Casablancais undoubtedly considered one of thebest movies of all time. Released in 1942, the film went on to win three Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Picture. The film stars Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine, an expatriate who runs a nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco. Set during World War II, Rick operates his business under the watchful eye of German forces, who now control the country since they took over France. When Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), a former love Rick initially met in Paris, happens to walk into his club with her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), he is ultimately forced to make difficult choices despite his propensity to remain neutral and solely look out for himself.
As a Czechoslovakian resistance leader against the Nazis, Victor desperately needs transit papers to safely leave the country for America. As luck would have it, Rick happens to have such papers. He came into possession of them after a petty crook named Ugarte (Peter Lorre) urged Rick to hold them for him just before he was arrested and died in custody. Upon discovering just how much Rick might be able to help them, Victor and Ilsa do everything in their power to bequeath Rick’s help. However, the situation becomes more complicated when old feelings enter the fray, and Victor is left none the wiser about Rick’s past with his wife.
Despite its initial theatrical release over 80 years ago,Casablancais still finding success on streaming platforms today, introducing itself to an entirely new audience. Continuously ranked at the top of numerous lists, the film even holds up compared tomany modern movies. Thanks to the film’s powerful and timeless narrative, it has continued to resonate with audiences throughout the decades. Furthermore, its characters are relatable, which isn’t always an easy feat. The film itself is also technically marvelous, which remains evident from its award nominations and wins following its release in 1942.
10 Movies That Scratch the Same Itch as Casablanca
These films all share great qualities and a certain je ne sais quoi that propels them to the forefront of film.
Casablanca Has a Powerful and Timeless Narrative
Casablanca
While the events ofCasablancawere essentially contemporary with the events of the world during the time it was released, it still manages to tell a timeless and powerful story. As such, its relevancy today is undeniable. Whileits love storyremains at the center of the film, its themes of honor, loyalty, sacrifice, and doing the right thing in the face of adversity still resonate with modern audiences. Its characters are well-written and realistic, even 80 years after its initial release. Too often, films portray their protagonists as flawless individuals who always make the right decisions.Casablancadoes no such thing. Instead, the film’s characters struggle and sacrifice, despite themselves, as the story unfolds.
While Rick’s character likes to portray himself as a lone wolf who doesn’t stick his neck out for anyone, his actions tell another story. He’s the kind of man who looks out for himself, but he’s by no means ruthless. When confronted by a woman who begs him for help, he outwardly denies her request while subtly assisting her husband’s roulette bets. To save her from having to spend the night witha German officerto receive transit papers, Rick secretly arranges her husband’s winnings so they can buy what they need without sacrificing themselves. Such actions display the type of man Rick is and has always been. As the film unfolds, it becomes clear its characters are complex and multifaceted, which ultimately allows the film to stand the test of time.
Ilsa’s character is no different and embodies many layers. She is very much in love with her husband and believes in his cause. She has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to secure the transit papers the pair need. She’s even willing to stay behind in Morrocco if it means Victor can make it to America. However, he refuses to leave without her. Their bond is relatable, and the conflict she experiences when she reminisces about her time in Paris with Rick feels authentic. The film’s solid, well-written characters, coupled with its expertly crafted storyline, ultimately makeCasablancaone of the greatest war moviesand best films ever made, even when compared to the films of today.
Why Past Lives Is a Modern Casablanca
Celine Song’s breakthrough feature film debut Past Lives is easily one of the best films of the year so far. Here’s why it’s a modern Casablanca.
Casablanca Is a Technically Marvelous Film
Not only doesCasablancatell a compelling story, but it’s a technically marvelous film, which is more than apparent given the awards it won when it was released. Thefilm’s pacing is perfect, which allows the audience to follow its storyline without losing interest or missing vital information. How its narrative develops feels like a modern movie. So often, films from decades past exude an older feel and drag in a manner that ultimately disinterests viewers.Casablancadoesn’t have that problem, which is why its relevancy today is so prevalent.
Furthermore,Casablancais the kind of film in which every piece of the puzzle comes together to create the kind of magic that compels people to fall in love with movies. Also, it’s a film for everyone. It tells a compelling story that most people can relate to and enjoy while doing so via an expertly crafted film. It’s no wonder that 80 years after its release, the film still finds success with new audiences.Casablancais currently streaming on Max.
