Casablanca (1943)

Reviewed: 10.11.2007

Casablanca is one of the few parts of the world the Third Reich has yet to reach. Full of refugees seeking asylum in American, Casablanca is the clearing house. But in order to get out, you must first obtain an exit visa and those? Well, those are hard to come by. Rumor has it Rick's Cafe is the place for black market goods. Cafe' owner, Rick Blain (Bogart), cynical American expatriate facilitates these transaction, but under no means does he get involved. That is, until one of his regulars, Ugarte (Peter Lorre), entrusts to him some letters of transit. Informed by Captain Renault, the Chief of Police, who is neutral in his political views, that Victor Laszlo (Henreid), the European Resistance leader, is in Casablanca and will do anything to get an exit visa for him and his wife, Rick is told under no circumstances not get involved. Easy enough, Rick thinks until Ilsa Lund (Bergman) arrives on Laszlo's arm causing old wounds to reopen.

Well, I can't say my life is enriched by viewing it, but it is easy to see how Casablanca has become 'classic'. It's also nice to know the origination of some of the most copied and ballyhooed dialogue. Humphrey Bogart is the man. Calm, cool, collected. His style is quintessential film noir. Ingrid Bergman is simply beautiful and unfortunately, that's all she has to do. It's hard to be the stylings and sets of old Hollywood and there are plenty here.

Honestly, the film had me wondering why hasn't this film be remade, but best leave well enough alone. I would guess that what makes Casablanca classic is that it speaks to every viewer on some level. Ultimately, the story is one of redemption and who doesn't need some of that?