"Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Casablanca is such an old, classic movie that we sort of forget how unusual the ending is. It's a romance where the two lovers not only don't end up together, but Rick actively works to keep Ilsa and her husband safe and well away from him. His last line both explains his decision and completes his character arc. At the beginning of the film, Rick is a cynical figure, determined to go with the flow and not stick his neck out for anyone. He's been hurt too many times, and he doesn't want to get involved anymore. But this last line signifies change. Not only has he done the honorable thing by sending Ilsa off with her husband, but the implication is that he's going to actively become involved in the resistance movement.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
