Introduction: The Stormy Stage of World War
The film begins in December 1941, during the peak of World War II. The Moroccan city of Casablanca, under the puppet Vichy regime of France, is overflowing with people. It is considered the last stop for those fleeing Europe and trying to reach America. Migrants, political refugees, spies, and opportunistic traders are gathered here. Everyone is in desperate need of exit visas, tickets to freedom.
Rick's Café Américain: A Refuge Amid Chaos
The soul of Casablanca changes inside "Rick's Café Américain," owned by Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart). Rick is calm, cool-headed, and wishes to stay distant from political events. He doesn’t live by law, but by his own rules. His café resembles a mosaic of diplomats, refugees, traitors, and black-market dealers. Here, Sam (Dooley Wilson), the pianist, plays "As Time Goes By" — a song that captures the mood and emotion of the film.
Murder and Visas
Tension escalates in Casablanca after two German couriers are murdered. On their bodies are found emergency transit visas, which allow travel to America without bureaucratic inspection. Captain Renault (Claude Rains), the city’s police chief, tries to manage the situation, but he plays both sides to serve his own interests.
Ilsa and Laszlo: Shadows of the Past
One day, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) enters Rick’s café with her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). Laszlo is a key resistance leader fighting against the Nazi regime in Europe. Having escaped German pursuit, he is trying to flee to America through Casablanca. Ilsa and Rick once shared a passionate love affair in Paris, but she left him without explanation. Rick still carries the pain of that loss.
The Past Returns: Memories of Paris
Ilsa asks Sam to play "As Time Goes By." When Rick hears the melody, he is overwhelmed by emotion. Memories return: joyful days in Paris, moments of love, the painful farewell as the Nazis closed in. Ilsa had never told Rick that, at the time, her husband Laszlo was still alive. Now, guilt and love become intertwined.
Internal Conflict: Rick’s Decision
Laszlo is being hunted by both the police and the Germans. For him, escape is a matter of life and death. But the exit visas are in Rick’s possession. Ilsa approaches Rick to ask for the visas and confesses her love for him. Rick faces a choice: keep Ilsa for himself, or let her go with Laszlo toward freedom?
Planning the Escape: A Game of Deception
Rick makes a decision. He calls Renault and tells him he plans to hand over Laszlo. But it’s all part of a clever ruse. Rick’s true intention is to help Ilsa and Laszlo escape from Casablanca and secure their freedom.
Final Scene at the Airport: A Love Sacrificed
The film’s climax takes place at the Casablanca airport. Rick explains to Ilsa that Laszlo is needed in the world far more than he is. Letting her stay with Rick would be selfish and endanger her future. When Ilsa asks, "But what about us?", Rick replies with the film’s most iconic line:
"The problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world."
With Renault’s help, Rick provides the visas and ensures Ilsa and Laszlo board the plane.
The Final Stroke: The Birth of a Friendship
Renault is moved by Rick’s firm and selfless actions. When Major Strasser tries to stop the plane, Rick shoots and kills him. Renault helps cover it up, declaring that it was “the work of another criminal.” The two men walk off together, beginning a new chapter: friendship, resistance, and a greater cause.
Conclusion: The Sacrificial Farewell of a Love
In the final scene of “Casablanca”, Rick and Renault walk into the foggy airport night, the start of a new friendship. Rick has sacrificed his love story, but in doing so, he upholds something greater — freedom, justice, and the values of humanity.
SHEFEQ.COM asks:
"When Rick sacrificed his love story, what would you have done? Would you hold on to the one you love, or ensure their freedom and happiness — even if it means letting them go?"
Let’s reflect…
Opinion:
“Casablanca” is a symbol of timeless values — love, sacrifice, justice, and the pursuit of freedom. Rick’s selfless decision for Ilsa is the emotional heart of the film. Every character, every scene, vividly expresses the complexity of human emotion and inner struggle.
Casablanca is not merely a love story — it is a celebration of the noblest traits in humanity.