The Maltese Falcon (1941) - ★★★★★

Director: John Huston
Writers: John Huston (Screenplay), Dashiell Hammett (Novels)
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, Gladys George, Barton MacLane, Ward Bond, Elisha Cook Jr.

Believe it or not, this is the first time I've ever seen the masterpiece that is The Maltese Falcon. I've seen a lot of classic films that are hyped up to be something better than they really are. This happens to be a film with a high reputation that is fully justified, and if anything, underrated. I'd give it a perfect 10/10. It has complex characters and simple characters, moments of sharp wit and dry humour, truly incredible cinematography, and a story that keeps you guessing and begging for more. I found myself utterly wrapped in the mystery of the missing maltese falcon statue. Truly, it was the whirlwind performances by Bogart, Astor, Lorre, and Greenstreet which made the movie as legendary as it is.

Casablanca (1942) - ★★★★★

Director: Michael Curtiz
Writers: Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Paul Henreid, Peter Lorre

This movie is perfect. Of all the films I've seen, I believe that Casablanca surpasses them all when it comes to its ridiculously well-done acting, story and cinematography. That doesn't mean it's my favorite, but if someone asked me if it is better than another film, I would almost always say "yes."