Spoilers · the ending
Casablanca: the ending, explained
Michael Curtiz · 1942
This page gives the ending away. Not seen the film yet? Its spoiler-free guide is here.
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Spoilers · the ending
Michael Curtiz · 1942
This page gives the ending away. Not seen the film yet? Its spoiler-free guide is here.
What happens
At the airport, Rick makes Ilsa board the plane with Laszlo, shooting Major Strasser when he tries to stop them. Renault covers for him, and the two men walk off to join the Free French.
The last line
"Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
What it says
Rick's neutrality ends: he gives up the woman he loves for a cause bigger than either of them. The film values the choice over the romance, so he and Ilsa part, and Rick and Renault commit together.