# When Harry Met Sally

> 1989 film by Rob Reiner

**Wikidata**: [Q471169](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q471169)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_Harry_Met_Sally...)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/when-harry-met-sally

## Summary

*When Harry Met Sally...* is a 1989 romantic comedy film directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential romantic comedies of all time, exploring the question of whether men and women can truly be friends without romantic involvement. The film stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan and features the iconic Katz's Delicatessen scene, which became a cultural touchstone in American cinema.

## Key Facts

- **Title**: *When Harry Met Sally...*
- **Release Date**: July 12, 1989 (United States)
- **Director**: Rob Reiner
- **Writer**: Nora Ephron
- **Starring**: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan
- **Genre**: Romantic comedy
- **Production Companies**: Castle Rock Entertainment, Columbia Pictures
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 96 minutes
- **Budget**: $16 million
- **Box Office**: $93.27 million (domestic)
- **IMDb Rating**: 8/10
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 89%
- **Metacritic Score**: 76/100
- **Awards**: Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay
- **Cultural Impact**: The film's famous "fake orgasm" scene at Katz's Delicatessen is one of the most iconic moments in romantic comedy history
- **Legacy**: The film is frequently cited as one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made and has influenced countless subsequent films in the genre

## FAQs

**What is *When Harry Met Sally...* about?**
*When Harry Met Sally...* follows the lives of Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) over twelve years, beginning with their meeting as college graduates sharing a car ride to New York City. The film explores their evolving relationship as they navigate friendship, love, and the question of whether men and women can truly be platonic friends.

**Who directed *When Harry Met Sally...?**
The film was directed by Rob Reiner, who is also known for directing other iconic films such as *The Princess Bride* (1987), *Stand by Me* (1986), and *Misery* (1990). Reiner co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, the production company behind the film.

**What is the significance of the Katz's Delicatessen scene?**
The Katz's Delicatessen scene is one of the most famous moments in the film, featuring Sally demonstrating a fake orgasm to prove a point to Harry about women's sexual experiences. This scene has become a cultural touchstone and is often referenced in discussions about romantic comedies and gender dynamics.

**What awards did *When Harry Met Sally...* receive?**
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, written by Nora Ephron. It has also received numerous accolades and is frequently listed among the greatest romantic comedies of all time.

**How did *When Harry Met Sally...* influence the romantic comedy genre?**
*When Harry Met Sally...* redefined the romantic comedy genre by blending humor, wit, and emotional depth. Its exploration of the dynamics between men and women and its iconic scenes have influenced countless subsequent films in the genre.

## Why It Matters

*When Harry Met Sally...* matters because it redefined the romantic comedy genre and set a new standard for storytelling in this field. The film's exploration of the complexities of male-female friendships and its iconic scenes have made it a cultural touchstone. Its influence extends beyond cinema, shaping conversations about relationships, gender dynamics, and the nature of love. The film's enduring popularity and critical acclaim demonstrate its significance in American cinema and its lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

## Notable For

- **Iconic Scene**: The famous Katz's Delicatessen scene, featuring Sally's fake orgasm, is one of the most memorable moments in romantic comedy history.
- **Cultural Impact**: The film has influenced countless subsequent romantic comedies and remains a benchmark for the genre.
- **Critical Acclaim**: *When Harry Met Sally...* received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
- **Enduring Popularity**: The film continues to be celebrated and referenced in popular culture, demonstrating its lasting appeal.
- **Influential Director**: Directed by Rob Reiner, one of Hollywood's most versatile and influential filmmakers.
- **Memorable Dialogue**: The film's witty and insightful dialogue, written by Nora Ephron, has become iconic and frequently quoted.

## Body

### Overview

*When Harry Met Sally...* is a 1989 romantic comedy film directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron. The film stars Billy Crystal as Harry Burns and Meg Ryan as Sally Albright, following their lives over twelve years as they navigate friendship, love, and the complexities of male-female relationships. The film is known for its witty dialogue, emotional depth, and iconic scenes, particularly the famous Katz's Delicatessen scene where Sally demonstrates a fake orgasm.

### Plot Summary

The film begins with Harry and Sally meeting as college graduates sharing a car ride to New York City. Despite their initial differences and Harry's belief that men and women cannot be friends without romantic involvement, they form a friendship that evolves over the years. The film explores their individual lives, relationships, and the challenges they face as they grow older and wiser. Ultimately, Harry and Sally realize that their friendship has deepened into love, leading to a romantic relationship.

### Production and Release

*When Harry Met Sally...* was produced by Castle Rock Entertainment, a production company co-founded by Rob Reiner, and distributed by Columbia Pictures. The film was released on July 12, 1989, in the United States and received widespread critical acclaim. It was a commercial success, grossing over $93 million domestically against a budget of $16 million.

### Cast and Crew

- **Director**: Rob Reiner
- **Writer**: Nora Ephron
- **Starring**: Billy Crystal (Harry Burns), Meg Ryan (Sally Albright)
- **Supporting Cast**: Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby
- **Production Companies**: Castle Rock Entertainment, Columbia Pictures
- **Cinematography**: Barry Sonnenfeld
- **Music**: Marc Shaiman

### Critical Reception and Awards

*When Harry Met Sally...* received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. The film was praised for its witty dialogue, emotional depth, and the chemistry between its leads. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, written by Nora Ephron. The film has since been recognized as one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time and has influenced countless subsequent films in the genre.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy

The cultural impact of *When Harry Met Sally...* extends beyond its critical and commercial success. The film's exploration of the dynamics between men and women and its iconic scenes have made it a cultural touchstone. The Katz's Delicatessen scene, in particular, has become one of the most famous moments in romantic comedy history and is often referenced in discussions about gender dynamics and relationships. The film's enduring popularity and influence demonstrate its significance in American cinema and its lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

### Related Works and Influences

*When Harry Met Sally...* is part of a broader body of work by director Rob Reiner, who is known for his versatility and influence in Hollywood. Reiner's other notable films include *The Princess Bride* (1987), *Stand by Me* (1986), and *Misery* (1990). The film's success also contributed to the reputation of Castle Rock Entertainment, the production company co-founded by Reiner, which produced numerous successful films throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

### Conclusion

*When Harry Met Sally...* is a landmark film in the romantic comedy genre, known for its witty dialogue, emotional depth, and iconic scenes. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, the film explores the complexities of male-female friendships and has influenced countless subsequent films in the genre. Its enduring popularity and cultural impact demonstrate its significance in American cinema and its lasting appeal to audiences worldwide.

## References

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