"Casablanca" was made in in1942, and as I write this, 68 years ago. It is regarded as a "timeless classic". And as the theme song of the movie goes "As Time Goes By", this movie has survived the ages and has still retained its spot near the top of the list. Indeed, it is a classic film that will be remembered for all of time.
Set in Morrocco in the early stages of WWII, where uncertainty in Europe and the war have caused people to flee, Rick Blain (Humphrey Bogart) runs a successful nightclub that buzzes with entertainment every night. He is a man of great influence in Casablanca, and his club definitely raises his status. However, his comfortable life is thrown into disarray when Isla (Bergman), an old fling from their days in Paris, arrives at his club one night with her husband. The pianist of the club Sam plays their song (As Time Goes By), and this prompts Rick in a fury to run up to Sam and remind him to "never play that song". It is there where his eyes meet Isla. The look on Bogart's face is memorable. The audience does not know the story between these two - this is shown by a masterfully poetic flashback. Whilst the entire cast deliver fantastic, believable performances, it is Humphrey Bogart who shines in the lead role. He is totally convincing as Rick Blain, the stern yet kind-hearted hero. We get a sense watching the film that Rick masks his unhappiness and past by acting tough and mean, yet through Bogart's performance we can sense a softer, hidden side. Bogart earnt an Academy Award nomination for his role (he would later go on to win for "The African Queen, but would've been just as deserving for this performance).
I won't give away the plot here, but needless to say this is most certainly an intriguing, and masterfully made movie. The black-and-white cinematography has aged well and gives the film a certain noir look about it. The film, whilst a drama, also has some witty comedic touches to it - done mostly by the Captain of the Police, Renault (Reins). What interests me most about this film is there is no major antagonist. The characters come across as ordinary people forced to act out due to their situations. The antagonist I guess could be the characters' themselves, their inner demons, and the whole situation of the war.
"Casablanca" is a re-watchable classic, and a worthy winner of 3 Oscars which include Best Picture. Rick Blain's nightclub serves as an oasis in Casablanca, a little haven where people can come and relax and forget about where they are. The skillful entertainer Sam sings songs with an air of hope and freedom. Who will forget Bergman saying to him: "Play it Again, Sam". Indeed, I won't.
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