Exactly the classic it's made out to be, even though it wasn't made to be

Rating: 9/10 (9 May 2014)

It's hard to believe that "Casablanca" (1942) wasn't expected to be the classic that it's considered now. It's about loving and losing, rising above and sacrificing for the greater good, and becoming a better person.
At the time of its release, people everywhere were reeling from the injustice that's captured in the film, which fueled its advancement. All films renouncing Nazi terrorism tend to be highly respected, but this one is especially so. The music, both diegetic and nondiegetic, is beautiful and touching. The lighting is soft and fitting, and all of the characters who should be are rounded out well. Ingrid Bergman is unbelievably gorgeous, which makes it a little hard to concentrate on the witty, fast-paced dialogue she's involved in, but it's worth it. Humphrey Bogart portrays his supposedly cynical lead character perfectly. There are so many factors that make this the classic it is, and I don't think I could put my finger on all of them.
Overall, "Casablanca" is exactly what you would expect a film this reputable to be: beautiful and inspirational.