Why Ebert's Love for "Casablanca" Still Matters Today
Roger Ebert. Just hearing his name conjures up images of late nights, flipping through channels, hoping to catch him and Gene Siskel duking it out over the latest flicks. Beyond the TV show, though, Ebert was a writer. His words had weight. He didn't just review movies; he loved them, and that passion was infectious. And when Ebert loved something, like Michael Curtiz's "Casablanca," you knew it was worth paying attention to.
"Casablanca." Even the name whispers of romance, intrigue, and a world on the brink. The film, set in Casablanca, Morocco, during World War II, isn't just a classic; it's a time capsule. It's a reminder of a world grappling with impossible choices, with love caught in the crossfire of global conflict. Ebert understood this. He saw beyond the iconic lines and the Bogart swagger. He saw the raw humanity.
Ebert included "Casablanca" in his "Great Movies" collection because it spoke to him on an emotional level. Think about that for a second. In a world obsessed with special effects and CGI spectacles, Ebert championed a black-and-white romance drama from 1942. Why? Because it's real. The characters aren't superheroes; they're flawed, desperate people making impossible choices. They are stuck in Casablanca awaiting passage, their futures uncertain. That's something we can all relate to, isn't it? Haven't we all been at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take?
The film's enduring power lies in its exploration of sacrifice. Rick Blaine's decision at the Casablanca airport to put Ilsa's happiness above his own is the kind of selfless act that resonates across generations. It's a testament to the power of love, even in the face of overwhelming odds. And that, my friends, is why "Casablanca" isn't just a great movie; it's a timeless one. What other films from that era continue to spark such debate and discussion?
What made Ebert such a fantastic critic, in my opinion, was his ability to articulate why a film resonated with him. He didn't just say, "I liked it." He delved into the themes, the characters, the cinematography, and the emotional core of the story. He made you feel what he felt. And when he wrote about "Casablanca," you could sense his genuine admiration for the film's ability to capture the human spirit. It's like he was handing you a piece of cinematic history and saying, "Here, take a look. This is something special." Roger Ebert Loved A 1942 Drama That's Often Called The Greatest Movie Of All Time
A Timeless Beacon of Hope
Ebert's appreciation for "Casablanca" reminds us that the best stories aren't always the flashiest or the most technologically advanced. They're the ones that tap into our deepest emotions, that make us question our own choices, and that leave us with a sense of hope, even in the darkest of times. And isn't that what we all need right now? A reminder that even in a world filled with uncertainty, love, sacrifice, and human connection still matter. That is the true Casablanca meaning, a lesson Ebert taught us all.