52 Week Challenge: Adapted from a Play

Source: Warner Brothers

Movie Title: Casablanca

Year Released: 1942

Aspect Ratio: 4:3

Run time: 102 Minutes

My Rating:

4/5 Stars

Genre: Romance/ Drama/ War

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman

Directed by: Michael Curtiz

Produced by: Hal B. Wallis, Jack L. Warner

Written by: Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Howard Koch

Music by: Max Steiner

Based on Play: Everybody Comes to Ricks

Awards Received:

Academy Award for Best Picture, Academy Award for Best Writing, Academy Award for Best Directing

Why did I choose this particular film?

I am embarrassed it has taken me this long to watch this film and it is obviously a compulsory watch for any film fan, so I felt I had to kick off this challenge with a film that has been on my list for so long, yet I never got round to watching.

Would I recommend this film? Why or why not?

I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who happens to have not watched (I am assuming a very small percentage of you reading, but perhaps there are a few of you out there who like me, until last night, went years without watching). A film that on the surface is based on the World War II political conflicts of the time, what lies at the heart is a simple yet painfully beautiful love story.

What character was I most able to identify with or connect with?

Personally, I was most able to identify with Ilsa. I view her as someone who is always trying to please everyone even though it is painful for herself. She builds a relationship with Rick in Paris but is torn after the news regarding Laszlo and I identify with that in some aspects of my own life and definitely relate to that aspect of Ilsa's character. She struggles in doing what is both best for herself and what she wants, and what she needs to do for those around her; ultimately accepting that it's best to go with Laszlo in the end as he will need her and she loves him.

Best line or memorable quote:

"Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship"

"We'll always have Paris."

Was I surprised by the ending? What would I have done differently?

Even though I had seen snippets from the ending between Rick and Ilsa, I was still left surprised and engaged by the ending. Particularly due to how the audience was led to believe Captain Renault was going to get Rick in trouble after Rick deceived him and then the subsequent shock when he swooped in at the end to save Rick from being confirmed as the one who shot Major Strasser. It was a lovely touch to see them walk into the distance together as they share a moment of peace. I certainly would not have done anything differently as whilst the bitter-sweet goodbye between Rick and Ilsa was heart-wrenching, the goodbye was needed for both characters and meant they finally got to finish what they started in Paris.

Have I seen the play before? If so, how similar is this film version? If I have not seen the play, did this film make me want to?

I have not seen it and whilst the film is so famous, I was never made aware of the fact it was based on a play. I definitely want to see the play, however, I would be cautious in viewing a modern version as I would wonder how much the production would stay true to the original play, or if they would use the film as a basis and therefore, result in the play being based on the film rather than the original "Everybody Comes to Rick's." Doubts aside, I do think it would still be an enjoyable experience.

Anything else to add?

The film was much better than I had anticipated. I obviously find films based around War quite dense and moreover heavy to watch, however, I felt this film was beautifully crafted. Overall the film was succinct in a way that was still deeply emotional yet didn't leave you feeling drained after watching and along with romance, had some humourous moments thrown into it as well. I gave it 4 stars because it didn't blow me away, but I still found it a pleasant watch.

IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt