In the world today, if a movie has any remnants of romance, it is considered a “chick flick.” But there are many different types of romantic movies, and not every romantic film is a melodramatic tearjerker that makes even the most fanciful people rethink their stance on romance. Romantic comedies usually have something for everyone, including witty comments, fun characters, great dialogue and maybe even a bit of crude humor (for the guys).

A romantic comedy that is definitely worth revisiting is When Harry Met Sally, released in 1989, starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. The film is about two New Yorkers, Sally (Meg Ryan) and Harry (Billy Crystal), who get to know each other when they drive across the country together after graduating from college. Harry, who dated Sally’s best friend, and Sally had never spent much time together, and they quickly realize that their thoughts differ on almost every level. The major issue that the two disagree on is that men and women can be friends, resulting in one of Harry’s most famous lines: “Men and women can’t be friends because the sex part always gets in the way.” So, their trip across the country ends in hatred. Fast forward about 10 years and Sally has broken up with her long-term boyfriend, while Harry is getting a divorce. The film then follows Harry and Sally, as their relationship evolves from hatred into love.

When Harry Met Sally has something for everyone because it is about real-life events and characters. The characters talk about everything from how to get over past loves and first dates to how often women fake orgasms. Harry and Sally are relatable characters, each with his or her own unique quirks. Sally is portrayed as a woman who controls everything with specific instructions, while Harry is quirky and upfront.

The film is also about all different types of love. The relationship Sally got out of was based on convenience, while Sally’s friend, Marie, is stuck in a one-sided relationship with a married man for many years. Harry and Sally’s relationship takes years to build, and Marie finally finds her true love in a split second.

When asked why When Harry Met Sally was her favorite movie, Sarah Clark-Hamel, (COL ’11), explained, “Because of the dialogues. I think the writing in it is so witty, and all of it is very true to life. An interesting fact is that the dialogue is based off of the conversations Nora Ephron, the screen writer, and Rob Reiner, the director, had while Reiner was going through a divorce.”

Another interesting aspect of the movie is that Billy Crystal plays the love interest, but let’s face it: He’s no Brad Pitt. This fact makes the movie even more accessible to viewers, especially guys. Crystal is not just in the movie to make girls swoon; he’s clearly there for comedic relief. But despite this, there is sincere depth to his character. Who can resist his heartwarming New Year’s love declaration, where he lays it all out on the line? Any audience, no matter how cynical, can relate to his genuine (and somewhat desperate) emotion.

When Harry Met Sally trails a realistic romance that is touching without being mushy. One leaves the movie with a feeling of warmth and appreciation for all different kinds of love.