It feels almost sacrilegious to admit I have never watched When Harry Met Sally – until now. I don’t have an excuse, guys – somehow this one passed me by. But with Cineworld’s Rob Reiner Celebration Film Season starting from 8th April until 6th May, I went on a mission to finally redeem myself. Because what self-respecting romcom fan hasn’t seen the That Girl of romantic comedies – one penned by the queen of the romcom herself, Nora Ephron no less!? (Is this a good time to mention I also haven’t seen Sleepless in Seattle…)
Well, now I’ve watched it, all I can say is When Harry Met Sally has quite literally altered my brain chemistry. I am a new woman, and now I need to go and watch all Rob Reiner’s movies (and Nora Ephron’s!). Luckily there’s that aforementioned film season coming up…
If you also somehow missed the When Harry Met Sally train, allow me to give you an insight into my experience of finally watching this objectively great movie.
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There are some many hilarious, deadpan one-liners that had me cackling
Before I get to the line (stay tuned until the end), let’s talk about some of the absolute corkers that came out of this script thanks to Ms. Ephron.
When Harry and Sally first meet, he is catching a ride-share with her to New York and they wind up talking about their relationships and Sally explaining the reason why her and her boyfriend broke up: he grew suspicious that she always wore days of the week underwear, but he never saw her wearing Sunday’s. When Harry asks why she never wore them, with wide, innocent eyes she says, “They don’t make Sunday… because of God.” Immaculate delivery.
Meeting again for the third time (there’s a second time with five year gaps between each, FYI), Sally is in a bookstore with Marie, having just broken up with Joe, and they’re discussing whether or not Sally is ready to start dating again – while browsing among the self-help section, of course. It just so happens Harry is also in the bookstore and he has spotted Sally. Spying Harry looking their way, Marie says, “Someone is staring at you in Personal Growth.” Considering the subject matter they’d previously been talking about, and the fact Harry does sort of look like he’s leering at the women, the sexual innuendo is just too good.
And, of course, while talking about his latest conquests, Harry makes an admission that leaves his best mate Jess completely stumped: “You made a woman meow?!” (A moment for Harry and Jess' leggings is also absolutely necessary, here. Show me a man that does it like, Harry.)
Sally is a woman who knows what she wants, and I am here for it
Sure, maybe Harry is right that Sally is a little high-maintenance. But isn’t that also just a man’s way of saying he’s a little afraid of a strong-willed woman. Sally knows what she wants, as shown by her very particular food orders and the very candid conversations she and Harry (as well as her gal pals) have about sex and relationships.
I will never tire of seeing a woman stand her ground and not shy away from taboo topics. Wrongly or rightly, I didn’t expect When Harry Met Sally to be quite so candid about sex, considering it was made over three decades ago and sometimes it still feels like we shame the kinds of stories that explore a woman’s sexual emancipation. But, boy am I happy to have been wrong about this, which takes me onto…
That Scene in When Harry Met Sally
Funnily enough, I think I’d seen the Super Bowl commercial remake for mayonnaise of the iconic orgasm scene before I saw the original. Without delving too far into detail, Harry and Sally have become actual friends and no topic matter is off the table. When talking about how satisfied Harry’s sexual conquests always seem to be, Sally put it to Harry that they might well be faking it, to which a disgruntled Harry doesn’t believe anyone could fake it that well. Cue Meg Ryan’s award worthy performance, in the middle of a deli.
The cherry on top of the cake: that woman that says, “I’ll have what she’s having!”
We love a Short King in a romcom – and Harry fits the bill
In a world of men feeling the need to lie about their height on dating apps, ladies and gents, let me point you in the direction of Billy Crystal. According to the internet, Billy Crystal is 5’7” and, let me tell you, that did not take away from how attractive this man is as the love interest of Meg Ryan’s Sally.
Was I instantly swooning at Harry? No. But as he grows up and becomes more in touch with his feelings and what he wants, all while still being a bit of a jerk at times, we all fell in love with him right along with Sally, which proves…height doesn’t matter!!!
The slow burn strangers to enemies, enemies to friends, friends to lovers was chefs kiss
I love a story that jumps through time, meeting the same characters at different points in time and watching as they change and grow, both together and individually. I think the thing I loved most about When Harry Met Sally in particular is the way they sort of swap places.
At first, Sally is the positive one who invests her heart in meaningful connection and, while not a prude, possesses a sense of sanctity around being intimate with a partner. Harry, on the other hand, seems to be into anything with a pulse upon first meeting him, and doesn’t agree with Sally that a man and a woman can be just friends. Their friendship, if you can call it that, then, proceeds as antagonistic at best.
As time moves forward, though, Harry seems to soften, while Sally hardens. But ultimately, they both prove and disprove Harry’s theory. Licking his wounds after his divorce, and with Sally also falling back into singledom, the two become friends. They become one another’s confidants and grow closer. Of course, inevitably, their feelings do grow to be romantic. This wouldn’t be a romcom otherwise. But, in many ways, Sally is still right that you can be just friends with a guy, and the reality is if they hadn’t built the strong foundations of their friendship, maybe the romantic side never would have come.
And then, that final iconic line in When Harry Met Sally
I say “iconic”. I’d never heard it before finally watching When Harry Met Sally. But now it will go down in history as one of the most romantic lines in a movie ever!
Of course, with any romcom, there is a moment of conflict before a happily ever after can occur. Harry and Sally end up sleeping together, and then both are too afraid to admit that this might be the real deal and tell each other it’s a mistake. Things sour between the pair, and ultimately it’s down to Harry to pull up his socks, figure out where his head is at, and run through New York City to the New Years Eve party Sally is at to confess his love.
And when he does… I don’t need to say anything. It’s all in the line.
As well as When Harry Met Sally screening on 22nd April, Cineworld will also be bringing back This is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, and Misery as a part of our Rob Reiner celebration. Book your tickets and celebrate the incredible work of the late director, Rob Reiner.
BOOK THIS IS SPINAL TAP (8TH APRIL) TICKETS
BOOK STAND BY ME (15TH APRIL) TICKETS
BOOK WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (22ND APRIL) TICKETS
BOOK A FEW GOOD MEN (29TH APRIL) TICKETS
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