Casablanca

Casablanca is an American film made in 1942 set in the midst of World War II. It is a romantic drama that takes place in Casablanca, Morocco. This city was part of a path for refugees who were trying to escape occupied Europe for America. A large portion of the film takes place in Rick's Cafe Americain which is a nightclub/casino. The owner and main character Rick Blaine is presented with several conflicts throughout the film that test his emotions and loyalty. The first is the bestowing of the letters of neutrality upon Rick from Ugarte. The re-entrance of his former lover IIsa Lund is another main conflict that makes Rick become bitter. These two conflicts collide when IIsa tells Rick that she needs the letters to help her husband lead the resistance against the Nazi's. Rick refuses to give her the letters and in doing so causes IIsa to pull out a gun on him. Unable to pull the trigger, she confesses her remaining love for him and the reasons for her leaving so abruptly. After hearing this information, Rick agrees to help IIsa and Laszlo escape their Nazi pursuers.

This film is an American classic that portrays typical romantic Hollywood storytelling. It has the lovers, the man caught in between, and the enemies trying to tear them all apart whether they realize it or not. This movie was not incredibly popular at its release but has risen in popularity over the years and has taken its place in the top movies of all time. For a movie that was rushed into production, it was excellently filmed and edited to the point that gave it a sad, tender, yet tense feeling.

Overall, I enjoyed this film and greatly appreciated the way in which it was told. The film tells a story of a timeless romance while depicting an allegory of the War happening throughout the movie. The film also has a feel of uncertainty because the characters, unlike the viewers, do not know how the war is going to play out. There are also several bars of shadows that are cast across the characters throughout the film that form a sort of prison cell. This film with its incredible Hollywood stars, is both intellectually stimulating and entertaining.