Tropic Sprockets / When Harry Met Sally (1989)

By Ian Brockway

“When Harry Met Sally,” the ultimate relationship comfort film by Rob Reiner, has arrived to ring in the new year. [For showtimes and trailer check Tropiccinema.com.] The film’s concept originated in the Russian Tea Room and initiated a debate on whether women and men can remain friends without sex. The screenwriter Nora Ephron interviewed real couples to build authenticity. It was quickly thought of as a Woody Allen film that is not actually a film by Allen.

Harry (Billy Crystal) meets his girlfriend’s friend Sally (Meg Ryan). Harry needs a ride to New York. The two don’t quite hit it off. Sally thinks Harry dark and slightly negative while Sally is too cheerful. They swap stories but at the end part politely, though a connection lingers. Sally likes Harry’s vulnerability.

Sally and Harry, somehow keep meeting by chance at airports and in planes. More stories are shared and a rapport develops. Sally’s friend is Marie (Carrie Fisher) while Harry’s friend is Jess (Godfather II actor Bruno Kirby).

The film has to its credit the famous comical orgasm scene (located at Katz’s Deli) and the film itself goes down as smooth as an egg cream. 

Though the film is dated, the central point of the story is warm and wonderful and Crystal and Ryan complement each other so very well. This holds true despite the passage of years with Ryan’s cutesy body language, and Crystal’s handwringing. The interview segments of actual couples telling their stories between the narrative are engaging and poignant.

If that is not enough, the film is historic, ranked #15 on Rotten Tomatoes’ 25 Best Romantic Comedies. Better yet, the film’s outcome, slightly reminiscent of “The Graduate,” still packs a tearjerker punch after 34 years.

Satisfying and humorous with lines that still have zing, “When Harry Met Sally” is a cozy film that delights the eye with refreshing affection chock full of cinematic moments.

Write Ian at [email protected]

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