Katherine’s Flick Pick: ‘Casablanca’

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros.

The word “classic” is used to describe older movies about getting the last laugh or the perfect ending, while still being predictable. Your grandma might tell you they don’t make movies like this anymore.

But “Casablanca” is a little different. It’s definitely described as a classic by film critics, but it sets itself apart from others grouped under that name.

The film focuses on Rick Blaine, who runs a nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco. His life is turned upside down when the reason for his constant bitterness, his former lover, Ilsa Lund, shows back up in his life. Ilsa and her husband are on the run from German officials during World War II and Rick is in possession of papers that would allow them to leave for Portugal to safety.

The movie goes with an ending that you could see coming — but isn’t exactly predictable — and still manages to make you want to cry in your room alone because nobody’s ever going to love you the way Rick and Ilsa love each other.

The film is in black and white, giving it that nostalgic feel that moviegoers love. And who doesn’t love watching the Nazis get their asses kicked?

Contact Katherine Nix at [email protected].