When Harry Met Sally stands tall as my second favorite romantic comedy of all time (my number 1 pick being Moonstruck), with everything being a solid 10 in each and every department. I would not even know how to begin tallying the total number of times I have watched When Harry Met Sally, because in addition to seeing it at the theatre when it first was released, I watched it on cable many times, and also had it on my daily VHS watch rotation for a while. (Some quick background - when I was in grade school I would come home from school and watch a movie every day.) What I love most about When Harry Met Sally is the enduring and strong love that the two main characters have for each other and the fact that they not only accept but actually celebrate each other’s flaws. Since all involved are masters of comedy and romantic comedies it is no surprise that timing plays a crucial part in the film because timing is important in comedy, love, and also in life itself as well. This is best witnessed in the New Year’s party scene where Harry professes his undying love for Sally saying, "I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." Harry’s logic struck me as profound from the first time I heard it in the theatre and truly what better time is there to turn over a new leaf than New Year’s Eve?
Nora Ephron is a brilliant writer and When Harry Met Sally is no exception, as there is literally a countdown clock on Harry and Sally for various reasons – biological, the impending new year, romantic availability (both are veterans of serious relationships), and of course life itself. The timing of Harry’s profession of love to Sally on New Year’s Eve is perfect, because in movies, soulmates are always kept apart by one thing (usually to do with communication or maturity) and the excitement of the film is seeing our power couple overcome this major obstacle and head off into the sunset together right before the credits roll. When we cut to the final couple interview in the film and we are treated to a married Harry and Sally, you can’t help but smile so big that your face splits in two like Guy Smiley. Finding love is not always an easy thing to do and resolving to take charge of your own happiness on New Year’s Eve or any other day of the year is a cause for celebration. A perfectly acted, directed, and written film, When Harry Met Sally will always be something to cherish. Happy New Year!
Episode 14: When Harry Met Sally (Released December 31, 2021)
