I feel sorry for those who downplay the significance and power of this film.

Maybe it is the times we are living in that makes some people cynical. Perhaps we have been jaded or simply special effected into a myopic stupor by the colors, graphics or simplicity of today's theatre, but if anyone can say this film isn't absolutely the best movie made, I have to humbly disagree.

Sometimes, characters, directors and writers get spun around and whipped together and what comes out is a forgettable piece of celluloid, but this is not the case for Casablanca. It is said that this movie did more for the war effort than any other piece of propaganda.
There hasn't been a story as powerful, as influential or inspiring as this one, because it exposes mankind at its worst, most tepid and selfish side and yet, in the end... reveals in humanity traits that are both gallant and noble. Casablanca has drama, comedy and tragedy, but in the end... it has the ability to transform its audience from casual observers to willing participants in the fight to do what is right.

They don't make 'em like that anymore.