Today marks the 30th anniversary of the movie Groundhog Day. Starring Bill Murrary as a cynical Pittsburgh-based news reporter and the brilliant and endearing Andie McDowell as his TV producer and boss, who becomes the focus of his new understanding of love.

The story takes place on February 2, Groundhog's Day, a day marked annually by its simplicity, traditions, and celebration within the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (where in real life a groundhog is paraded out every year to "see its shadow", thus predicting how long the winter weather will continue that year).

Written and directed by the late Harold Ramis (from a screenplay by him and Danny Rubin), the movie progresses as Phil Connors (Murray) and his misanthropic nature seem to be stuck in a time loop, repeating the same day, i.e. Groundhog's Day in Punxsutawney, where the town's jubilation seems to be seen and felt by everyone, but Phil.

Eventually realizing that he can not escape this "loop" until he betters himself as part of the community, Murray's character improves his demeanor, learns to play a musical instrument as well as a foreign language and poetry, uses his knowledge and premonitions about the repetitious day to help the others in hid path.

CHECK OUT: Bill Murray's Antics With Strangers Have Become Epic

Released on February 12th, 1993, the film has been noted by various religious leaders, scholars, and even physicists-and was inducted into the Library of Congress' National Film Registry in 2012.

It received multiple award nominations and won a BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay. For all its success, the film marked the end of Ramis's and Murray's long collaborative partnership, which produced films like Caddyshack (1980) and Ghostbusters (1984).  The film also became a showcase for Murray; previously seen only as a comic actor, his performance led to more serious lead roles in critically acclaimed films.

A box-office success on its release, Groundhog Day earned over $105 million to become one of the highest-grossing films of 1993. Reviewers were consistent in praise for the film's successful melding of highly sentimental and deeply cynical moments-and for the philosophical message beneath the comedy.

The lessons of the movie are indeed profound: One can not always predict the weather, but one can prepare for the unpredictability and opportunities of life.

WATCH the Trailer…

CELEBRATE the 50th Anniversary of This Classic Film by Sharing on Social Media…