When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Director: Rob Reiner
Stars: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher
Runtime: 95 minutes

Synopsis: Harry and Sally have known each other for years, and are very good friends, but they fear sex would ruin the friendship.

Verdict: “When Harry Met Sally” is a pillar in the romantic-comedy genre that is still beloved by many over three decades after its release, and for good reason. It’s the quintessential boy-meets-girl story, spawned from the singular question asked to every couple in existence: “How did you two meet?”.

As this query is rapidly answered by a multitude of elderly couples, we focus on the evolution of the titular characters’ relationship. Respectively played by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan (of whom this is surprisingly my introduction), we witness Harry and Sally as they go through every step of a relationship that was organically developed over the course of several years. We see them mature together, learning to bring up the best in one another by providing emotional support in times of need. We observe them as they go through personal highs and lows, always ending up at the finish line in tandem despite the many obstacles that stood in their ways, and for that reason alone we can’t help but root for them in spite of their imperfections.

In an era where romcoms are an oversaturated genre that very rarely hit the mark, “When Harry Met Sally” stands out as a quotable, warm, and cozy watch that will almost certainly leave you with a big, dumb smile on your face once it’s over. It’s not perfect by any means, and I will concur that it is not up to date with current gender norms as it does fall into stereotypical territory at times but, much like its characters, it finds its charms in its faults as well. I can only think of one scene that truly annoyed me, and, unfortunately, it’s a pivotal moment that launches the movie into its final act by introducing a conflict we’ve all been expecting since the beginning. Without spoiling anything for those who haven’t seen it, I found that particular scene to be emotionally out of place for one character and a betrayal of the growth completed by the other throughout the events of the film.

Nevertheless, “When Harry Met Sally” remains a must to fans of the genre, and I can definitely see myself revisiting it in the future. I, for one, cannot wait for the remake that opens with Jonah Hill and Emma Stone sitting on a couch while being asked to tell viewers how they met, only for them to respond in unison with a single word: “Online”.

FINAL GRADE: 7/10