Casablanca (1943)
8.144 /10
5888 Reviews
Rate This Movie:
In Casablanca, Morocco in December 1941, a cynical American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications.
Videos & Photos
cast
... Rick Blaine
... Ilsa Lund
... Victor Laszlo
... Captain Louis Renault
... Major Heinrich Strasser
User reviews
"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 life begins to get really complicated. The top-notch cast is, I think, a big part of what makes this film so memorable, and much-heralded through the years. The script is truly well-written and moving. My only complaint is, how could they do something so awful as killing off Peter Lorre within the first quarter of the film?
Would I recommend? Overall, yes. There's a reason people cite this as one of the best films ever made. Though there are others I like much more, it is very, very good.
Director:
Writer:
Julius J. Epstein (Screenplay)
Howard Koch (Screenplay)
Philip G. Epstein (Screenplay)
Murray Burnett (Theatre Play)
Joan Alison (Theatre Play)
Release Date:
1943-01-15
Run Time:
103 min
MMPA Rating:
PG
Reviews of
Casablanca
"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 life begins to get really complicated. The top-notch cast is, I think, a big part of what makes this film so memorable, and much-heralded through the years. The script is truly well-written and moving. My only complaint is, how could they do something so awful as killing off Peter Lorre within the first quarter of the film?
Would I recommend? Overall, yes. There's a reason people cite this as one of the best films ever made. Though there are others I like much more, it is very, very good.
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 pictures (sometimes wrongly), and in reality it's arguably more iconic than it is a work of art. Although a truly "A" list production for 1942, fact is nobody in and around the film expected it to be anything other than a good piece that will put bums on the seats in the theatres. Solidly received on release and riding in on the wave of the Allies inroads into North Africa, Casablanca steadily overcame the much discussed production troubles (the script was practically rewritten daily) to be where it is now, one of the most loved film's of all time.
I wouldn't mention Paris, it's poor salesmanship!
So what is it about Casablanca that makes it so cherished and adored by each and every generation?. I just know that each time I view it (yearly) it's like falling in love again, each viewing brings a new and emotionally driven fulfilment. Tears flow, sad ones and happy ones, an overriding feeling that romantic idealism isn't dead, to which Casablanca becomes my personal myth buster. Thematic redemption brings a joyous reward, even as our daydreams about lost chances and lost loves hangs heavy in and around Rick's Café Américain. Everything about Casablanca is right, from the flawless direction (Michael Curtiz) to the iconic music, and of course the magnificent characters that are brought to life by the incredibly tight and effective cast. It may not be the greatest film of all time, but to me, and those who let it into their lives, it's one of the best friends anyone could ever hope to have. 10/10
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 as a literal oasis in the North African desert - a refuge for all sorts fleeing the oppression of the Nazis in nearby Europe. Enter "Ilsa" (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband, a Czech resistance leader "Hector Lazlo" (Paul Henried) and we discover that "Rick" and her have a past, and when the pursuing "Maj. Strasser" (Conrad Veidt) and local police chief Claude Rains ("Capt. Renault") get involved in this cocktail of deceit and duplicity things gradually come to the boil in a wonderfully evocative, sophisticated fashion. Bogart and Bergman positively smoulder; the chemistry is electric - she, as usual, doesn't actually act - she is just herself, and that's all she needs to do. Rains is great as the conniving policeman as is Veidt delivering the rather sparse, but no less potent, dialogue perfectly. Like most of the best films, the key to this is it's (seemingly effortless) simplicity - and this one also has a wonderful musical score to complement the tensely directed, eerily shot, story augmented by an hugely talented supporting cast with the likes of Peter Lorre and the superbly sleazy Sydney Greenstreet. There was a great deal wrong and inhibiting with the "studio system" that prevailed at the time, but when it did work it could pull together an astonishing collection of people in front of, and behind the camera and create masterpieces like this.
**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 the test of time and continues to win sympathies today, it is one of the most outstanding films in American cinema, a work that goes beyond aesthetics, art and culture, and which, over the decades, became part of the collective memory, part of the universal cultural heritage.
