When Harry Met Sally - Breaking Genre Conventions 

I think people misinterpret the message of this film all the time. They think the question is, "Can men and women be friends? No, the sex gets in the way." But what Ephron shows is that the sex part isn't what brings Harry & Sally together. If that were the case, they would have gotten together once during their road trip in college and never again. That real relationships are built upon friendship first.

A relationship built on friendship will be a relationship that lasts.

What's amazing about this movie is that it shows how real relationships grow in real life. There is this imaginary world of love at first sight which actually never happens in reality...The fact that people are not attracted to someone instantly but need to spend time with that person is often ignored.

Love how Meg Ryan's character has a shell of self satisfied superiority and how that annoying quirk becomes part of her charm that we all fall in love with. And that does, indeed , take time.

I was working in a movie theatre the year that When Harry Met Sally was released. I cannot explain what an unexpected phenomenon that film was. We had just concluded a summer that was filled with anticipated blockbuster films: Ghost Busters II, Start Trek V, Indiana Jones III, and I think there was one other... I probably don't have to remind you what disappointments Ghostbusters II and Star Trek V were. However, it had been a long, busy summer and we were looking forward to the autumn lull before the Christmas movies. I asked the manager what was coming the following week. "Some romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally." Nobody anticipated much about it. The show drew huge audiences for weeks, and out-performed the blockbuster films we'd spent so much time preparing for. It shook Hollywood and sparked the independent movement, smaller films with more focus on story and little special effects. Today it is hard to relate to because cinemas and filmgoing have changed so much, but that film left a huge imprint. Ironically this is the first time in all these years that I've ever heard anyone breakdown and analyse the screenplay. Thank you for this. BTW you may or may not be aware that the woman who said the line, "I'll have what she's having," was Rob Reiner's mother.

When this movie came out I had just broken up with a jerk and my family was thrilled. A friend from university came into town to cheer me up and my sister recommended this movie. That friend and I just celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary. Needless to say, this movie is very special to us!

"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". Man, I love this movie. One of my favorite comedies, and possibly one of my favorite movies, period.

I've seen this movie plenty of times growing up. I enjoyed it a lot, especially Harry. But after some years I revisited it in my mid 20s. And man is it waay better than I remembered, especially Sally. I guess seeing a clear and well made representation of how adults who seem to have their shit together are still single and miserable about just gets me.

I used to HATE this movie when I was a kid. It was my mom's favorite movie (along with Sleepless in Seattle) and I was forced to watch it sooooo many times. I usually just tuned out because I thought it was boring. Now that I am older, I can really appreciate not only the subject matter but the artistry behind the actual making of the film - particularly its dialogue. This is, by far, the most "real" romantic comedy I can think of and one that must be remembered. I hope they never remake/reboot this movie and instead study it to learn what makes it so great and go on to make more original, deep, and emotionally engaging stories/movies. I'm not really into romance movies but this movie captures what it means to be human and how overcoming yourself can allow for incredibly powerful and beautiful things to enter into your life... even if those things have always been there with you.

totally agree. i hate romantic movies but always find when harry met sally very charming and have its own unique perspectives in romance and friendship

I have yet to see the comment of how our dearly departed Carrie Fisher was the screenplay doctor for this script. She was amazing in the film and fixed some script problems too? That is why she will always be a legend.

When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorite films of all time. It is a shame that many people may pass over it just because it's a romantic comedy or a chickflick.

now Im gonna watch this movie just so I can watch this video

It's nice watching the layers of love really build. I do think Harry starts to fall for her (pecan pie scene,) but doesn't follow through with it at that point. Their friendship is such a solid foundation for their relationship, that they're married only a few months later.

Romantic comedy's are like a guilty pleasure I'm proud of.

'When Harry Met Sally' is among my top 10 favorite movies. Over the years, I've watched in countless times and I've never gotten bored, not once. Thanks for explaining why that is.

as someone getting married to her best friend after a long relationship, I couldn't agree more. great video!

definitely gonna watch it now. I love romance but absolutely can't stand how uncreative stories are nowadays when it comes to rom coms. your channel is among my favorites and it always makes my day to see you've uploaded something new.

