Casablanca - the greatest movie of all time?

[VIAN]

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1003707-casablanca/

I don't get it. I've seen better chemistry between lovers in other movies. And the acting is so... I don't know - sterile sometimes and over the top. I've seen a more realistic dramatization of a fight between lovers.

So, I don't get it. Why is this movie considered so good? I could understand back in the day because of Rick's battle between patriotism and love; but today?

maybe it's because of this quote from Ebert: "the first time you see the movie you don't yet know the story of Rick and Ilsa in Paris; indeed, the more you see it the more the whole film gains resonance"

I've only seen the movie once. But that's kind of a funny thing. If it takes multiple viewings to enjoy it, why would one view it again if they didn't enjoy it the first time. Maybe I'll try watching it again later.

 

[chuckywang]

It survived the test of time.

 

[Legendary]

It's good, maybe great, but not the best ever.

 

[Safeway]

It is so-so. It is definitely a classic, but I don't think that the classic status makes it a great (or the greatest) movie of all time.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

The African Queen was a better Bogie movie.

 

[TallBill]

No way

 

[aircooled]

I have a hard time with the melodrama and over acting of most films from that period.

 

[homercles337]

Easily in my top 5. Probably top 3.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: homercles337
Easily in my top 5. Probably top 3.

Same here. I really love movies from that period.

 

[jjones]

It's a great movie, but not the greatest, and not even Bogey's greatest IMO.

 

[Mucho]

Maybe to a certain generation however, not to me.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

A man that I admire and respect - not to mention that I had the privilege to meet - said it best:

Umberto Eco on "Casablanca"

 

[BeauJangles]

Definitely among the best if not the best. The shooting and acting are top-notch, but what really makes that film for me is the character development. I dunno, to each their own I guess.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Bah, everyone knows that Terminator 2 is the best fucking movie of all time.

 

[thejnaitor]

I saw it for the first time a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I don't think it's the best movie I've ever seen, but it's up there.

 

[2Xtreme21]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
Bah, everyone knows that SNAKES ON A PLANE is the best fucking movie of all time.

Fixed.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
The African Queen was a better Bogie movie.

Agreed.

However, that just proves how good Bogie was, as Casablanca is itself a masterpiece. An excellent portrayal of that time period. Movies are like time machines in way. So while modern works like "Saving Private Ryan" might give a more realistic depiction of WWII, movies like Casablanca allow us to see that generation as they saw themselves. That's what makes it great.

 

[Quasmo]

It's no Citizen Kane