Casablanca, a film directed by Michael Curtiz and released in 1942, is a classic romantic drama set during World War II. The movie tells the story of Rick Blaine (played by Humphrey Bogart), a cynical American expatriate living in Casablanca, Morocco, who runs a popular nightclub.
In the end, Rick sacrifices his love for Ilsa Lund (played by Ingrid Bergman) for the greater good and helps her escape with her husband, Victor Laszlo. The final scene is a combination of drama, suspense, and patriotism, making it one of the most iconic movie endings of all time.
As the film comes to a close, Captain Louis Renault (played by Claude Rains) tells Rick that he is under arrest, but Rick asks him to wait until the plane carrying Laszlo and Ilsa takes off. Once the plane is in the air, Renault orders his men to “round up the usual suspects” and lets Rick go free.
The final scene between Rick and Renault is one of the most memorable moments in movie history. Renault tells Rick that he is “shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on” in his establishment, just as a croupier hands him his winnings.
Rick responds with one of the most famous lines in cinema history: “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
The ending of Casablanca is sentimental, patriotic, and filled with sacrifice. Rick, who was initially a selfish and cynical character, becomes a patriot and helps Laszlo escape to continue his fight against the Nazis.
The movie’s final scene has become iconic, and it perfectly captures the film’s themes of love, sacrifice, and patriotism. It’s no wonder that Casablanca is considered one of the greatest movies of all time.