When Harry Met Sally...

Rating: 5+/5

When Harry Met Sally... is easily one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time and one watch through is proof positive as to why.

In the year 1977, Harry (Billy Crystal) is moving to New York City and is getting a ride with his girlfriend's friend Sally (Meg Ryan), who is also moving to the Big Apple. Meer minutes into the trip, the two realize they share a lot in common, but have vastly different opinions on many subjects. Once in New York, the two think they will never see each other again, and both seem to be content with that concept.

Years later, Harry and Sally bump into each other again, and are still indifferent to one another, but slowly and surely, a friendship begins to grow. Soon they are each other's closest confidants, talking about anything and everything. However, the two appear to be unlucky in love, and no matter how much they put themselves into the dating world, no one seems to be good enough, and neither of them seem to understand why.

When Harry Met Sally is the perfect romantic comedy. It ticks off all the necessary boxes needed to achieve romcom greatness. Romance-check. Comedy, double check. Creative filming style, check. Realistic and well timed dialogue, triple check. I am not sure why in God’s name it took me so long to finally watch this movie, given my fondness for the genre, but I can honestly say that When Harry Met Sally is the film all other romantic comedies should aspire to.

What I love about this film, is though the concept of romance seems to evade its main characters, the movie gets its romantic fill not through the linear story, but through small interviews of long-time relationships from the most adorable couples to be put on screen. Their stories exude joy and contentment, and are a most wonderful backdrop for the main plot being told. It is truly such a clever idea, and is one that other movies have attempted to replicate, but have only come off as cheap imitations. Other tries at this concept somehow lack the charm and affection that comes from those small moments in When Harry Met Sally. Though I loved everything about this film, it was those short scenes where I couldn’t help but feel myself smiling with ease at the love portrayed on the screen.

Billy Crystal may be one of my favorite actors of all time. I have yet to see something of his that I truly disliked, and almost everything I’ve seen him in I’ve loved. Whether it be as the voice of Calcifer the fire demon in Howl's Moving Castle, or Miracle Max in The Princess Bride, Billy Crystal just seems to know how to do it all. He has an effortless warmth about him, and putting him in a role like this was a stroke of pure genius. His character at first comes off as slightly abrasive and crass, but you can’t help but love him. His costar, Meg Ryan, is romantic comedy gold. There’s a reason she was in so many films of this genre, but this movie has to be considered her standout performance. She’s had a chance to be adorable in so many other films like this, but in When Harry Met Sally, she really gets a chance to show more than ever that she has the acting chops to back up her screen allure. Together, the two have a flawless chemistry that is most certainly what has made this movie a timeless classic.

After watching When Harry Met Sally, I was quite mad with myself that it took me so long to finally get around to watching it. It is a movie that I really and truly wish I had had in my life long before now, and will be guaranteed to be one that I will watch countless times over. There's just no way this movie could lose any of its appeal and enchantment with multiple viewings; it's just too fantastic.