96 Minutes

Directed By: Rob Reiner

Written By: Nora Ephron

 

A man and woman drive to New York together and incidentally run into each other over the passing years.  Harry is of the belief that men and women can’t be friends, but at some point he and Sally become just that. 

 

 

The ultimate question that still plagues men and women today is, “Can men and women be friends?”  According to Billy Crystals character Harry Burns they can’t.  The rest of the film reels from that initial statement, till the unforgettable ending.  What is so brilliant about When Harry Met Sally is it appeals to both sexes by telling each side of the story and giving both perspectives to the one event that confuses even the most level headed of us: relationships.  Not only does it tell each side of the story, but it is truly a perfect combination of romance and humour.

 

There is nothing flashy about this story and there aren’t really any crazy ups and downs or outrageous conflict between the main characters.  It very naturally describes the lives of two friends and their failed relationships over the years.  When they shake hands in the beginning and make the pact to be “just friends” they drive the platonic wedge between them that holds for many years.

 

In the end they found that no one knows each other better than each other, and after knowing all the good and the bad they still like each other and want to spend every moment with each other, and that is the most romantic thing in the world.  Tears of laughter plague the majority of the film, but by the end there is no shame in crying at the genuine sweetness and honesty that is, When Harry Met Sally.

 

Five minutes in you get the feeling Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan must have actually been married in another life.  Their connection comes across with so much ease, they can’t possibly be acting.  Some actors were born to play roles, and both Crystal and Ryan have substantial filmographies, but this is their greatest accomplishment in my opinion.  There is no denying the realism of their relationship and chemistry with each other.  Together they created one of the best onscreen bonds ever.  Their supporting actors Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby have an almost equally great connection together.  In the dinner scene, it seemed so natural that the two of them ended up together as well.  This movie perfectly defines the importance of not only passion in a relationship, but companionship as well.

 

 

This is what all other romantic comedy’s should strive for in their success.  Not some gimmicky tale with whoever the “real hot right now” actress and actor is, and just tell a story.  When Harry Met Sally is perhaps the greatest romantic comedy of all time, and one of the best romance films ever period.  Both men and women can enjoy this intelligent, gentle hearted story about a guy and a girl.  Four out of Four Fantastic Stars.

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