“You must remember this
A kiss is just a kiss
a sigh is just a sigh
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by...."

This eternal song is a gift of an equally eternal movie – "Casablanca."

Tired of constantly listening of remarks like “Oh… How could you not see Casablanca till date?” I finally got hold of a VCD… and barged for an viewing that is suppose to be a memorable cinematic Experience. I have always failed to see how a relatively simple movie can be loved and admired so much around the world. So I finally decided to see it for myself…

And I fell heads over Heels….. In love with Casablanca.

Wonderful premise set in The world War two in a Moroccan city Casablanca…. It is a romantic tale, which actually showcase only three days of everything. Wonderfully etched characters…. Heartfelt and witty line of every dialogue… and superb performances that made characters of Rick and IIlsa timeless.

Personally I liked the character of Captain Renault. But it was the performance of Ingrid Bergman as IIlsa that took my breath away. Her pain and longing beautifully disguised in smiles… her passionate love taking cover of duty towards her husband Victor Lazlow….Her tears that are held back admirably… her heart locked away for years. At a first glance I thought movie to be witty, well made and Ingrid as beautiful and probably not a powerful performance. From second viewing I actually fell in love with the movie… Specially when Ingrid reveals her innermost feelings for a sec and two… and you have to catch the transient emotions to know the depth of the woman with a locked heart. Well done Ingrid!

Of course Humphrey Bogart Being the Star he is… has given an exhilarating performance himself.

I am not disclosing the movie’s plot as it is impossible to do any justice to it. Each and every frame of the movie… each and every character…. Each line of the film stands out in itself. Last time I felt such passion for any film was “Gone with the Wind”…that was years ago… and true to my friend’s wonder even I now feel regret of not seeing Casablanca before. And now I know that I will never quit seeing it repeatedly.. every now and then…

Amogst the various lines of Casablanca, the most famous lines are also my most favourite one. It’s the way in which Ingrid says it… when she wants Sam to play the song ..

IIlsa: “Play it once, Sam.... For old times' sake.”

Sam: [lying] I don't know what you mean, Miss Ilsa.

IIlsa: Play it, Sam. .....Play ..."As Time Goes By."

P.S. For the movie freaks who has seen the Movie... they know what i am talking about. For the few who haven't... and are romantic at heart... go and see it. Once to see.... Twice to treasure...for lifetime.