Classic Film: Casablanca the Classic

Classic Film: Casablanca

The classic movie I chose to write about is Casablanca, released in 1942, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The movie is considered a classic by many because it stars two of the most renowned actors of its time; however I also consider it a classic because of the symbolism it contained during a time when the United States was becoming more deeply involved in World War II.

To me Casablanca is a classic film because it is one of the first films in history that symbolizes two themes that have since been repeated in movies throughout history -- the concept of self-sacrifice for love. In Casablanca, Rick Blaine is reunited with an old love, Ilsa Lund, as he tries to help her flee the impending and spreading Nazi onslaught. Although Blaine loves Lund dearly, he would rather let her go to ensure her own well being despite his own desires to have her for his own. The concept of loving something enough to let it go despite your own desires is something that I believe truly epitomizes true love in the classic sense.

The symbolism in Casablanca is also what makes it a classic film to me. I believe the cynical character Blaine symbolizes the reluctance of the United States from getting itself in to the War and helping the allied forces. However, the more involved the United States gets, the more involved Blaine gets with helping his love and in the end he helps Lund escapes. This is very similar to the way the United States helps the Allies to escape the atrocities of the Nazis. To me the final line of the movie, when Blaine says to a French friend "I believe this is the beginning of something beautiful," sums up the United States intentions in the War. I think these words symbolize the U.S.' decision to open a second front in France and help win the War. To me the film's ability to symbolize such a crucial part in the worlds' history so eloquently makes it a classic as well.