Here's Lookin At You, Kid

It may be cliche. It may be what everyone says, but it's true: Casablanca is one of the greatest movies EVER made. And one of my personal ALL TIME favorites. 

           Although I've seen it over a hundred times, last week I had the awesome pleasure of experiencing it on the big screen. 70 years after its original release, the greatness remains intact. The script is flawless, the chemistry palpable, the acting fantastic. Every element comes together in creating impeccable cinematic completeness. 
           Bergman and Bogie light up every scene, and their chemistry is sensational! The tormented love affair of Rick and Ilsa has held up and seems more beautiful and intricate than ever. Bogie's tough-guy swagger is endearing and intoxicating, and Ingrid Bergman's tear soaked eyes pull you in and make you fall in love. With every glance, her incandescent beauty transcends, and Bogart's conflicted love drives the film. Love. Them.

           The supporting cast is absolutely fantastic as well. Paul Henreid's Vicor Laszlo is strong and sympathetic, and Peter Lorre commands his brief screen time as the slimy Signor Ugarte. Claude Rains as Captain Renault exhibits insane performance dexterity to turn a smarmy villain into the most amusing and likable character in the movie. His dialogue is supreme with zinger lines every other moment, and his delivery marvelous. My other favorites are the staff at Rick's, showing that even the tiniest parts can be scene stealing with good writing and great acting. 
           The entire movie is a string of amazing moments. I teared up repeatedly from when the guests at Rick's burst out into La Marsseillaise, to when they recap their time in Paris. The comedic timing is dead on and perfectly mixed in with the high-intensity drama. Despite knowing every punch line and every bit by heart, I still laughed out loud over and over. 
            I could go on for days about all of the amazing little intricacies of this movie, or about all of the odd twists, turns and mishaps that aligned the stars to make it what it is, but I will spare you. All I will say is that there is a reason that it is rated #2 on the American Film Institute's list of the top 100 movies. It has stood the test of time beautifully. If you haven't seen it, do. If you're in the mood to watch it again, go for it. 

You will fall in love with it the way I do every time.