The film was made in 1942, in the midst of World War II, and its production was conditioned by severe restrictions on the use of raw materials considered important for the American war effort. So many of the sets are recycled, they were used in a number of other Warner films and adapted here. Another direct consequence that the war brought to this film is the huge amount of real refugees that made up the technical team and the extras, and who are deeply emotionally moved in that famous scene where the French anthem, sung with all their lungs, completely drowns out the chorus of German officers while singing a patriotic march.
The script brings us a love story: Rick and Ilsa meet and fall in love quickly in Paris. However, after a few days, the arrival of the victorious Germans in the city forces them to flee, and makes her decide to end the romance. Years later, Rick finds himself established with a bar in the city of Casablanca, in a part of Morocco controlled by the Free France, and where many refugees drink, gamble and seek the money necessary to pay the passes and visas that the authorities demand to be able to go to Portugal, a neutral country where they can, if they wish, head to the United States. It is there that the two lovers end up meeting again, in the midst of a plot that also includes a corrupt French officer, a ruthless German officer and two stolen passes, which everyone seems to want.
The cast is elegantly led by two of the biggest stars of their time: on the one hand, the heartthrob Humphrey Bogart, with his characteristic voice and pose, impeccable in one of the most complete and powerful works of his career. He knew perfectly how to give his character a pleasant dose of cynicism, self-centeredness and disenchantment. On the other hand, the beautiful and intelligent Ingrid Bergman in one of her life's works. The film also has good performances by several supporting actors, such as Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, Conrad Veidt and also Paul Henreid and Claude Rains.
Technically, we have great praise for the masterful direction of Michael Curtiz, who had the wisdom to give the film the pace, ambience and elegance it needed to be able to flourish and marvel. With discreet production values and an effort to contain expenses, the film still never feels cheap, and there's never a moment where we can say that we didn't have money to buy a certain prop, to improve a specific set or costume. The cinematography works very well, and the filming work seems to have been impeccable, with some strategic and well-positioned zooms marking the most dramatic scenes and the juiciest dialogues. The soundtrack doesn't have very resonant themes, but it's impossible to forget “As Time Goes By” after we've seen this film.
Cast & Crew of
Casablanca
Cast
... Rick Blaine
... Ilsa Lund
... Victor Laszlo
... Captain Louis Renault
... Major Heinrich Strasser
... Signor Ferrari
... Ugarte
... Carl
... Yvonne
... Sam
... Annina Brandel
... Berger
... Sascha
... Pickpocket
... Guest at Rick's (uncredited)
... Bar Patron (uncredited)
... Refugee at Rick's (uncredited)
... Overseer (uncredited)
... Dealer at Rick's (uncredited)
... Gendarme (uncredited)
... Waiter at the Blue Parrot (uncredited)
... American (uncredited)
... Policeman (uncredited)
... Native Officer (uncredited)
... Baccarat Dealer at Rick's (uncredited)
... Bearded Man in Street Watching Plane in Flight (uncredited)
... Woman Companion (uncredited)
... American (uncredited)
... Guest at Rick's (uncredited)
... Oriental at Rick's (uncredited)
... Commuter at Train Station (uncredited)
... Waiter at Rick's (uncredited)
... French Police Officer (uncredited)
... Concierge (uncredited)
... Emil - Croupier at Rick's (uncredited)
... Jan Brandel (uncredited)
... Orderly (uncredited)
... Lt. Casselle (uncredited)
... Police Officer (uncredited)
... Arab Guest with Fez (uncredited)
... Moroccan (uncredited)
... News Vendor (uncredited)
... Second Contact Man at Rick's (uncredited)
... Englishman Questioning Casino's Honesty (uncredited)
... Singing Frenchman (uncredited)
... Gambler at Rick's (uncredited)
... Conspirator (uncredited)
... Headwaiter at Rick's (uncredited)
... German Banker Refused by Rick (uncredited)
... Cashier at Rick's (uncredited)
... Mrs. Leuchtag - Carl's Immigrating Friend (uncredited)
... Customer (uncredited)
... Englishwoman (uncredited)
... Muezzini (uncredited)
... Elderly Admirer (uncredited)
... Pickpocketed Prosperous Man (uncredited)
... Italian Officer Tonnelli (uncredited)