I find the Romance genre to often be repetitive that's why there's very few Romcom's i REALLY LOVE, the "Before Sunset" movies and "Like Crazy" are good exemples, now i gotta watch this one.

Harry and Sally show us how love can change your mind, even if you were sure you were right. For me, this film was love at first sight, I remember exactly the first time I saw it and I do not know how much I watched it over and over again: the lines, the actors, the music, the seasons, the different couples so funny and charming ... I love this movie as much as princess bride, another masterpiece of Rob Reiner full of surprises

Probably the best rom com I've seen to date.

Damn, I still gotta watch this movie.

I just saw this movie for the first time today, and I was absolutely blown away by the writing! With every discussion they had I was hanging on every word, wondering what I would learn about Harry and Sally next, keeping their younger selves in mind and how much they had changed. The way the dialogue is written is just phenomenal! Thanks for spotlighting it so well, I totally agreed with everything you said ^_^ This movie is amazing!

This is one of my favourite movies, and I've never really understood why till now (thanks!). Besides Ephron's writing and the delightful side characters, it's the comparison between Harry and Sally as people. When you think Sally has been holding it together so well and then breaks down when her ex gets married, it's a real turnaround moment. (Plus, the line "I, I am the dog?!" Meg Ryan at her finest).

Happy Valentine's Day! I thought it would be appropriate to do a romantic comedy, and When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorites. What's your favorite romantic comedy or love story? What other screenplays should I do in the future? Let me know in the comments!

i only watched it bc of this video and honestly...... it rlly was charming, i haven't seen a romantic film this refreshing in a long time

Your videos are fantastic. And you have a very soothing voice.

Hey man, you are fast becoming my favorite youtuber. Can you maybe do a series on bad movies, maybe? Or hyped up movies that went bad?

can you do Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Her(2013)?

I'm so happy you dissect stories and the nature of storytelling. I feel like good writing is somewhat underrated in the industry and so you analyzing every aspect and avenue of it just brings a whole new appreciation for it! Thanks man!

I saw this movie in the theater when it first came out and it was always be in my top 10 favorite of all time. It’s not a typical rom com. Its characters have depth and charm and I love the message that friendship matters.

Thank you....my absolute favorite romantic movie

Great videos m8. Have you considered any studio ghibli movies?

I fucking love the fucking fuck out of this channel. Be my Valentine Michael!!

Just watched it... I'm blown away by the movie, even had a tear... Excellent writing and filmmaking

One of the best, most reserved, yet insightful critiques I think I've heard about a hit movie.

Are you planning to do TV series? There are plenty of good writing like Fargo or Black Mirror.

You sir are ridiculously talented in conveying your message. Excellent work. If you have the time "In A World" would be an awesome movie to review.

I watched this movie because of this video, and its amazing. I met my (soon to be wife) once, parted ways forever, met up by chance again, kept in light touch, parted ways forever again, barely kept in touch at all for years, by chance met up once more, after a strong break up and consequently doing a lot of emotional maturing, stayed in each others lives this time, became best friends, we weren't looking for a relationship at the time but fell in love anyway, and now we're gonna get married, so this might be the first time I can actually relate to a movie in this way. I am a firm believer that real healthy relationships are built on strong friendship, and I love that this movie spends more time with them just being friends than it does with them being lovers. Thanks for the great video and great recommendation!

To say this movie exceeded my expectations is an understatement. 13 going on 30 has always been my favorite romcom and I was opposed to giving this one a chance just cause I felt like it wouldn’t resonate with it being released in the late 80’s. And I was WRONG. I have never watched such charming characters that were so believable that you forget it’s a movie. The chemistry between the two was so natural it’s hard to believe they weren’t together in real life. And the humor genuinely had me laughing out loud and then the next minute, bawling my eyes out. And to my surprise, took the #1 spot of my favorite romcom of all time.

I commented on your The Social Network video that it's "Probably top 5, easily top 10," but When Harry Met Sally is top 3 for me, easily. It was one of the movies that I knew after I watched it that it's great.

This is my mom and my favorite movie!! Thanks Michael :)

This movie is also extremely well acted and directed. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have some of the best chemistry you’ll ever see, and both display genuine dramatic and physical acting chops. And Rob Reiner was in the zone, the cinematography, editing, pacing, sound, soundtrack, are all excellent. I did not expect much from When Harry Met Sally, but it’s honestly pretty flawless.

