One of the Greatest Films of All Time

Rating: Null/10 (29 December 2002)

All my life (36 years), I have heard what a great film Casablanca is; yet, I never sat down to watch it. A romance? Ugh! I heard the cliches over and over, saw the numerous references throughout various media, and read its title on every "Greatest" list. Finally, I decided to rent it and watch it. I was blown away. I have been called a cynic by friends, but this film moved me like few others.
The movie has everything for any viewer: romance, intrigue, suspense, drama, comedy, great characters, a wonderful score, politics, inspiration, history, adventure, great songs, and great performances. The scene where Paul Henreid has the orchestra play "La Marseilles" brought tears to my eye. Here were refugees singing in defiance of their oppressors, regardless of the consequences. It is easy to see why it stirred audiences of the time.
The ending is a classic and one of the finest ever conceived. I can find no fault with this film; only with myself for ignoring it for so long.