Today’s quick review: Casablanca. During World War II, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) owns a popular nightclub in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, a key stop for European refugees fleeing to America. When Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), a hero of the Resistance, comes to him looking for travel papers, Rick must decide whether or not to help him. Complicating his decision is Laszlo’s traveling partner, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), the woman who broke Rick’s heart.
Casablanca is a classic drama set during World War II. Featuring rock-solid cinematography, strong dramatic performances, and iconic writing, Casablanca is a finely-crafted masterpiece. The plot revolves around valuable German travel papers that wind up in Rick’s possession. As German officers search the city for the papers, Rick contemplates whether to break his policy of neutrality for a good man and whether to forgive the woman who jilted him.
Casablanca is a study in craftsmanship. No single attribute sets it apart, but few other movies can match it for sheer quality. From the well-considered camerawork to the well-drawn characters, from the memorable dialogue to the plot’s many interesting tensions, Casablanca is a rare film that has the whole package. As such, Casablanca earns its quality honestly, through excellent fundamentals rather than thin gimmicks, making it an enduring hit.
Any fan of movies should watch Casablanca at least once; the iconic lines and craftsmanship alone make it worth the effort. Beyond its value as a classic, Casablanca also delivers a well-told dramatic story with a dose of romance. Those looking for an exciting or entertaining watch should look elsewhere, but those looking for a substantive story and all-around quality should give Casablanca a shot.
8.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 9.0 for stellar craftsmanship and enduring quality.