A Warner Bros Picture, Written by Julius J. Epstein, Phillip G. Epstein, Howard Koch, Directed by Michael Curtiz.
‘Casablanca’ regularly appears on many lists of the greatest movies of all time, and very often near to the top, and it’s almost impossible to argue against it.
It is a film of such style, importance and yet enjoyment, it mixes romance and war perfectly, and therefore has something for everyone.
It is very tough to tell a war story when the war is not yet over, but this does it well by focusing very specifically in one location and on one man who has left the fight, and the way he is drawn back in.
The story is superbly played out, packed full of surprises and stand out moments, and due to some iconic lines, it is probably the most quoted film in movie history.
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman deliver really stormy lead performances packed full of charisma and emotion, and their chemistry is off the charts. One of the ultimate golden era movie couples.
There’s a few moments, mostly in the first act, where the film feels quite slow (which allows for a big pay off later on) which prevents it from being the perfect film, but it is very close to that.
The story of standing up against immeasurable odds to do the right thing, and the battle between love and self preservation has rarely been told better.
Rating = 4.5/5
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