When Harry Met Sally... Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Can two friends sleep together and still love each other in the morning?
Can men and women be friends or does always sex get in the way?
Harry and Sally meet when she gives him a ride to New York after they both graduate from the University of Chicago. The film jumps through their lives as they both search for love, but fail, bumping into each other time and time again. Finally a close friendship blooms between them, and they both like having a friend of the opposite sex. But then they are confronted with the problem: "Can a man and a woman be friends, without sex getting in the way?"
| Billy Crystal | Harry Burns |
| Meg Ryan | Sally Albright |
| Carrie Fisher | Marie |
| Bruno Kirby | Jess |
| Steven Ford | Joe |
| Lisa Jane Persky | Alice |
| Michelle Nicastro | Amanda Reese |
| Gretchen Palmer | Stewardess |
| Robert Alan Beuth | Man on aisle |
| David Burdick | Nine-year-old boy |
| Joe Viviani | Judge |
| Harley Jane Kozak | Helen Helson |
| Joseph Hunt | Waiter at wedding |
| Kevin Rooney | Ira Stone |
| Franc Luz | Julian |
| Rob Reiner |
7.60 out of 10 (35408 votes)
Visitor Reviews
fantastic film
posted on 14 Jul 2009The comedy in this has really lasted over time. I saw it when it first came out and then on TV the other night. It has so much subtle comedy. I was laughing as much as when I first saw it. It's the one film I am going to buy on DVD because you can watch it so many times and it still has the abilty to make you laugh like it's the first time you saw it
Certainly a movie to watch and learn something about relationships.
posted on 08 Jul 2009The first time I saw this movie I just couldn't stop laughing. I had just had a minor surgery and was instructed by the doctor not to laugh. It was impossible for me, as is each time I see it again. The movie has great dialogues, and I often find myself quoting from it. It is certainly not a classical movie in the normal sense of the word, but it has certainly turned into a classic for me.
Simply dreadful
posted on 24 May 2009Sorry, but someone's got to say it ... this movie is dreadful! Perhaps I don't have the right to pass judgement since I only managed to sit through about half of it, but I can't stand seeing all these 5 star eulogies and no-one putting the case for the prosecution.Meg Ryan, probably the most irritating actress to have (dis-)graced the big screen, had already perfected her cutesy/dippy persona to such an extent that five minutes exposure was enough to send the less hardened of us gibbering from the room. Even fifteen years later, I'm finding it difficult to cope with the trauma of having been shut in a darkened cinema with 'that performance'.As for the 'memorable dialogue' - it's possible I've blanked it out to protect myself, but I certainly couldn't repeat any of it now. Or even a minute after I left the building. Apart, of course, from the 'hilariously' original orgasm scene. Aaaagh! To give you a little context, I generally don't much like Hollywood movies - but I don't slate them all. This really is poor.Oh! And by the way ... it's boring!!! Well, there it is. I'm glad to get that off my chest!
