15 Greatest Ending Lines In Film History
6. This Is The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship - Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca is a romantic drama with a twist, in that the two romantic leads don't actually end up together and the protagonist, cynical nightclub owner Rick Blaine, is forced to put his feelings aside for a much higher purpose.
Portrayed throughout the movie as bitter, cynical and neutral in the war, the final moments of the film cause Rick to have a radical change of heart, accepting the fact he needs to take a stand against tyranny, even if that means losing his freedom and love.
After killing a Nazi official, Rick is spared punishment by the police captain Louis Renault, who agrees to join Rick in his next chapter. Despite being at odds through most of the film, Louis' loyalty moves Rick, and he ends the film by saying:
“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Implying that both men are ready to put their differences aside and confront their place in the war, Casablanca's iconic sign-off brings Rick's development from pessimistic bar owner to empowered hero full-circle, and hints at a bright future for everyone involved in his journey.