96 Minutes
Directed By: Rob Reiner
Written By: Nora Ephron
Staring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby, Steven Ford, and Harley Jane Kozak
Staring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby, Steven Ford, and Harley Jane Kozak
It is so nice when you can sit with someone and not have to talk. -Harry Burns
Review
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 substantialfilmographies , 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.
“When Harry Met Sally is perhaps the greatest romantic comedy of all time, and one of the best romance films ever period.”
I’m not sure about that…but I’ll give you one of the best of the eighties. Honestly, I don’t like Meg Ryan but this is one of the two films where I don’t find her a little bland. Ephron does a little bit of excellence here, and the strength of this film is definitely its writing.
I’m no fan of the RomCom, or even general romance movies, but this one makes me laugh laugh and laugh, and it’s funny because there is a direct line of realism shoved in there without being patronizing to either sex. I think it may have a certain link to the eighties but remains timeless.
This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE movies. I quote this film endlessly. I always talk about “Mr. Zero” – it’s such a wonderful film that always picks me up and gives me hope. Great review Heather!
“Before you know it, you’ll be singing “Surrey with a Fringe on Top” in front of IRA!”
I CONSTANTLY do the quote from the museum when Billy Crystal goes, “Peeeeeeeeepper…………….peeeeeeeeeeeeeepper………must find pepper for my Paprikakash!”
No one ever has a clue to what I’m referencing and thinks I’m bonkers. Yeah, I dig the romance in it, but the comedy of Crystal is what swoons me!
“I’m just going to lay here for a while and moan.”
“Goodnight Harry.”
“mmmmmmmmmrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmm”
“You made a woman meow? “
“He’s never going to leave her.”
Mr. Reiner’s and Ms. Ephron’s classic rip off of “Annie Hall.” If I hear someone say, “I’ll have what she’s having” one more time, I swear I’m gonna lose it. Cute and harmless, I know. I’m just sticking up for my Woody. Wait, that didn’t come out right at all!
I’m not the biggest fan of Woody Allen though have been nudged in the direction of Annie Hall for years. Since I’m hot and cold on most of his movies I haven’t had a huge inclination to go there, but maybe I’ll bump it up further on the list. It’s at least one of the 100 movies I’ve pledged to see in 2010.
FIX THAT Heather. I’m going to be seeing Jurassic Park so you must see Annie Hall (and Meredith is a big fan too, I know you often have similar tastes).
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Really liked this movie too. On another note, I haven’t seen Annie Hall either, but just bought it, so it’s on my to watch list for 2010 too!
I’ll be waiting for your review! I’m glad I’m not the only one late to the game!
Let me know what you think of Annie Hall!!!!
When Harry Met Sally is the sort of romantic comedy I want to see. It’s for everyone, not just teenage girls. It’s smart and funny, not condescending and juvenile. If romantic comedies were more like this I wouldn’t be avoiding the genre 9 times out of 10. Great review Heather, completely agree with you.
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