Famous romantic comedy
posted on 28 Mar 2009Can men and women ever be merely friends, without the temptation of sex rearing its ugly head? This is the question that this movie so famously posed - and so glibly answered - almost fifteen years ago. As it follows the progression of Harry and Sally - a pair of charming, if neurotic, Manhattanites - from enemies to confidants to lovers, it seems to smugly relish the fact that it has proven its point: men and women can never just
"be friends" - sex is always the bond that unites them. But the film is so manipulative, so dogged in its pursuit of this goal, that it never appears an alternative position was ever considered. So, as philosophy, chalk When Harry Met Sally up to around zilch.Now, disregard the above paragraph. Because When Harry Met Sally makes up for its slights to credibility and lack of rigorous thought by being easily the funniest movie of its year (1989). This humor flows mainly from the beautifully crafted scenes and dialogue; indeed, each scene is a dialogue set piece (and could be transferred to the stage quite easily - surprising no one's ever done it, actually), which flows with the firm and confident rapidity of a 20th century Shaw or Oscar Wilde. Of course, this approach has its downside, too: mainly that the lead characters seem less and less like real people and more like tools for the brilliant lines and conceits of the screenwriter (Nora Ephron - never better; in fact, never even remotely close ever again). This may have something to do with the film's inability to seem completely real or true to human nature as it actually plays out - but with lines like these, who's complaining?For, what is great about the movie is not its originality (it steals from all over, especially Woody Allen movies, and the few ideas it can truly call its own are, as I've said, not particularly bright or well-thought out), but its ability to hone in on stereotypes of character and situation and offer pithy and hilarious precis of the male-female condition through the witty banter and interaction of its characters. As such, the film is less like a conventional movie and more like a stand-up routine dealing with life and love in the Big City: it is to be judged not by its content, but by the dexterity of its put-ons and one-liners. (It is not surprising, for example, that several of its set-pieces and comic notions were revisited just a few years later, and in much the same manner, on "Seinfeld".) In that regard, it succeeds flawlessly.Just think of all the conventions it gets in, and skewers: the one-track mind male (Harry); the "sensitive" and practical female, repulsed yet intrigued by said male (Sally); the emotionally unsettled mistress playing the field (Carrie Fisher, who keeps an index card file of "available" men); the live-ins who can't "commit" (Sally and her ex-boyfriend); women's concern with middle age and their biological clock ("I'm gonna be 40," weeps Sally. "When?" asks Harry. "Someday."); the male's tendency to skip out after making love; the horror and unpredictability of blind dates; and, in a scene which is almost passe to mention anymore, women's ability to fake orgasm. The way this film jumps from one familiar convention to another would be embarrassing if it weren't for the fact that each one is handled with such economy, humor and grace.Billy Crystal acquits himself well as Harry - predictably, perhaps, as it's a part tailor made for a standup comedian. Still, seeing him in this after years of half-baked movies and fawning Oscar presentations, it's a revelation how glib and unlikable he can allow himself to be . . . and *still* be likable. Yo, Billy, if you're listening out there: try incorporating some of Harry's darker shadings and more egocentric traits into your future roles; it gives you a more complete palette to work from and keeps you from being too generic and schticky. And your charm and humor will always shine through anyway.If Billy needs to edge a little bit closer back to Harry, though, Meg Ryan needs to get Sally completely out of her system. This role, deservedly, made her a star - but she has tried to go back to this particular well once too many times, and it's become way too familiar: you know, the adorable, bright-eyed bit - mentally disheveled, prissy around the edges with just a wisp of klutziness, all topped by that cute, mega-watt smile. It has become now the "Meg Ryan" character, but back when Sally came along it was still fresh, and it was tied to a particular personality. Ryan gives Sally a shy-cum-toughness as well as a moody, slightly cynical and self-deprecating wit that is just totally right. She and Crystal play off each other like two old pros, and they weave in and out of some charming and hilarious verbal music. It's funny, but I just recently saw this movie on a Saturday afternoon television marathon of "Romantic Weepies" - and it struck me as an odd designation, because this movie is anything but a weeper. It takes a clear-eyed, almost cynical view of love and companionship, and creates around it a charming tapestry of bracing wit and crunching dialogue. So save the violins and the handkerchiefs for romantic comedies less sure on their feet - whose deficiency in wit must be made up for by a surfeit of melodrama and manipulation. This movie is manipulative too, of course, but its manipulation is almost beside the point. It's the laughs along the way we remember here, not the big kiss or the grand embrace. That Harry and Sally were "meant" for each other and that the film "proves" it is much less important than the fact that Sally does one hell of a great orgasm.Waiter, I'll have what they're having . . .