... Haggling Arab Monkey Seller (uncredited)
... Policeman (uncredited)
... Moor Buying Diamonds (uncredited)
... Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
... Bartender (uncredited)
... Rick's Friend (uncredited)
... Policeman (uncredited)
... Arab Guest with Fez (uncredited)
... Conspirator (uncredited)
... Dutch Banker at Cafe Table (uncredited)
... French Officer Insulting Yvonne (uncredited)
... Fydor (uncredited)
... Singer with Guitar (uncredited)
... Gambler at Rick's (uncredited)
... Woman Selling Her Diamonds (uncredited)
... Paul - Waiter at Rick's (uncredited)
... Guest at Rick's (uncredited)
... Croupier (uncredited)
... Arab Vendor (uncredited)
... Conspirator (uncredited)
... Bouncer at Rick's (uncredited)
... Col. Heinz - Strasser's Aide (uncredited)
... Abdul (uncredited)
... Refugee (uncredited)
... Woman Customer (uncredited)
... Pickpocketed Englishman (uncredited)
... Native Officer (uncredited)
... Customer (uncredited)
... Mr. Leuchtag (uncredited)
... Gambler (uncredited)
... Man Turning Propeller at Airport (uncredited)
... Frenchman (uncredited)
... Woman Gambler at Rick's Next to Croupier (uncredited)
... Wife of Pickpocketed Englishman (uncredited)
... German Officer with Yvonne (uncredited)
... Waiter (uncredited)
... Man with Expired Papers (uncredited)
... Baccarat Player at Rick's (uncredited)
... Native Introducing Ferrari (uncredited)
... Gambler (uncredited)
... Moroccan Boy (uncredited)
... German Officer (uncredited)
... Emile - Waiter (uncredited)
... Prosperous Tourist (uncredited)
... Guest at Rick's (uncredited)
... Guest at Rick's (uncredited)
... Vendor (uncredited)
... Merchant (uncredited)
... Guest at Rick's (uncredited)
Crew
... Set Decoration
... Sound Designer
... Executive Producer
... Screenplay
... Makeup Artist
... Stunts
... Producer
... Original Music Composer
... Editor
... Costume Design
... Art Direction
... Screenplay
... Director
... Director of Photography
... Screenplay
... Special Effects
... Music Director
... Special Effects
... Songs
... Unit Manager
... Assistant Director
... Stunts
... Set Designer
... Songs
... Other
... Unit Publicist
... Camera Operator
... Other
... Sound Recordist
... Theatre Play
... Theatre Play
... Orchestrator
Videos & Photos of
Casablanca
Videos (4)
Photos 61
Similar Movies To
Casablanca
Role Play (2023)
5.958/10
Emma has a wonderful husband and two kids in the suburbs of New Jersey – she also has a secret life as an assassin for hire – a secret that her husband David discovers when the couple decide to spice up their marriage with a little role play.
Release: 2023-12-14
The Eighteen Darts (Part 1) (1966)
0/10
The Eighteen Darts (Part 1) is a Chinese Opera Musical starring Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao in child roles.
Release: 1966-08-23
The Eighteen Darts (Part 2) (1966)
0/10
The Eighteen Darts (Part 2) is a Chinese Opera Musical starring Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao in child roles.
Release: 1966-08-30
Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself (2002)
6.535/10
The strange comedy film of two close brothers; one, Wilbur, who wants to kill himself, and the other, Harbour, who tries to prevent this. When their father dies leaving them his bookstore they meet a woman who makes their lives a bit better yet with a bit more trouble as well.
Release: 2002-11-08
The Good German (2006)
5.813/10
An American journalist arrives in Berlin just after the end of World War Two. He becomes involved in a murder mystery surrounding a dead GI who washes up at a lakeside mansion during the Potsdam negotiations between the Allied powers. Soon his investigation connects with his search for his married pre-war German lover.
Release: 2006-12-15
Amélie (2001)
7.916/10
At a tiny Parisian café, the adorable yet painfully shy Amélie accidentally discovers a gift for helping others. Soon Amelie is spending her days as a matchmaker, guardian angel, and all-around do-gooder. But when she bumps into a handsome stranger, will she find the courage to become the star of her very own love story?
Release: 2001-04-25
Trouble in Paradise (1932)
7.41/10
Thief Gaston Monescu and pickpocket Lily are partners in crime and love. Working for perfume company executive Mariette Colet, the two crooks decide to combine their criminal talents to rob their employer. Under the alias of Monsieur Laval, Gaston uses his position as Mariette's personal secretary to become closer to her. However, he takes things too far when he actually falls in love with Mariette, and has to choose between her and Lily.
