Casablanca (Snap Case)
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Movie Reviews of Casablanca (Snap Case)
Movie Review: a great film with so much memorable dialog
Summary: 5 Stars
Casablanca is one of the most essential films you should watch and own in your DVD collection. Casablanca has action, romance, intrigue and much, much more. It's also a story about people suffering in the most desperate of times during World War II when The Nazis were occupying many countries and even had a presence in North Africa where this film takes place. The cinematography and the choreography are excellent. In addition, the acting is superlative and the plot moves along at a very good pace.
When the action starts, we see the French Moroccan town of Casablanca where refugees from Nazi Europe come in the hopes of getting a high priced, black market exit visa to Lisbon--and from there, America. An expatriate named Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) owns a nightclub in Casablanca where they serve up the drinks and the local Vichy government official Captain Renault (Claude Rains) turns a blind eye to the illegal gambling there--just so long as Rick lets him win at roulette! At the same time we also learn that two German couriers have been killed--and the two exit visas they had have been stolen by an unknown thief. The Nazis are fast on the hunt for this man, whom they believe to be a big resistance fighter named Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). Laszlo has been a tough enemy of the Nazis; he even escaped from a concentration camp!
One night Victor and his wife Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) enter Rick's café hoping to buy those two precious exit visas from a character simply named Ugarte (Peter Lorre). Ugarte gets into a fight with some Nazis and he is killed--but not before he slips the exit visas to Rick for some "temporary safekeeping." Eventually the Nazi Major Strasser (Conrad Veidt) confronts Victor and his wife Ilsa in his office with Captain Renault; but Strasser will only let them out of Casablanca if Victor rats on other leaders of the resistance movement.
Meanwhile, a whole other story is percolating--and this aspect of the story gets pretty hot, too. It seems that just before the German occupation of France, Rick and Victor's wife Ilsa had a brief love affair. At the time, Ilsa thought that Victor was dead and so she didn't think she was cheating on him. However, Rick gets a huge shock. Just when Rick and his sidekick Sam the piano player (Dooley Wilson) are about to leave Paris for safer ground along with Ilsa, Sam hands Rick a note from Ilsa telling him they can never see each other again and she doesn't even say why. But now that Rick sees Ilsa is married to Victor, Rick finally knows why Ilsa dumped him. But wow, he is upset and angry anyway! He still loves Ilsa; and she loves both him and Victor in her heart of hearts.
Although it may seem that I've already written too much, I already left out some juicy details to the plot to keep you interested up to this point. And, of course, this is all very heavy stuff--how will it all turn out? Will Victor be trapped by Major Strasser and the other Nazis and be unable to leave Casablanca? Will Ilsa leave Victor for Rick now that she knows she still loves Rick? What ever does happen to those exit visas that Ugarte gave to Rick--does Rick hold onto them or will he sell them to the highest bidder and get out of Casablanca himself? Watch and find out!
The single DVD version of this movie doesn't have too many extras; but you will get a half-hour documentary entitled "You Must Remember This" which is both hosted and narrated by Lauren Bacall. We do get outtakes but they are included in this documentary. In addition, I believe that if you buy the two DVD edition of this film, you get a much longer (almost 90 minute) documentary about Humphrey Bogart's career also hosted by Lauren Bacall. The two DVD edition has commentaries by Roger Ebert and Rudy Behlmer.
Casablanca is a "must-have" movie with outstanding attention to detail; the story is practically guaranteed to have quite an effect on you. I highly recommend this film for fans of the actors in it; and people who enjoy classic movies will cherish this as well.
Movie Review: Have you ever been in a cafe like this one??
Summary: 5 Stars
+++++
This movie is based on a play entitled "Everybody Comes to Rick's."
This movie starts with the following narration:
"With the coming of the second world war many eyes in imprisoned Europe turned hopefully or desperately toward the freedom of the Americas. Lisbon became the great embarkation point. But not everybody could get to Lisbon directly. And so a tortuous, roundabout refugee trail sprang up. Paris to Marseilles, across the Mediterranean to Oran. Then by train or auto or foot across the rim of Africa to Casablanca in French Morocco. Here the fortunate ones, through money or influence or luck might obtain exit visas and scurry to Lisbon. And from Lisbon to the New World. But the others wait in Casablanca: and wait and wait and wait..."
The story that can be described as a "romantic thriller" begins from here and takes place about a year after the Germans invaded France. Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband, Czech freedom fighter Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) wander into Rick's café in Casablanca. The two are on the run from the Nazis and have come to Rick's to obtain exit visas or letters of transit. But the German-controlled local government, headed by a "poor, corrupt official" Captain Louis Renault (Claude Rains) is on the move, and Laszlo has to act quickly to get the exit visas he came for, then escape. Ilsa doesn't know that the "saloon-keeper" who runs the cafe is Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), the one true love of her life whose heart she broke. When the two meet again sparks fly, and memories of an enchanted time in Paris come flooding back. So when Ilsa offers herself in exchange for Laszlo's safe transport out of the country, the bitter Rick must decide what's more important: his own happiness or the lives that hang in the balance.