The most amazing interpretation of the most amazing romance film I've ever seen!

MrGrork: First. Exit Scene Left

You keep showing me why I love some movies so much, even though I cannot explain it as rationally or as eloquently as you do, why I love them and watch them over and over again. Thank you so much, your content is so educational and entertaining, such quality. You're the first youtuber I am ever going to support on patreon. You make me feel as if I am not constantly wasting my time on RU-vid.

Who would've ever thought to do an analysis of When Harry Met Sally? This is why I love this channel

It's absolutely heart-breaking for me at the end. Sally said, after the furniture scene, she doesn't do "making love" just for sake of revenge (or filling the emptiness), like Harry. And then, she was still sure and happy before and after making love with Harry; although he was so respectful with her to not leave right away, but he was just scared and wanted to get out ("how long do I have to lie here and hold her before I get up and go home? - Is 30 seconds enough?). And then he just walked away and she was heart-broken after all this time she waited and he was being "pitied". Good thing he finally come with some senses, not because it was New Year and lonely.

Can you do Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? It would be amazing to see how you deconstruct its screenplay.

Please please please make one for "Lock, stock and two smoking barrels", the story is just pure genius.

I just finished watching this film for the first time 30 minutes ago and it is now in my top 9 films of all time! If you know me personally, you’d know how insane it is that a ROM-COM is one of my favorite films of all time!!!! I’m still blown away. This was a charming film and wonderful story!!!

Michael Tucker is absolutely the best analyzer on RU-vid. Trust me, I’ve been watching them all.

Arrival? Just came out on DVD today. Definitely my favorite film of 2016. Or any of the Oscar best screenplay (adapted or original) nominees

It's right up there with my favorite films.

The greatest romantic comedy of all time. The absence of trivial subplot movie conflict is my favorite aspect. Like you said, the only things standing in the way are them

I love all of your video essays but I think this might be the best one. You've really got a good eye and I admire your ability to make unique, original, and profound analysis on films like this.

Your channel gives me faith in humanity, Michael. Honestly. The channel's fast rising popularity is proof that smart people do exist. So wonderful to be greeted with a new upload from you after another abhorrent day at college.

PLEASE DO LOST IN TRANSLATION!!!

This is one of my favourite movies of all time and was nominated for best screenplay. I was thrilled to see it getting some love.

I would gladly watch adverts before your videos, the amount of work you put into them is worth it.

Would you ever consider analyzing the screenplay for a TV show? I know it is difficult because there are so many episodes to choose from. However, I have a suggestion. It would be EXCEEDINGLY interesting to look at the parallels of the Season 4 finale of House M.D. and the Season 4 finale of Sherlock. As they are both inspired by/based on Sherlock Holmes, I think it is very interesting to examine them, and I think that these episodes are particularly suitable for comparison (They are also both quite heartbreaking). It is important to watch not just the finale episode of House Season 4, but the episode before it, as it is two parts.

The whole idea of a great relationship being built on friendship is sort of like Jim and Pam from the office

I love that you love this. It’s always been one of my favorites because, as you discovered, it’s just all-the-way good.

Thank you for breaking down the screenplay cause now I understand better why I absolutely love this film. I've watched a lot of romcom from the late 90s to early 2000s (lots of julia roberts, meg ryan, tom hanks, renee, etc) but this one is my absolute favorite - i love the script and the chemistry between the actors. ❤

I would love to hear what you think about the writing on before sunrise, before sunset, and before midnight. I REALLY liked the writing on it.

Two reasons why I tend to avoid romantic comedies are liar revealed and misunderstanding cliches. Every goddamn time otherwise enjoyable movie drops freaking dead for 10-20 min and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. When this two terrible tropes just die?

This is one of my favorite channels!! You have such a humble yet genius way of looking at films. Your videos give eyes that are more than just your average audience member, sharing lessons that can help any aspiring filmmaker. I only look forward to watching your channel grow. Whatever your next upload is, can't wait!

I have been binge watching your videos for the past two days now and stopping half way simply because your in-depth analysis of the films's screenwritings makes me want to experience the movie first and get a feel for it. So many great movies and great work from your part, conveyed through well structured and well edited bite-sized videos. Absolute fan, keep on keeping on!!

my mom was like what the hell in that sensual screaming part.

