The 1952 hit Casablanca stars Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart on the backdrop of World War Two. The movie has often been marketed as the “Greatest Love Story of All Time,” so naturally, when I first saw it in my sophomore-year film class, I went in with decently high expectations.

I was completely disappointed.

I thought the “love story” wasn’t really that romantic at all and the characters (particularly Bergman’s Ilsa) were static, shallow, and weak. In addition to that, I could see glaring parts of the film where a few tweaks in the screenplay would have immensely benefited the tension, mood, and plotline.

However, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I decided to give this “Greatest Love Story” a second chance. I tried to go in with an open mind.

Yeah, it’s still not my favorite movie.

Nonetheless, I can appreciate the sacrifices Rick makes for Ilsa throughout the story, as a way of expressing his love for her.

Everyone expresses their love differently, so naturally that would come through in society’s star-studded stories. Casablanca’s writers honored sacrifice for love. Titanic’s writers highlighted how love can cross any obstacle, be it social class, poorly-placed icebergs, or time itself. On Golden Pond, an amazing watch if you care to take a look, celebrates how long love can truly last.

While not all love stories end happily, they all have their characterizing features. The variance of expression in movies reflects how we as a society have unique ways of expressing our love, and that’s a beautiful thing to remember this Valentine’s Day. <3