Casablanca

The Legend

Casablanca isn't just a movie. It's a pop culture phenomenon. Now that I have seen it, I understand a bit of what makes this such a classic. Rick Blaine is precisely the kind of flawed hero that resonates so well with American audiences. His tough exterior, good looks, and obvious courage add up to a character rich with dramatic potential. The complications of his relationship with Ilsa are an excellent launching point for a dark film like this. Watching both of them choose between desires and morals is a refreshing change from the modern movie method. As if the difficult romance wasn't interesting enough, the plot is loaded with many opportunities for betrayal in a land where trust is not part of the vocabulary. The crazy cast of characters that fill out the film are quite enjoyable, including such luminaries as Peter Lorre, Claude Rains, and Sydney Greenstreet.