, there is something that most probably have never even considered. If you look at all the elements that make up this film, it could be considered the best of a number of genres. It could be considered the best noir film, the best thriller, and even the best war film ever. And I'll tell you right now that it sure as hell is the best romance ever put on screen. "Casablanca" has it all and it never gets old.
The plot is timeless. Humphrey Bogart plays Rick Blaine, a self-proclaimed "drunkard" and American living in Africa during World War II after being forced out of Paris by Nazi oppression. He's a mysterious fugitive, and he runs a bar and gambling joint as a loner. One day, a woman named Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) walks in with the famous Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). The scene that follows between Rick, Ilsa, and Rick's piano player Sam (Dooley Wilson), is perfect. Rick is shocked to see her and emotion flows from the scene from all three characters. These emotions include surprise, fear, and anger. As we learn the backstory, a romance between Rick and Ilsa in Paris, we become closer to each character. Not just Rick and Ilsa, but Victor too. We are caught in a love triangle for the ages. Both men love Ilsa and Ilsa loves both men. Should she stay in Casablanca with Rick or should she go to America with Victor? Should Rick give Victor the transfer papers he is hiding from the Germans or keep them for himself? These are the questions that appear and it is thrilling to see them answered.
The biggest strength of the film is the plot, driven by an excellent screenplay. There's a reason this film contains five or six of the most famous quotes in film history. We never get tired of hearing Bogart say "Heres looking at you, kid." Speaking of Bogart, he and Bergman give tremendous performances as the star-crossed lovers and they are supported by some wonderful supporting performances, especially that of Claude Rains as Captain Renault. The film is shot beautifully. Other than Citizen Kane, it is probably the best display of black-and-white in the history of American cinema. Nothing is particularly spectacular or special about it, but it is done so flawlessly.
"Casablanca" is deservedly heralded as an ultimate classic because it does so much near- perfectly. Ultimately, its influence is still felt everywhere today. We've all heard the lines from the film. We all think of the film when we hear of the location. The problem is that so many people today reference these influences without ever seeing the film or even knowing that they come from the film. It really is a shame, considering how well the film has aged and could still affect audiences of this generation. "Casablanca" was and still is a film ahead of its time and will continue to amaze us all as we watch it over and over again.