Casablanca

Casablanca is considered to be one, if not thee classic Hollywood film. The first element of this movie that makes me think of it as a classic is the “classic” love triangle between Rick, Victor, and Ilsa. The fact that this love triangle is going on is disguised or undertones by other serious situations. For example, the fact that Nazi Germany is coming to take over in Casablanca and lots of people-especially Americans- want to leave. There is also seems to be a lot of scheming and corruption going on. This plotting seemed to be centered around politics, politics that I barely understood because I was more intrigued by what was going on and going to happen with Rick’s personal life.

However, unlike classic love stories, this one does not end up with the two people in love, happy together at the end. I think this might be part of the popularity of this film. Even though Rick and Ilsa do not end up together, the audience can still love and appreciate the film because Rick was “the good guy” and he did the right think by letting Ilsa go. There’s a common saying in life that says “If you love someone, let them go.” I believe this is how the saying goes. But as I was saying, the audience falls in love with Rick because he is a big shot and romantic-who is attractive—and we would like Ilsa and him to end up together. However, because he does such a noble thing by putting Ilsa and Victor on the plane together, we still love him. I also like and hate the fact that Casablanca leaves the viewer wanting more. We wonder if Rick will ever leave Casablanca. We wonder if he will ever be able to get over Ilsa. We wonder if Ilsa will ever be able to get over Rick for a second time and be able to love her husband Victor wholeheartedly.

The last thing that I found interesting about this movie was the relationship between Sam and Rick. The fact that this movie was made in the 40s and had Sam (his character), an African American, be the loyal confidant to Rick, a white businessman. The relationship seemed genuine and not unrealistic in the movie. I thought it was very interesting that the writers and directors decided to experiment or push the envelope with this companionship. This is a major reason I like the movie, Casablanca. It is a classic, yet untraditional loveable love story.