Between cozy sweaters, charming music, falling leaves, quotable lines and old friends, “When Harry Met Sally” has it all. The movie has every ingredient for a first-rate friends-to-lovers romantic comedy. And through kismet collaboration of the perfect writer, director and actors, the movie throws some life lessons and meaningful moments in there, too. As the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to fall, it’s a great time of year to remember this 1989 classic that set the tone for rom-coms forever.
The Costumes
“When Harry Met Sally” remains iconic for its chunky knit sweaters that bundle up both its protagonists. Sally spends the movie in outfits that include loafers, woven suit jackets, pleated trousers, sweaters of all kinds, lots of textures and, of course, shoulder pads. Her style is eclectic yet classic. Both romantic leads are dressed timelessly (minus a few 80s-isms here and there), which lends itself to the persistence of this movie in the cultural zeitgeist.Â
The Music
Composed by Harry Connick Jr., the main soundtrack features orchestral arrangements of standards written by artists such as the Gershwin Brothers, Rodgers and Hart and more. The romantic and soothing arrangements wrap the film in a warm hug and play a large role in its charm. Prime needle drops also contribute to the charm, such as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald’s “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” Bing Crosby’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and Frank Sinatra’s “It Had to Be You.”Â
The Lines
A large part of what makes “When Harry Met Sally” work is the chemistry between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. Sally’s joyful optimism and Harry’s sarcastic cynicism create ample opportunity for memorably comedic banter between the two friends. These are some of my favorite quotes:
- Harry: “When I buy a new book, I read the last page first. That way, if I die before I finish, I know how it turns out.”
- Sally: “It’s amazing. You look like a normal person, but actually you are the angel of death.”
- Harry: “But I would be proud to partake of your pecan pie.”
- Harry: “Look, when the s*** comes down, I’m gonna be prepared and you’re not. That’s all I’m saying.”
- Sally: “In the meantime, you’re gonna ruin your whole life waiting for it.”
That last one in particular sticks with me. It’s good to try not to worry so much.Â
The People
Director Rob Reiner, writer Norah Ephron and lead actors Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal (not to mention supporting actors Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby) created magic with this film. It’s funny and also heartwarming — you feel like you really know the characters. It’s similar to a play in that it’s mostly a series of conversations that tell you about who the characters are. This film is one of three Ephron movies involving Ryan, the other two being “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.” Reiner famously directed films such as “The Princess Bride” and “Stand By Me.” And Crystal got his start as a stand-up comedian. This film brings together all their individual talents as artists. It’s about love and loss, moving on, the ways your life changes over time and so much more. It’s charming, hilarious, nostalgic, thoughtful and sweet all at the same time.
Anyway, it’s about old friends.