This movie is famous, among other things, for the song "As Time Goes By" played by Rick's piano player Sam (Dooley Wilson) and first encountered by the lovers Ilsa and Rick. Ilsa when she enters Rick's café asks Sam the following:
"Play it once, Sam...Play it Sam. Play `As Time Goes By'...Sing it Sam. (The line "Play it again, Sam" never appears in the movie.) Here are some of the lyrics:
"You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh, the fundamental things apply, as time goes by. And when two lovers woo, they still say I love you, on that you can rely, no matter what the future brings, as time goes by."
The dialogue uttered by all the actors, especially by Humphrey Bogart is unforgettable. Here are four of my favorite Bogey lines:
(1) "Here's looking at you, kid."
(2) "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."
(3) "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
(4) Rick is asked by an official what his nationality is. Rick's reply: "I'm a drunkard."
The acting is phenomenal especially by Bogart and Bergman. Special mention should also go to Clause Rains as the Captain.
The photography and cinematography are also well done and enhances each scene.
Finally, this DVD (the one by Warner Studios, released in June 2005) is practically perfect in picture and sound quality. It has three extras: (1) a documentary hosted by Bogart's widow Lauren Bacall (35 min) (2) original theatrical trailer (3) other theatrical trailers of famous Bogart movies. I found all these extras interesting.
In conclusion, this movie has it all: good background music, great dialogue, an interesting story, good acting, and interesting cinematography. Be sure to see it and discover why it was voted by the American Film Institute the second best movie of all time and why it won three Academy Awards (including Best Picture)!!!
(1942; 105 min; black and white; 36 scenes; full screen)
+++++
Movie Review: A Review of Casablanca
Summary: 5 Stars
Sweaty palms and an ever-present awkward silence interrupted by erratic and unintelligible squeals of two shy and squeaky voices. There is nothing more anticipated or more feared than the first date. Dinner and movie and, if both survive, maybe a second date. The one component of such a date is the movie choice - nothing too scary and nothing too obscene, but something just right: the perfect love story. Although many times deemed as a "chic flic," a love story can make or break a date and, consequently, a relationship. Casablanca is one of the greatest love stories of all time; it has all the elements of not only a quality film, but the extra details needed for a love story. The story line and setting of Casablanca are the bases for the timeless quality of the film. The setting of the movie has a great impact on its viewers, if the film is set in a foreign country there is an added aura of mystery and danger. The fact that story takes place in Paris and mainly Casablanca adds to the romanticism of the movie. Paris, "the city of lights," is considered to be a very romantic city and Casablanca is a very exotic location. Those watching the film gain an added sense of wonder and excitement with foreign location, instead of the familiar sites of their homeland. The time frame of the movie also adds to its fame. Casablanca takes place during World War II and one major character, Victor Laslow, is in danger of being caught by the German army. In the beginning of the story Rick, the main character, has to leave Paris because of the German threat. The constant presence of army officials adds an element of danger to the film, therefore making every action of the characters even more meaningful because they are risking their lives for the sake of someone they love. The time frame also adds to the viewer's identification with the movie. Most everyone is familiar, especially at the time when the film was released, with the war. The thought of World War II affects people in different ways and bring back certain memories of loved ones lost to the war. The film was probably more embraced by its viewers than it would have been if the war had not been mentioned. Adding to the aspect of danger is the element of drama, which gives the filmmaker the ability to play with the emotions of the audience. This drama can be seen in the lines of the characters, such as: "we'll always have Paris" and "Here's looking at you kid." These phrases not only add to the drama, but have become universal and add to the lasting popularity and remembrance of the film. The major characteristic of the film that is responsible for this drama is the lighting. The filmmakers were both limited and fortunate that the movie was filmed in black and white. They were limited because they could not use the color of the settings or costumes to impact the movie in any way. But they were fortunate because they were able to use the black and white to their advantage. Casablanca is one of the most visually powerful movies there is. The lighting on the set is so precise that, at first, it is not even noticed. The movie contains unforgettable scenes that leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Casablanca is a well-made film that transcends age, gender, and social and cultural barriers. It is a classic that still brings us to tears every time we watch it. What makes this such a great love story is the ending. The guy does not get the girl. He goes through hell to save her and then tricks her into leaving the country with her husband. He makes the ultimate sacrifice and watches his only true love fly away with another man. If the film had turned out any other way it would not have been such a success. The story encompasses the kind of love that everyone wants to feel for someone - when you love someone enough to let them go.Movie Review: Classic example of Hollywood's Golden Era
Summary: 5 Stars
After having watched "Casablanca" for the first time, it has become quite clear to me why the period from the 1940's through the 1950's was considered Hollywood's 'Golden Era'. I suspect that is was still the relative newness of the medium that enabled movies of this period to be of such high quality, a quality lacking in almost all of today's films. During that period, gratuitous sex and violence were not permissible and there were no special effects to distract the audience from a poor story. As a result, the way directors were able to engross the audiences in their films was by telling compelling stories and developing their characters with great depth and care. These movies also involved some of quickest, sharpest, wittiest dialogue ever committed to the big screen. The only director today who shows any understanding of the importance of clever and intelligent dialogue is Quentin Tarantino, but he makes overly violent movies and only makes about one film every 5 years. "Casablanca" may be the pantheon of the 'Golden Era'. It is easily one of the most quoted movies in cinematic history and it has some the most memorable scenes. For anyone who has not actually seen the movie, the plot centers on French Morocco during World War II in the city of Casablanca. The fear of the German war machine drives people to Casablanca to seek any form of passage to the United States. Business is fertile for men possessing the exit visas to get people across the Atlantic. Much of the business takes place at Rick's Cafe Americain, run by a jaded Rick Blaine (played masterfully by the legendary Humphrey Bogart). He was idealistic in his younger days, but now is a cynic and only helps people when it benefits him. His world gets turned upside down when the former love of his life Isla (played by the luminous Ingrid Bergman) enters the Cafe with her husband, the revolutionary leader Victor Lazlo, looking for passage to the States. It evokes one of the greatest lines in cinematic history and sets in motion series of events involving intrigue, passion, and suspense.
