Written by Ari Turobiner
Photo Courtesy of All the Classics
The Princess Bride, the whimsical, fantasy, charming tale of true love is a 1987 film many people grew up with. The Princess Bride captures the hearts of children and adults within seconds of this beautiful film beginning and has become a big part of many people’s childhoods. The 1980’s were a popular time for fantasy films; transporting kids to fantastical worlds where their imaginations could soar. Many fantasy films came and went such as Labyrinth, Legend and Willow but none were ever as quotable and magical as The Princess Bride.
The film begins with a young sports-loving grandson (played by Fred Savage) who was laying in his bed while home sick from school. The door opens up and in comes his grandfather (played by Peter Falk). The grandson; reluctant at first, doesn't want to listen to his grandfather read a book he brought for him simply titled The Princess Bride. The character eventually agrees to listen to his grandfather read him the story. As the grandfather reads the book, the film cuts to a beautiful farm, where we are introduced to Westley (played by Cary Elwes), who is a young, kind-hearted farm boy who works for Princess Buttercup; a beautiful, thoughtful, and caring young woman (played by Robin Wright). As they worked together on the farm, whenever Buttercup asked a favor he would respond with “As you wish.” These three simple words translated to “I love you.”
Eventually, Buttercup realizes she loves Westley back and the couple spend their last hours together in the sunset, as Westley is preparing to leave the farm to get money to return and marry Buttercup. When Westley leaves, he promises he will always come back for Buttercup. He doesn’t return, and time passes when Buttercup receives the news that Westley has passed away. Buttercup, heartbroken, vows to never “love again.” Prince Humperdinck comes on screen; seemingly friendly at first (played by Chris Sarandon) and eventually he decides he wants to make Buttercup his wife. Throughout the film, we are introduced to more lovable and iconic characters, such as Inigo Montoya (played by Mandy Patinkin), a Spaniard and swordsman set out on revenge for the six-fingered man who killed his father. Fezzik (played by Andre the Giant), a gentle yet powerful giant who loves to rhyme. Vizzini (played by Wallace Shawn), an incredibly smart Sicilian criminal, Miracle Max (played by Billy Crystal), a quirky miracle worker and finally Count Rugen (played by Christopher Guest), a mean and cruel-hearted man who works for Prince Humperdinck. These lovable cast of characters are always charming, funny and delightful to watch, even if unlikable like the Count. The characters' stories intertwine to give audiences one of the most memorable films of all time, and is now an essential cult classic.
The Princess Bride reminds kids and adults what we love about fairy-tales. Everyone dreams of saving the princess, being a hero and stopping the bad guys! Visually, The Princess Bride is vibrant and colorful, featuring sets that are reminiscent of storybooks of old. This timeless magic brings a nostalgic feel to the film. The film has many standout moments that feel like they are ripped out of a storybook; you may have read as a child. The “Cliffs of Insanity” part of the film features a brilliantly-written and choreographed sword fight between a man in black (which we eventually learn is Westley) and Inigo Montoya. It is here where we are introduced to the iconic line, “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” if you haven’t already heard “As you wish!” I can guarantee you have heard Inigo’s iconic line at some point! Every scene in The Princess Bride builds upon itself and features something to remember. Westley and Buttercup reuniting, the fire swamp, Miracle Max, the castle storm and the final “To the pain!” moments are all what makes the film so special. It’s homage to fairy-tales has become something “Inconceivable!” over the years.
The Princess Bride works so well because not only is it a story of “Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles” but it is also a story that connects generations between grandson and grandfather. Part of the reason I believe the love of the movie The Princess Bride is passed down between generations now from parents to children is because of the idea that people grew up with the magic of the story and it is nostalgic to introduce their kids to the fantastic film. In the 80s, this film worked so well because of it’s amazing cast, crew and director but also because of the fact that it is a movie about timeless love, something that can not be replaceable.
The Princess Bride has a special spot in my heart as one of my top two favorite movies- meaning it could be my favorite depending on the day. It’s always hard choosing a favorite movie! I and so many others have grown up with this nostalgic, charming, masterpiece and it is something that I personally will pass down to future generations. The Princess Bride has now become a timeless fairy-tale that is cherished by millions around the world. Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride takes audiences through a journey of love and loyalty when life was simple and magical.
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