The Movie, Casablanca, significantly affects those moviegoers who have only heard quips throughout life without any relative knowledge where these quips were derivitive from. The theme of this movie could very well be defined under the following two categories: 1)Moral Implications and 2)Social Problems.
The time and space in which the movie takes place is during WWII, and with the release of the film (as noted in "Playing it Again and Again" By Kathy Merlock Jackson, and Jack Nachbar) occurring earlier than scheduled, only 18 days after U.S. Allied troops landed in North Africa, the film could be categorized as indicative of a Social Problem Film Theme.
However, throughout the majority of the film I felt both Rick and Ilsa were also faced with the Moral Implications of giving in to their past and un-finalized relationship they once shared in Paris, France. Rick's final moral decision of whether he should have Lazslo arrested (as I thought would happen) or what actually occurred, Rick taking the heat upon himself to save Ilsa and her husband, Victor Lazslo, so that they may continue their own fight of social equality, also related to the theme, Moral Implication.
By identifying with both of these themes, one could easily define (as did the textbook, p.35) as being Universally thematic because its issues and message can be translated, recognized and appreciated by continuous generations of not just the American audience but a global one as well. For example, the conflict of Patriotism exists not only on a global scale but it also exists within smaller social circles such as high school and other team rivalries. Another example is that of the romantic nature of the movie. Any story with an element of Love will identify with any social group throughout the world. Casablanca captures my attention by relating to lost love, an endearing yet primitive experience so widely known, but heart-breaking. It is the natural basic human instinct to yearn to relate to another's heart-break.
