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3. Casablanca
An iconic black and white film that brings a spectrum of emotions to its viewers. Casablanca narrates the romantic saga of individuals who understand love. Mention Casablanca, and many cinema aficionados will reminisce about the famous love triangle of yesteryears. After its premiere in 1942, Casablanca swiftly garnered global acclaim. Since then, the city of Casablanca—where the film's story unfolds—has become the most captivating destination on the Atlantic coast.
The film's central characters, Rick and Ilsa Lund (portrayed by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, respectively), share moments of happiness together. Their love story unfolds like an immortal ballad, intertwined with the theme song, As Time Goes By. 'You're looking at her, kid!' is Rick's often-repeated line when beside Ilsa Lund. And one day, they make plans to escape to Casablanca together. However, when the train departs, Ilsa Lund is absent. In the rain, Rick receives Ilsa Lund's heartbreaking letter of refusal, and he reluctantly accepts his solitary journey.
It's only upon meeting his former lover again that Rick discovers the truth behind why she didn't show up. Despite the imminent happiness, fate once again separates Rick and Ilsa. Ultimately, Rick chooses solitude, and his love story remains an endless regret for the audience. Like the film's titular song, As Time Goes By: 'You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh, the fundamental things apply as time goes by.' Indeed, some things endure with time. In Rick's heart, Ilsa will always reside, and in the hearts of cinema enthusiasts, there will always be a place for Casablanca.
5. The Great Gatsby
Gatsby met and fell in love with Daisy when she was just a delicate eighteen-year-old. She was the aristocratic young lady from a prestigious lineage in Louisville, possessing a beauty as fragile as a porcelain doll. He, a poor officer, was mesmerized by her beauty and her family's wealth, falling in love at first sight and carrying that love with him throughout his life, through the long, perilous nights on the battlefields of Europe, through the struggles between life and death. But the beauty couldn't wait forever, and more importantly, “rich girl can’t marry poor guy.” Daisy married a true 'big shot,' hailing from another wealthy family.
Gatsby couldn't forget his first and only love. He dove into wealth by any means possible, even illicit ones, only to ascend to her class. He threw the most extravagant, glamorous parties, hoping she'd notice and drop by. He bought a mansion opposite hers, though separated by a whole bay, just to watch the green light from her dock fade into the night, dreaming of the woman he loved lost in reverie. The love of this man is so powerful and poignant it moves viewers to their core.