This whole analysis could apply to Annie Hall, right down to "It Had to be You" as the musical thread. I

I love you for doing this movie! It's my favorite RomCom (actually now that I think about it, it's the only RomCom I love) because of the amazing story and dialogue. It doesn't treat the audience as if we're stupid by dictating to us how we should feel during each scene. And even when it did the cliché "realizing that you love the person and then running to him/her to profess your love" scene, it did so in such a clever and grounded way. For years, people have been asking why that cliché even exists but "When Harry Met Sally" actually confronted that very question, making the scene realistic instead of cheesy. Please please do the Before Trilogy by Richard Linklater. The three movies have absolutely amazing writing

I’m so glad you did this movie. This was the first movie my husband and I saw together (kind of) when we were 19 and now we are 50 and still love it.

I would love to see you look at Moonlight or La La Land since the Oscars are almost here.

Could you do The Last Five Years vs. La La Land? I really enjoy your videos 😊

I'm glad I found this channel, I always viewed films as art and watching your videos has been helping me understand the thought processes behind them, I can't wait for more.

When Harry Met Sally is me and my finances favorite movie, and not only is it valentines day but also our anniversary so this video couldn't have came at a better time! you explained perfectly why I love this movie so much, great job as always!

I think Bill Crystals best romance is Monsters Inc

would really love to see you analyzing one of Linklater's work maybe the trilogy

I've been telling people for years that this is one of the greatest Romantic Comedies of all time, and this video highlights those reasons perfectly. Thank you for making this. Cannot wait to see what else you do in the future.

Michael, I am a director, educator, and author. I have shared a lesson you did about Edgar Wright for years..but I never knew who to credit with the amazing insights....then while studying for a seminar I'm taking with the great Alan Arkush, I came across this video...and I recognized your voice. So this is long in coming: I owe you a huge thanks, I just subscribed, and I think you are brilliant!

there was something just so very poignant and beautiful about romcoms back then, whereas most of them now are just pretentious and painfully self-aware...

what if you looked at the parallels between boyhood and moonlight.

AHH a new LFTS video! Man your videos are so well crafted i cannot resist watching them immediately after i get the notification :D , keep it up!

I was so happy when I saw this come up in my notifications - Nora Ephron is one of my favourite writers, and When Harry Met Sally is possibly my favourite movie. So glad you did a video on this wonderful film!

Any chance fight club is on your to-do list?

Can you do "Closer" starring Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts?

Your reviews continue to be the best. Always look forward to them when they pop in my feed :)

Thank you so much for all your videos! I'm a career writer, but have only lately gotten into fiction/screenplays. Your videos are accessible and entertaining. So hard to come by these days.

Can you do blade runner? just watched it the other day for the first time, I thought it was amazing

I would love to see a video on Shawshank Redemption. Of course I expect this comment to be easily swept away but I hope someone will possibly see this.

This is really great!! Thanks for making it, I'm always waiting for the next!!

What amazes me is how timeless it is. Replace a few landlines with some cell phones and make Jess an online journalist and it could easily take place today. It would still make sense for two college kids to share a road trip from Chicago to NY in order to transport their clothes and furniture more easily.

Do a LFTS on The Danish Girl!

Well, you can argue the third act is kind of cliché. However, the entire movie is so good that it can afford it. Still, this is my favorite romantic comedy of all time.

I'm always blown away be the level of analysis in each of these episodes. I feel like every episode is someone's college dissertation. A lot of RU-vid channels seem to pursue style over substance, but that's not the case in this channel. Thank you.

Man, you're just the best. It's easy to see that you're so passionate about movies, and that's what makes these videos so incredible. Everything about your videos is great. While they're very educational, they are also very entertaining and fun to watch. Congrats

The convention is not flipped on his head at all! The convention goes like this: meeting, not liking each other, becoming friends, falling in love. The VERY SAME THING happens here, and emotionally and dramaturgically it makes NO difference, if years pass in between.

A shame that Meg Ryan did all that plastic surgery

I love your videos man, so glad I found this channel!

another great job. As a new screenwriter I really love each and every video you've done. I always knew there was something special about this film, glad to have it dissected.