A Smart and Sexy Love Story with a Winning Screenplay...
posted on 02 Feb 2009Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan shine in the title roles of the 1989 comedy WHEN HARRY MET SALLY...an episodic romantic comedy that follows two lonely souls from a road trip after college graduation over a 10-15 year period where they actually become friends first instead of lovers, even though Harry believes men and women can't be just friends. After their initial parting after the road trip, Harry and Sally "meet cute" a couple of times and become friends who see each other through jobs and other relationships. Bruno Kirby and Carrie Fisher lend strong support as their best friends but the real star of this film is the outstanding screenplay by Nora Ephron. The rapid fire dialogue and funny exchanges between Crystal and Ryan seem to roll of their tongues with such ease and I'm sure director Rob Reiner and Crystal had input in what finally ended up on the screen, script wise. All I know was, after seeing the film for the first time, I said to myself, "This movie should definitely get an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay." And it did. Sadly, it did not win, but I have found WHEN HARRY MET SALLY...to be one of my favorites...it's part of my collection and I can watch it a million times. How can you get tired of Meg's fake orgasm in the sandwich shop or the game of charades (Baby Fish Mouth!), or Billy and Meg singing "Surrey with the Fringe on Top" or the four way telephone scene when Harry and Sally call Jess and Marie? A masterful screenplay mounted by a skillful director and performed by a perfect cast.
When Harry met Sally
posted on 15 Jan 2009This movie was excellent. Can men and women ever be friends? No, really can they? This is a question asked since the first man and woman. In the movie Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal did a good performance as a guy who can't have a female friend because the "sex" issue will always get in the way, and a woman who believes just the opposite. But it turns out they are both right. When after many years they become friends. I really enjoyed this movie because the content was funny, things that happened in it was funny, and well I enjoyed it more than the next person I guess I can say. Billy Crystal and meg ryan were funnier and more entertaining in this movie more than I would have expected.
Cute Fun Romantic Comedy
posted on 25 Dec 2008They had known eachother for years and were close friends, but they had to discover who they were and could they stay friends with or without sex.
Harry, played by Billy Crystal, and Sally, played by Sally Kellerman, were both headstrong and willing to understand eachother. Even their best friends played by Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby were a real match, so Harry and Sally had to learn the hard way. It took their best friends' marriage plus Harry's willingness to admit he really loved Sally --- and so he proposed marriage on New Year's Eve. In other words, they were two of a kind. This was a cute fine wonderful love story and so very unpretensive; enjoyable! One of those "feel good" movies. It reminded me of "Sleeping in Seattle 1993". 7/10
good movie . . .
posted on 19 Dec 2008I've seen a lot of these comedy/romance flicks and I would have to say "When Harry Met Sally" is right there on top of my list . . . Billy Crystal is amazing with his witty theories on love and life . . . Meg Ryan is a natural and i think this movie catapulted her to success . . . having casted in several comedy/romance flicks after this one . . . (Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, City of Angels, etc.)
when harry met sally.....
posted on 16 Dec 2008So basically When Harry Met Sally is probably one of my favorite romantic comedies of all time. This movie has everything... funny moments, great chemistry between the cast, wonderfully written, I could go on and on. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are beyond perfect in their roles, they ARE Harry and Sally no doubt about it. This film has a view of relationships and friendship that everyone can relate to at some point...no matter how old you are or if you're male or female. Plus the orgasm scene at the restaurant is one of the funniest scenes I have ever seen in my life! Just do yourself a favor and go watch this movie now, it's touching, hilarious, and extremely watchable...a must see.