The wordplay between Bogart's Rick and any one of the other characters is true treat to behold. It is sharp and witty and seems so perfectly timed. The only other movie I have ever seen that comes close to this level of dialogue is the old Cary Grant film "His Girl Friday". Rick's enigmatic moods always leave the viewer wondering what path he'll choose. Will it be the one of selfish interest or the one of greater good? The viewer never knows until the very end. Bergman's Ilsa is one of the most beautiful female characters in the history of film. Bergman's beauty would be just as captivating today as it was back in the 1940's. The passion of lost love between Ilsa and Rick is largely unspoken, but it's very palpable. Unlike today's films, which feel the need show too much, "Casablanca" uses subtlety to convey the emotion and passion.
"Casablanca" is considered a violent movie without ever being too violent. The threat of the German 'Gestapo' hanging over every action and every scene creates a tension, a fear, and a suspense that few movies can match.
There is not one single wasted motion, scene, or character in this film. There is purpose in everything that happens. Characters from the shifty street vendor all the way to the shady Captain Renault have purpose and meaning. "Casablanca" has been termed by some to be the 'perfect film'. That's a lofty claim as some of the movies that were thought to be great in their time, now prove to be dated and almost a parody of themselves ("2001" and "The Graduate") are classic examples. "Casablanca", however, earns that praise and proves to be a timeless classic that is as moving today as it was in 1942.
Movie Review: You must remember this...
Summary: 5 Stars
As time goes by, moviegoers all over the world will always remember Casablanca as one of the few "perfect" movies ever to be created. Every detail in this rousing, yet melancholy story of love against the backdrop of WWII is mastered, from the stunning performances of the cast to the witty, oft-quoted dialogue. The mystery, danger, and allure of Casablanca is expressed beautifully through the sets of Rick's Cafe Amer, the Blue Parrot, and the famous misty airstrip in which Rick and Ilsa say their final farewells. And, blending all these magical elements together, is the perfect bittersweet song that takes Rick and Ilsa back to their star-crossed love affair in Paris: As Time Goes By.Everyone knows the story. The legendary Humphrey Bogart plays Rick Blaine, a cynical American club owner who has an especially dark past: banned from the United States, blacklisted by the Nazis, and settling in Casablanca after having his heart broken by the only woman he ever loved. This woman, the beautiful, conflicted Ilsa Lazlo, played by the gorgeous Ingrid Bergman, has come to Casablanca with the most wanted man on the Nazi's Gas 'Em Quick list, Victor Lazlo (Paul Henreid, playing Lazlo so well, you have to pity the poor guy). They're trying to escape to America, but the French Precinct, Captain Louis Reynaud (the incredible Claude Raines), won't give them Visas. Ironically, the only man who can help Lazlo now happens to be the same man Ilsa loved and betrayed in Paris. Bitterly facing the prospect of having Ilsa all to himself or losing her forever, Rick makes a gentleman's decision that leads to the most beautifully written farewell in motion picture history.
The enduring popularity of Casablanca can be attributed to the love triangle between Rick, Ilsa, and Lazlo. It can be attributed to the sheer magic of an entire city of people desperately trying to get away from the Nazis in a time of chaos. Personally, I believe this movie survives from generation to generation because Rick himself represents the American people on a whole. His 'don't tread on me' attitude and reluctance to leap into the turmoil of war appeals to us and illustrates the attitude of Uncle Sam. Although we've seen Casablanca time and time again, there are always those who tear up at Rick's noble sacrifice. Then there are those who scowl and mutter that Ilsa should have ditched her stiff-collared husband for her one true love, the tough-guy-with-a-good-heart, Rick. Perhaps this endless debate is another reason for Casablanca's enduring popularity.
Casablanca was a once-in-a-lifetime movie. Because of the cast, the script, and As Time Goes By, to remake this movie would be as insulting as to attempt to remake The Godfather, Lawrence of Arabia, or even Dr. Strangelove. Not that there is a need to update Rick and Ilsa'a story. Casablanca is a worldwide appeal to every generation, and will be one of the few films to persevere, as time goes by.