Casablanca (1942) is a timeless romantic drama set against the backdrop of World War II in the Vichy-controlled city of Casablanca, Morocco. The film follows Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), an American expatriate who runs a nightclub called Rick’s Cafรฉ Americain, a popular spot for both locals and refugees hoping to escape Nazi-occupied Europe. Rick is a cynical, hard-boiled man who prefers to stay out of politics, but his life is upended when his former lover, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), walks into his cafรฉ with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), a renowned Czech resistance leader wanted by the Nazis.
Years earlier, Rick and Ilsa had a passionate love affair in Paris, but she left him abruptly when the Germans invaded. Now, Ilsa and Victor are desperately trying to obtain two priceless letters of transitโdocuments that would allow them to flee Casablanca and escape the Nazis. Rick, still deeply hurt by Ilsaโs abandonment, is initially reluctant to help them, especially as it means rekindling old emotions.
As tensions rise, Rick is faced with difficult choices. He learns that Laszlo is a key figure in the resistance movement, and Ilsaโs love for him remains strong. Ultimately, Rick decides to make a selfless sacrifice. In a moment of profound personal growth, he ensures that Ilsa and Victor can escape, even though it means losing the woman he loves. In a final, iconic scene, Rick helps the couple get on a plane to safety, telling Ilsa to “play it again” for him, as he remains behind in Casablanca, choosing the greater good over personal happiness.
Casablanca explores themes of love, sacrifice, patriotism, and duty, while its memorable characters, sharp dialogue, and emotional depth have cemented it as one of the greatest films of all time.