One of the best romantic comedies ever!
posted on 19 Nov 2008Not too long ago I finally got around to seeing this film, I'd heard so much about it that I had to see it. After seeing it the first time I thought it was good, but I have to say that I liked it even more on my second viewing. The film is absolutely wonderful! The story is very amusing and keeps you interested in the characters from start to finish.I literally couldn't wait to see what would happen in the next scene. This is one of those movies that goes by very quickly. I think that's a sign of a good movie, when you just can't believe that you're already an hour or so into the movie. The story really flows nicely from scene to scene.The cast is great in the film as well. Billy Crystal pulls off one of his best performances, and has a slew of great jokes throughout the film. Meg Ryan looks as beautiful as ever and has such a cute way about her. Bruno Kirby and Carrie Fisher definitely deserve a great deal of credit too, they both did superb jobs as well. Director Rob Reiner did a great job with the film, keep up the good work Rob.If you're into romantic comedies, then you definitely should see this film. Even if you aren't really into the whole romantic part of it, the comedy is great and worth seeing. I would most definitely recommend seeing this film.I hope you like it. Thanks for reading,-Chris
LOVED it!
posted on 01 Nov 2008This is one of my all-time favorite films. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are magic together, and the two characters they play are so real and tangible.Of course, most of the credit of the film's success go to the two leads of course, but the fine supporting performances from Carrie "Princess Leia" Fisher and Bruno Kirby, the warm, funny, charming script by Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner's direction mesh perfectly and create a wonderful film.I can really relate to Harry and Sally's romantic heartaches, and how they cry on each other's shoulders. Also I felt that their gradual attraction was played realistically. The last twenty or so minutes leading up to the big romantic finale will have you both cheering and crying!My favorite line is, after Harry and Sally spot Harry's ex-wife and her new boyfriend Ira while singing in the Sharper Image store, Harry yells: "Six years later, you find yourself singing "Surrey With the Fringe On Top" in front of Ira!!!"Highly recommended to the hopeless romantic, or someone coming off a breakup. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have never been better.
It could happen to you!
posted on 17 Oct 2008There's probably no other film that reflects the male and female mind better. And every time I watch the film, I feel that some part of it has happened to me or to a friend. I don't know what to say about the film: The fact that it's so real, or that the dialogues can make me laugh and go "hmmmmm" even after hearing them a thousand times over or that every time I finish watching it, I'm sad for five mins that it's over!
The best romantic comedy ever
posted on 11 Oct 2008I am not a big fan of the romantic comedy genre, but this film is so outstanding that I've watched on video at least fifteen times, over the years. I deduct only one point from a rating of 10, and that's for Meg Ryan's slick cuteness. The Nora Ephron's writing is superb, Rob Reiner's direction (he has become one of our finest comedy directors) is outstanding. Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby are absolutely perfect. Meg Ryan is very, very good.
The perfect romantic comedy.
posted on 14 Sep 2008Perhaps the last truly great romantic comedy, 'When Harry Met Sally' has truly stood the test of time.Most movies made in 1989 are condemned (at least for now) to being little more than kitch memorabilia. The movie world owes Rob Reiner a favour for the fact that his fine film is truly timeless. Part of this is due to the fact that it is set over a fifteen year period. Part of it is due to the fine easy listening score. Most of it is due to a very refined director extracting two brilliant performances from a flawless script and a perfectly cast couple of actors.Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are the titular two, and neither have ever been better. The observation of their relationship is utterly convincing and completely engrossing. Beyond this, there are subtleties that neither actor has ever shown before or since. There are moments early in the film where we can see Sally is falling for Harry (for example, her response to Harrty telling her he is pleased she is going on a date with another man) but these moments are never overplayed. The credit for this is due as much to Reiner as it is to Ryan, as it is his pacing of the film that really allows the actors to embrace their characters.I feel it is worth pointing out here that Reiner's other movies of the time have equally outlasted much of Hollywood's output. 'Satnd By Me', 'This Is Spinal Tap', 'The Princess Bride' and 'Misery' - films that could scarcely be more different in style and tone - all remain bonafide classics. One has to wonder what went wrong...All things considered, it's hard to think of another film from this era of film-making as satisfying and consistently enjoyable as 'When Harry Met Sally'. The fact that this is a romantic comedy made at the tail end of the worst decade cinema has ever known, is all the more reason to commend it.
