When Harry Met Sally... 1989
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
In 1977, Harry Burns, portrayed by Billy Crystal, and Sally Albright, played by Meg Ryan, embark on a lengthy car journey from the University of Chicago to start their new lives in New York City after graduation. During the ride, they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on whether men and women can maintain a platonic friendship without sexual tensions complicating things. They reluctantly conclude that it’s not feasible and, upon reaching their destination, part ways.
Fast forward to 1982, Harry and Sally surprisingly reconnect during a flight. At this point, Sally is in a relationship with Joe, while Harry is preparing to marry Helen. This time, Harry reiterates his belief that friendships between opposite sexes are challenging, even when both parties are involved with others. After their flight, they go their separate ways once again.
By 1987, life has brought new changes for both Harry and Sally. Sally confides in her friends, Marie and Alice, about her breakup with Joe. Meanwhile, Harry shares with his friend Jess that Helen has ended their relationship. The two meet again at a bookstore, leading to a dinner where they catch up on life’s ups and downs. In a surprising twist, Harry discovers he has developed a genuine friendship with Sally. They start engaging in late-night phone calls, passionately debating topics such as Casablanca and whether Ingrid Bergman should have chosen Humphrey Bogart. As they spend more time together, they visit museums and delve deeper into each other’s lives. However, Sally feels uneasy about revealing that she is dating again, but Harry encourages her to be open about it. During a particularly memorable dinner, Sally demonstrates her ability to fake an orgasm, leading to a humorous moment when another diner, a character played by Estelle Reiner, quips about wanting “what she’s having.”
As time passes, Harry attempts to pair Sally with Jesse, while Sally seeks to match Harry with Marie, resulting in an unexpected romance between Marie and Jesse. Roughly four months later, while shopping for gifts for Jesse and Marie’s wedding, Harry and Sally unexpectedly encounter Harry’s ex-wife. The plot thickens as Sally is now dating Julian, and Harry has been seeing Emily. However, when Sally learns that her former boyfriend, Joe, is tying the knot, she reaches out to Harry late at night for consolation. This night of comfort escalates when they share an intimate moment.
Uncertain about how to navigate this new dynamic, their relationship begins to distance. The tensions boil over during Jesse and Marie’s wedding, leading to an argument. Yet, amidst these trials, on New Year’s Eve, Harry reaches out to Sally with a heartfelt declaration of love. In a moment brimming with emotion, they kiss, culminating in their decision to marry.
Timeline
Graduation Road Trip
In 1977, Harry Burns and Sally Albright embark on a road trip from the University of Chicago to New York City after completing their degrees. During the journey, they engage in a deep discussion regarding the complexities of platonic friendships between men and women, ultimately concluding that it's nearly impossible for these relationships to exist without romantic complications.
Unexpected Reunion on a Flight
Five years later, in 1982, Harry and Sally's paths cross again unexpectedly during a plane trip. At this point, Sally is dating Joe and Harry is about to marry Helen, yet they revisit their previous debate about friendships between men and women, despite being in other relationships.
Life Changes and Breakups
By 1987, both Harry and Sally are experiencing significant life changes. Sally confides her feelings of heartbreak to her friends Marie and Alice, as she navigates the aftermath of her breakup with Joe, while Harry reveals to Jess that his engagement with Helen has also ended.
Meeting at the Bookstore
Harry and Sally's chance meeting at a bookstore reignites their acquaintance. This event leads to a dinner where they catch up, share their personal stories, and bond over their mutual frustrations and experiences since their last encounter.
Late-Night Conversations
As Harry and Sally re-establish their friendship, they begin having late-night phone calls where they engage in passionate debates about classic films like Casablanca. These conversations deepen their connection, allowing them to explore each other's lives and opinions.
Erroneous Attempts at Coupling
In an effort to help each other find romance, Harry tries to set Sally up with his friend Jesse while Sally seeks to match Harry with Marie. This comical endeavor unexpectedly results in a romance blossoming between Jesse and Marie instead.
Dinner with a Twist
During a memorable dinner, Sally humorously fakes an orgasm, which results in a classic moment when an onlooker, played by Estelle Reiner, famously remarks that she wants 'what she's having.' This light-hearted incident brings Harry and Sally closer.
Run-In with an Ex
While shopping for wedding gifts for Jesse and Marie, Harry and Sally happen upon Harry's ex-wife. This encounter complicates things further as Sally is now dating Julian and Harry is seeing Emily, amplifying the tensions between them.
Late-Night Comfort
After learning about her ex-boyfriend Joe's engagement, Sally reaches out to Harry for emotional support late one night. This meeting shifts from offering consolation to a steamy moment that lays the groundwork for their evolving relationship.
Growing Apart
As their relationship matures, Harry and Sally begin to feel the strain from their complex emotions. They become distant following their intimate encounter, struggling with their feelings and the challenges of navigating love amidst other relationships.
Wedding Arguments
Their differing emotions come to a head during Jesse and Marie's wedding, culminating in a heated argument that leaves both feeling conflicted about their relationship. The pressure of their feelings threatens to pull them apart.
New Year's Revelations
On New Year's Eve, Harry confronts his feelings for Sally and declares his love for her. This heartfelt confession leads to a passionate kiss, signaling a pivotal shift in their relationship and their decision to pursue a future together.
Decision to Marry
Following their emotional New Year’s Eve moment, Harry and Sally make the profound decision to get married. This choice solidifies their commitment to one another and marks the culmination of their long journey navigating love and friendship.
Characters
Harry Burns (Billy Crystal)
Harry is a witty and somewhat cynical man, grappling with the complexities of love and friendship. His evolving relationship with Sally showcases his growth from skepticism to a heartfelt acknowledgment of his feelings for her, revealing vulnerabilities beneath his humorous facade.
Sally Albright (Meg Ryan)
Sally is portrayed as strong-willed and independent, navigating her relationships with a combination of charm and neurosis. Her character undergoes significant development as she learns to embrace vulnerability and openness in her relationship with Harry, ultimately realizing her true feelings.
Setting
Time period
1977 - 1987
The film spans a decade, showcasing the evolving social dynamics and relationships from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. This period was marked by significant cultural shifts, especially in gender relations and personal connections, reflecting how friendship and love can change over time.
Location
New York City, University of Chicago
The story unfolds in iconic New York City, known for its vibrant culture, arts scene, and bustling streets—it's a backdrop for countless love stories. The University of Chicago, a prestigious institution, serves as the starting point for Harry and Sally's journey, symbolizing youth and the transition into adulthood.
Themes
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Romantic Ambiguity
The film delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, particularly the tension between friendship and romantic love. It explores how societal expectations and personal desires collide, questioning whether true friendship can exist between men and women without romantic undertones.
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Communication
A significant theme throughout the film is the importance of communication in relationships. Harry and Sally's discussions about their feelings demonstrate how open dialogue can lead to deeper understanding, while misunderstandings highlight the difficulties couples face in expressing their true emotions.
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