Review of Casablanca (1943) by Mandela W — 04 Aug 2016

Cinema has an array of classics. One's that stand the test of time. I could go through so many such as The Godfather, Gone with the wind, Citizen Kane, Psycho among others but one that is one every list is Casablanca. This 1942 flick is one of the earliest films to feature superstar leads. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman were some of Hollywood's elite, A listers to be exact. Here they star in a film that was incredible relevant to the times back then and proved to be a spectacularly well done feature.

the legendary actors play Rick Blaine (Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Bergman) two lovers set in the backdrop of Casablanca, Morocco during World War II. Rick owns a nighclub in the city. Rick remains neutral to all war matters going on but however it's discovered he once was an arms dealer for Ethiopia during their war against Italy. Many Generals and politicians come by his place but the most surprising guest is his former lover Ilsa whom he still has feelings for. The two of them get caught up in major political/military scandal that will leave dire consequences for any involved.

It was seemingly ahead of its time in terms of filmmaking and story telling. Everything is on a serious scale. the acting is incredible here and the dialogue is so witty!. a trademark of the time but still really solid stuff. the music was really terrific.

Ingrid bergman was reeeeally gorgeous back then even though she was in black and white. she was fantastic here in this role Humphery bogart is amazing here as rick blaine. he is a real complex man in this role but also a smooth hard boiled one as well. very complex love story here between Ilsa and rick.

Michael curtiz directing is textbook here. so many great shot angles and directing of the overall story and he does it at such a high level. only thing was I didn't know and still don't know what "here's looking at you kid" means. however I did like the "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship" line.

This is a classic film and my favorite now of the 1940's.