I will never want that wagon wheel coffee table!
posted on 02 Sep 2008This film is almost a perfect romantic comedy and so much better than the ones being made now (such as Love and Sex). The jokes just keep on coming and Billy Crystal has some wonderful lines (watch out for his dinner date story at the Vietnamese restaurant). Meg Ryan has never been better than she is in this and proves that she is a talented comedy actress. Support from Bruno Kirby and Carrie Fisher is also excellent. Every line sparkles and no time is wasted in unfolding the story. Yeah, you know how its going to end but its so much fun getting there that you don't mind. New York dating has never looked better!
I'll have what she's having
posted on 24 Aug 2008I see movies, I love them - so I see them again. Usually, by the second or third time, I'm picking them apart, finding flaws. Even some really good movies cannot withstand the close, merciless scrutiny of a third viewing.And then I find movies that I can watch hundreds of times, and every time, find something new to enjoy. This is one of those precious few movies which continues to seem amazing to me, even the eleventh time. It's about imperfect, neurotic people, and maybe that's why it's so easy to identify with and to love. It also has an original, hilarious and quotable script, and actors that play their parts so well, it becomes hard to disassociate them from their characters. (Carrie Fisher in Star Wars, as Princess Leia? No way.) If you've ever had a friend of the opposite sex, go and see this movie.
amazing movie for both men and women
posted on 09 Aug 2008THIS IS MY ALL- TIME FAVORITE MOVIE! I can totally relate to it and, and even with some drama, they cleverly add hilarious comic relief and make a wonderful, unforgettable film.OMG this is such an excellent movie that every generation will love.Its a movie about love, and friendship, and at the same time a comedy! So many lines from this movie are memorable for anyone who sees this.Everyone who watches this will relate to at least one of the characters: sensitive, smart Sally; immature, but caring Harry; clueless and hilarious Marie and Jess; or even the couples that are shown as a tribute to marriage. Nobody who sees this will be disappointed,although i can only give it a 10/10, if i could i would give it like a 15/10...........GO AND SEE THIS BRILLIANT MOVIE!!
How to make two lovers of friends.....
posted on 31 Jul 2008The best romantic comedy ever. Identifiable characters, this movie is Seinfeld before Seinfeld.This is not, however, a good date movie. A good date movie should be sappy and have the power to get you to first base. While this movie has refined these qualities, most men will find it far more interesting than their dates/lovers, thereby destroying a date movie's whole purpose.
Gratifying movie.
posted on 19 Jul 2008I usually watch movies if I like the actor.I didn't like Billy Crystal's appearance,I know this is very superficial.I think it's his hairstyle.Although he did look good in the first few scenes.Meg Ryan is so adorable and she looked much better in the first few scenes.I decided to watch this movie after I saw Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's 'The Challenge' where she says that this film is one of her favorite romantic comedies and comes in her top five favorites and also I saw 'Hollywood's ten best' on Zee studio and I think this movie was the number one comedy.As far as I observed,two Bollywood movies have been inspired by this movie-'Dil To Pagal Hai'(the scenes where they show the old couple's in the title song)and 'Hum Tum'(in Hindi movies usually they make it the opposite for the boy and girl-as opposed to Billy Crystal getting married,in 'Hum Tum' Rani Mukherji gets married.) This film is recommended to those few people who have absolutely no clue to relationships.I have to read the transcript of this movie if available to be more sure of the dialogues as I don't think I caught all the dialogues.
FIne comedy
posted on 07 Aug 2009When Harry Met Sally is a fine comedyThough this film doesn't stand out particularly from the movie crowd, its still a very nice film to sit down and watch with your feet up! There maybe the odd one or two mistakes you catch, and the cinematic are a little slipshod, the film itself is very enjoyable and has a wonderful atmosphere to it. The music contributes a lot to the mood of the movie.The acting is none the less impressive (especially the dog he he!) with Billy Crystal taking the lead of the fun-troublesome-loving road traveler. Other characters feel very genuine and perform very well within the film.