Synopsis (according to imdb.com)
Set in unoccupied Africa during the early days of World War II: An American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications.
LET ME EXPLAIN...
The first time I watched this was shortly before I officially began My Quest. I thought it was a decent movie at the time, but I didn't really get why it's considered the 3rd best movie of all time. On top of that, my wife just didn't like it at all. I was actually surprised that she was up for watching this one again with me.
Fortunately for both of us, we ended up "getting" this movie a lot more the second time around. It's a good story that ties in World War II, a complicated romance, great acting, and a wonderful atmosphere and script (this film has more quotes on the AFI's Top 100 List than any other film in history, with six. The next closest is Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz with half that). This is a great movie.
What makes this a "Top 100" Movie?
1) An engaging plot with a script full of legendary movie quotes.
2) Terrific acting.
3) Characters that are "real" and developed well throughout.
4) Great cinematography.
5) It's set during a major war (and was even released in the middle of the war) and didn't shy away from letting the Nazis know what we thought of them.
"Casablanca" was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
Complaints:
You really need to pay attention to even minor characters' names and practically every line (which was oftentimes difficult to hear or understand). Sometimes the plot would seem to progress simply by a quick dialogue here or there. This got me a little lost a couple times.
LET ME SUM UP...
Classic cinema with an interesting story and characters you really care about. It's well acted, has several legendary movie quotes, and is set during World War II. It took my wife and I a second viewing before we really began appreciating how good this film really is.
MY RATING: 8/10 (1 higher from my previous rating)
2 comments:
Yay for liking it the second time around!
I liked this movie the first time around but LOVED it when I re-watched. I just finished the list. I've enjoyed reading your reviews as I've watched them myself. Looking forward to the reviews of your last few!
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