Casablanca (1942)
The basic storyWorld War II is raging in Europe and Casablanca is one of cities where it is still possible to escape to America, provided you have the money and connections. Here Rick Blaine, an exiled American and former freedom fighter, owns the most popular bar in town. Between the criminals, corrupt policemen, German troops and refugees, he tries to run a neutral place, and stay out of trouble.
Then one day the Czech underground leader Victor Laszlo and his wife arrives, trying to escape to America. To Rick's surprise, Lazslo's wife Ilsa is Rick's one time love who left him in Paris without explanation. Rick is now caught between wanting to stay neutral, his resentment towards Ilsa, Ilsa trying to get him to help them, and the Germans trying to detain Victor and Ilsa and thus obstruct the Czech resistance.
How was it?
Great movie! Great story about heroes, villains, reluctant heroes and opportunists. Somewhere in there, there is also a rather good love story helping the plot along.
A lot of people think that this is Bogart's best movie. Personally, I think there are other Bogart movies that are better. However, having said that: Great movie, highly recommended! Bogart and Bergman are the ones that people mentions all the time, but really, the movie works so well because all the actors were good, and director understood how to use lights and shadows for maximum effect. I really enjoyed the games they all play to make money or survive or get out of Casablanca, and how for the most part, there is no black or white but various shades of gray. Especially enjoyable is that the main character is a reluctant hero, and one of the slightly shady characters in the mix.
Rating
★★★★★
102 min.
Black and white
- Michael Pilgaard