Release: 1932-10-30
Braveheart (1995)
7.942/10
Enraged at the slaughter of Murron, his new bride and childhood love, Scottish warrior William Wallace slays a platoon of the local English lord's soldiers. This leads the village to revolt and, eventually, the entire country to rise up against English rule.
Release: 1995-05-24
To Be or Not to Be (1942)
7.815/10
During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.
Release: 1942-03-06
Rebecca (1940)
7.9/10
Story of a young woman who marries a fascinating widower only to find out that she must live in the shadow of his former wife, Rebecca, who died mysteriously several years earlier. The young wife must come to grips with the terrible secret of her handsome, cold husband, Max De Winter. She must also deal with the jealous, obsessed Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, who will not accept her as the mistress of the house.
Release: 1940-03-23
The Blue Angel (1930)
7.307/10
Prim professor Immanuel Rath finds some of his students ogling racy photos of cabaret performer Lola Lola and visits a local club, The Blue Angel, in an attempt to catch them there. Seeing Lola perform, the teacher is filled with lust, eventually resigning his position at the school to marry the young woman. However, his marriage to a coquette -- whose job is to entice men -- proves to be more difficult than Rath imagined.
Release: 1930-04-01
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
7.9/10
Francis, a young man, recalls in his memory the horrible experiences he and his fiancée Jane recently went through. Francis and his friend Alan visit The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, an exhibit where the mysterious doctor shows the somnambulist Cesare, and awakens him for some moments from his death-like sleep.
Release: 1920-02-27
The Godfather (1972)
8.687/10
Spanning the years 1945 to 1955, a chronicle of the fictional Italian-American Corleone crime family. When organized crime family patriarch, Vito Corleone barely survives an attempt on his life, his youngest son, Michael steps in to take care of the would-be killers, launching a campaign of bloody revenge.
Release: 1972-03-14
Some Like It Hot (1959)
8.087/10
In Prohibition-era Chicago, musicians Joe and Jerry witness a mob hit, and flee the state in an all-female band disguised as Josephine and Daphne, but further complications set in.
Release: 1959-03-19
The Godfather Part II (1974)
8.57/10
In the continuing saga of the Corleone crime family, a young Vito Corleone grows up in Sicily and in 1910s New York. In the 1950s, Michael Corleone attempts to expand the family business into Las Vegas, Hollywood and Cuba.
Release: 1974-12-20
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
7.235/10
The story of an old Jewish widow named Daisy Werthan and her relationship with her black chauffeur, Hoke. From an initial mere work relationship grew in 25 years a strong friendship between the two very different characters, in a time when those types of relationships were shunned.
Release: 1989-12-13
La Strada (1954)
7.912/10
When Gelsomina, a naïve young woman, is purchased from her impoverished mother by brutish circus strongman Zampanò to be his wife and partner, she loyally endures her husband's coldness and abuse as they travel the Italian countryside performing together. Soon Zampanò must deal with his jealousy and conflicted feelings about Gelsomina when she finds a kindred spirit in Il Matto, the carefree circus fool, and contemplates leaving Zampanò.
Release: 1954-09-23
La Haine (1995)
8.083/10
After a chaotic night of rioting in a marginal suburb of Paris, three young friends, Vinz, Hubert and Saïd, wander around unoccupied waiting for news about the state of health of a mutual friend who has been seriously injured when confronting the police.
Release: 1995-05-31
The English Patient (1996)
7.158/10
In the 1930s, Count Almásy is a Hungarian map maker employed by the Royal Geographical Society to chart the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert along with several other prominent explorers. As World War II unfolds, Almásy enters into a world of love, betrayal, and politics.
Release: 1996-11-14
8½ (1963)
8.116/10
Guido Anselmi, a film director, finds himself creatively barren at the peak of his career. Urged by his doctors to rest, Anselmi heads for a luxurious resort, but a sorry group gathers—his producer, staff, actors, wife, mistress, and relatives—each one begging him to get on with the show. In retreat from their dependency, he fantasizes about past women and dreams of his childhood.
Release: 1963-02-14