Critical Score: 9.3/10

This film is most certainly a masterpiece of film-making and one of the best films of the era of classical Hollywood. It certainly uses the idea of ‘invisible editing’ to full effect, as watching it you do truly feel like you’re in Casablanca and not on a studio lot in Hollywood. Also, the camerawork is simply sublime, truly adding to the immersiveness of watching this film. Furthermore, the film’s story and script is extremely well written, as not only is there a plethora of famous and rememberable and lines but watching it you do definitely care about what’s going to happen the characters in the film, as they are all so well written. Though the acting in the film may be seen as overdone and exaggerated at times, I believe it is some of the best of the era, especially Humphrey Bogart as the brooding bar owner Rick Blaine, who’s performance is truly a treat to watch for the viewer. And finally, I think another element of the film that is truly masterful is it’s soundtrack, composed by Max Steiner, who also composed the soundtrack for King Kong (1933) and Gone With The Wind (1939).

Memorable Scene

The most memorable scene/sequence for me is when Rick flashbacks to his and Ilsa’s time that they shared in Casablanca. It is so memorable for me because when I was watching for the first time I found it simply amazing to finally find out what happened between Rick and Ilsa in Paris. Another reason why I find it so good is because there are so many brilliant, well planned moments that tell the viewers Rick’s desire to still be Ilsa in Paris, and how he desires to go back to those times and still be with her. This is evidenced by the parallel drawn by the director/producer when in the flashback Ilsa knocks over the bottle of champagne, which is then mirrored by Rick knocking over his bottle of whiskey. This shows to the audience that Rick most definitely longs for those times back in Paris, as well as drawing attention to the depression and sadness Ilsa’s rejection caused him, as in this sequence he is pictured drinking whiskey alone.