Casablanca

The film Casablanca, released in 1942, takes place in Rick's Cafe, a club in Morocco. Rick, the owner of the club, played by Humphrey Bogart, is a mysterious character that plays the part of a middle man in a lot of the happenings in Morocco. Morocco at the time was a place for refugees and people trying to get out of Europe during the war. Morocco is the last stop for these escapees and the only way to make it out of Morocco is by knowing somebody powerful or through political influence. Throughout the film Rick Blaine is forced to deal with a variety of conflicts that test his reputation for remaining neutral during the complicated war.

Rick meets Ugarte who's a common criminal who has obtained papers which allow whoever has them to travel freely wherever they wish. Victor Laszlo who is a leader against the Nazis needs these papers in order to get to America and continue his fight against the Nazis. Rick refuses to get the letters for him and Laszlo's wife Ilsa, (and former lover of Rick) threatens to shoot Rick for the papers. After explaining their feelings for each other, Rick decides to get the papers for Laszlo so that he can get to America.

Casablanca is considered one of the great American classics by most movie lovers. I however didn't really enjoy it. While it is a great example of classic narration and the Hollywood style, it didn't really keep me interested. What can I say, i'm used to the newer movies of today and Casablanca couldn't keep my attention. Although I can appreciate the films reputation and style, I wouldn't watch it again.