Casablanca
Casablanca

Casablanca

1943Movie102 minEnglish

In Casablanca, Morocco in December 1941, a cynical American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications.

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Insights

IMDb8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes99%
Metacritic100
Google Users94%
Director: Michael CurtizGenres: Drama, Romance, War

Plot Summary

In the midst of World War II, Rick Blaine, a cynical American expatriate who runs a popular nightclub in Casablanca, finds his past catching up with him when his former lover, Ilsa Lund, unexpectedly reappears. Ilsa is seeking a way to escape the Nazi-occupied territory with her fugitive husband, Victor Laszlo, and she implores Rick to help them secure safe passage. Rick must then confront his own bitterness and choose between his love for Ilsa and helping the resistance fight against the encroaching fascist regime.

Critical Reception

Casablanca is overwhelmingly acclaimed as one of the greatest films ever made. It was a critical and commercial success upon its release and has since been lauded for its timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and idealism, as well as its sharp dialogue, memorable performances, and masterful direction. Its enduring popularity has cemented its status as a cultural touchstone.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its iconic performances, particularly Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
  • Celebrated for its brilliant screenplay, filled with memorable quotes and sophisticated wit.
  • Commended for its masterful direction and atmospheric portrayal of wartime Casablanca.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise Casablanca for its timeless romance, compelling story, and unforgettable characters. Many highlight the film's emotional depth and the powerful chemistry between Bogart and Bergman as key strengths. The film's enduring appeal is frequently attributed to its blend of drama, romance, and historical significance.

Awards & Accolades

Won 3 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director (Michael Curtiz), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Nominated for Best Actor (Humphrey Bogart), Best Supporting Actor (Claude Rains), Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score.

Fun Fact

The iconic line 'Here's looking at you, kid' was not in the original script; it was an improvisation by Humphrey Bogart, who had used it in earlier films.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**One of the best movies of all time.** Unlike some people, I believe that there are perfect movies. It doesn't happen easily, but they do exist, and I'm pretty sure this is one of them. A classic in its own right, which has withstood th...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I've just seen this on a big screen for the first time in over thirty years - no enhancements, 4K, HD - just as Michael Curtiz saw it back in 1942 and it's a cracking piece of cinema. "Rick Blaine" (Humphrey Bogart) runs his Casablanca café...
John Chard

John Chard

You must remember this... Are my eyes really brown? Casablanca is one of those films that needs no introduction - or in truth - any more in-depth dissection as to its worth. Over the years it has become one of the most quoted ever pic...
barrymost

barrymost

"Everybody comes to Rick's," or so they say. It's the middle of WWII, and one evening a certain lady walks into Rick Blaine's popular cafe. As the familiar notes of "As Time Goes By" drift through the hazy atmosphere of the cafe, Rick's l...