When Harry met Sally (1989)
Is this the Rom Com that started the craze and defined a genre? The movie that dares to ask, "can men and women be friends"? We will dive deep into When Harry met Sally (1989) and decide whether Harry's outlook has any merit at all.
Released in 1989, "When Harry Met Sally" directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, is a timeless romantic comedy that has become a classic in the genre. The film is a heartwarming story of two people, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), who meet each other and develop a strong bond of friendship over the years, despite their contrasting personalities and beliefs.
Released in 1989, "When Harry Met Sally" directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, is a timeless romantic comedy that has become a classic in the genre. The film is a heartwarming story of two people, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), who meet each other and develop a strong bond of friendship over the years, despite their contrasting personalities and beliefs.
The movie begins with Harry and Sally meeting each other for the first time while sharing a car ride from Chicago to New York City. They initially dislike each other, and the ride becomes an uncomfortable experience for both of them. However, after a chance encounter a few years later, they become friends and remain so over the next decade.
The chemistry between Crystal and Ryan is remarkable, and their performances are excellent. Crystal portrays Harry as a witty and sarcastic character, while Ryan brings a charming and bubbly personality to Sally. The two actors' on-screen chemistry makes their characters' friendship and eventual romantic feelings towards each other believable and relatable.
One of the most iconic scenes in the film is the one in which Sally fakes an orgasm in a crowded restaurant to prove to Harry that women can fake it convincingly. This scene has become a classic in the genre and is often parodied in pop culture. It's a testament to the writing and performances that the scene remains as hilarious and memorable today as it was in 1989.
Apart from the humour, the film also explores themes such as love, friendship, and the challenges of navigating relationships. The movie's tagline, "Can men and women be friends?" is a question that is at the centre of the film's narrative. The movie suggests that men and women can indeed be friends, but it's not always easy. The film depicts the complex nature of relationships and the emotional ups and downs that come with them.
The movie's soundtrack, composed by Marc Shaiman, is also worth mentioning. It features classic songs such as "It Had to Be You" by Harry Connick Jr., which adds to the movie's romantic and nostalgic tone.
"When Harry Met Sally" is an important film in the romantic comedy landscape for several reasons. Firstly, it defies the conventions of the genre by having a platonic friendship between the main characters. Most romantic comedies follow the traditional formula of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. In this movie, the characters start as friends, and their romantic relationship develops gradually. This unique approach to the genre set a new standard for romantic comedies.
Secondly, the movie portrays women as complex and multi-dimensional characters, which was not the norm in romantic comedies at the time. Sally is depicted as intelligent, independent, and emotionally mature, and her character was a refreshing change from the typical female roles in romantic comedies.
Finally, the film's witty and relatable dialogue has become a hallmark of the romantic comedy genre. The movie's script, written by Nora Ephron, is filled with memorable lines and conversations that have become ingrained in pop culture. The movie's success can be attributed to its excellent writing, performances, and chemistry between the two leads.
In conclusion, "When Harry Met Sally" is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It's a movie that continues to resonate with audiences today, more than three decades after its release. The film's unique approach to the romantic comedy genre, its portrayal of women as complex characters, and its witty dialogue and performances make it a must-watch for anyone who loves romantic comedies. It's a movie that captures the essence of love, friendship, and the complexities of relationships, and it will continue to be a beloved movie for generations to come.
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