When Harry Met Sally… Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two people spend a decade arguing about whether they secretly want to bang, and then they do.

🍿 When Harry Met Sally…: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Initial Encounter and Debate (1977)

Harry Burns and Sally Albright share a car ride from Chicago to New York after graduating from college. Harry is dating Sally’s friend, Amanda. Their contrasting personalities and differing views on whether men and women can be ‘just friends’ create immediate tension. Harry believes sex always complicates things, while Sally insists platonic friendships are possible.

Reconnecting and Forming a Friendship (1982 & 1987)

Five years later, Harry and Sally meet again on a flight, still in relationships but maintaining their opposing viewpoints. Another five years pass, and they reconnect in a bookstore, both recently single. This time, they decide to become friends, navigating the complexities of platonic intimacy as they support each other through dating experiences.

The Blurring Lines and a Night Together (1988)

Harry and Sally’s friendship deepens, leading them to set each other up with their respective best friends, Jess and Marie, who eventually get engaged. One night, Sally, upset about her ex’s upcoming wedding, calls Harry for comfort. Their ensuing intimacy results in an awkward morning after, straining their friendship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harry Burns (Billy Crystal): A cynical and somewhat self-centered man who debates the possibility of platonic friendship with Sally over the years.
• Sally Albright (Meg Ryan): An organized and optimistic woman who challenges Harry’s views on relationships and navigates the complexities of friendship with him.
• Marie (Carrie Fisher): Sally’s supportive and pragmatic best friend who offers advice and navigates her own romantic life.
• Jess (Bruno Kirby): Harry’s close friend who eventually finds love with Marie and provides a contrasting perspective on relationships.
• Joe (Steven Ford): Sally’s ex-boyfriend from college who resurfaces briefly in her life, highlighting her evolving romantic journey.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harry: “Men and women can’t be friends because the sex part always gets in the way.” – Harry states his cynical view early in the film, setting up the central question of their relationship.
• Sally: “I’ll have what she’s having.” – Said by a customer in the deli after witnessing Sally’s fake orgasm, becoming one of cinema’s most iconic lines.
• Harry: “I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.” – Harry’s heartfelt declaration of love at the New Year’s Eve party, expressing his deep affection for Sally’s quirks.
• Sally: “You make me laugh harder than anyone else I know.” – Sally explains why she’s marrying Harry, capturing the importance of humor and connection in a relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $93,117,425
• Worldwide Gross: $93,275,066

💥 When Harry Met Sally… Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched ‘When Harry Met Sally’ for the millionth time last night, and it STILL gets me! The chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is just insane. I love how the movie spans years and how they keep bumping into each other. The scene in the diner where Sally fakes the orgasm is, of course, iconic, but honestly, it’s the smaller, quieter moments between them that always hit me the hardest. It’s like, you know they’re meant to be together, even when they don’t, and that makes it all the more satisfying when they finally get there.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Those interested in exploring relationship dynamics”
  • “Viewers who appreciate witty dialogue and character-driven stories”
  • “People looking for a feel-good movie with a happy ending”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some sexual references and innuendo”
  • “Mature themes related to relationships and dating”
  • “Brief language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A delightful and insightful romantic comedy, elevated by sharp wit, relatable characters, and stellar performances from Crystal and Ryan.
• Variety: “With its clever dialogue and authentic portrayal of modern relationships, ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ is a timeless classic that remains fresh and hilarious.
• RogerEbert.com: “A smart and funny film that raises interesting questions about love, friendship, and the complexities of human connection.

Audience Reactions

The diner scene is legendary!: The witty dialogue and hilarious situations make this a top-tier romantic comedy.

Crystal and Ryan had amazing chemistry!: The cast performances are praised, with viewers noting the outstanding on-screen connection between the lead actors.

Overall Consensus: A beloved and enduring romantic comedy celebrated for its witty script, charming performances, and insightful exploration of relationships.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The scenes of older couples recounting how they met were based on real interviews conducted by Rob Reiner, which were then re-enacted by actors.”
• “Meg Ryan improvised some of her lines during the famous deli scene, adding to the authenticity and humor.”
• “Billy Crystal also contributed improvisations, particularly adding depth and humor to Harry’s cynical and observant character.”

🖥️ How to Watch When Harry Met Sally…?

When Harry Met Sally… is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it’s often available to rent or buy. Additionally, it can typically be purchased on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to check the specific streaming service in your area for the most up-to-date information.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed When Harry Met Sally…, you might like these similar films:

• Annie Hall (1977): Shares a similar neurotic and witty examination of relationships in New York City.
• Sleepless in Seattle (1993): Another Meg Ryan romantic comedy exploring fate and connection, though with a more fantastical premise.
• Manhattan (1979): Captured the spirit of relationships in New York and offered the perspective on love and personal growth.
• Friends with Benefits (2011): Explores the complexities of a platonic relationship turning romantic in a modern context.
• High Fidelity (2000): Another tale about relationships and the struggles of love, but told through a different comedic lense.

🛒 When Harry Met Sally… Related Products

• When Harry Met Sally… (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: Features behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and commentary from Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal, and Nora Ephron, perfect for true fans.
• When Harry Met Sally… Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the classic movie poster, perfect for decorating any room with a touch of vintage romance.
• When Harry Met Sally… T-Shirt: A comfortable t-shirt featuring iconic quotes or images from the movie, perfect for casual wear and expressing your love for this classic.
• When Harry Met Sally… Themed Board Game – ‘Can Men and Women Ever Be Friends?’ Edition: A party game inspired by the movie, challenging players to debate relationship topics and recreate memorable scenes from the film for a fun, interactive experience.

🎧 Soundtrack

When Harry Met Sally… features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “It Had To Be You” – performed by Harry Connick Jr.
• “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” – performed by Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald
• “Where or When” – performed by Harry Connick Jr.

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Harry Met Sally Orgasm Scene Prank – Movies In Real Life (Ep 7)

Ever wondered what it would be like if the famous orgasm scene from ‘When Harry Met Sally’ happened in real life? Check out this hilarious prank where Improv Everywhere brings the scene to life in a crowded deli!

Katz’s Delicatessen – in “When Harry Met Sally”

Step inside the legendary Katz’s Delicatessen and learn about its starring role in ‘When Harry Met Sally’. This behind-the-scenes clip gives you a taste of the film’s iconic location and its enduring legacy.

When Harry Met Sally — Breaking Genre Conventions

Dive into the cinematic brilliance of ‘When Harry Met Sally’ as this video analyzes its innovative storytelling and genre-bending techniques. A must-watch for film enthusiasts and aspiring screenwriters!

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