The Princess BrideI think that if there is one single movie that if you were to begin reciting lines from it in the company of friends, and could easily expect a response in kind, it would be The Princess Bride. Directed by Rob Reiner, The Princess Bride is adapted from the book by William Goldman, and is presented as story told by a visiting grandfather (Peter Falk) to his "sick" grandson (Fred Savage)--I always assumed the kid was faking to stay home and play video games. Although the kid is initially annoyed at his grandfather's visit--and insistence to read him a book while he's stuck in bed--little by little, the kid is won over by the tale of "fencing, giants, true love," and more...kinda slipped "true love" in there, huh?
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The story proper of The Princess Bride follows Buttercup (Robin Wright) and her life on a farm, attended by the farm boy, Westley (Cary Elwes), who she bosses around, receiving the simple reply of "as you wish" to all her demands. As their relationship warms, true love blooms; but when Westley seeks his fortune abroad and is presumed dead after being beset by the Dread Pirate Roberts, Buttercup falls into a deep grief. In a lot of ways, like the kid listening to the story, we too are drawn in not just by the fantasy of swashbuckling and feats of strength, but of the enduring love that Buttercup and Westley share, and how it seems cut too short. And as fascinating as action is, it is the emotional honesty that give these characters and their troubles weight. Fast forward five years, and Buttercup has been chosen to be the betrothed of Prince Humperdinck of Florin (Chris Sarandon). However, Buttercup is kidnapped while on her daily horse ride by three mercenaries, looking to start a war. Led by the self-proclaimed genius, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), and accompanied by his thugs with a conscience--the revenge-seeking swordsman, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and the giant Fezzik (Andre the Giant)--the three make off with Buttercup, only to be pursued by the "man in black", a skilled and cunning swordsman who pursues them to reclaim Buttercup. For the many fans of the film, this description is welcome and familiar like a cup of warm cocoa, but it is also as fresh and memorable for fans as if they had just watched it for the first time. The characters of The Princess Bride are engaging heroes possessed of charm and wit (or in the case of Fezzik, at least simple goodness), and villains cold and vile, cowardly snakes who we can't wait to see their inevitable comeuppance; these ranks include Count Rugan (Christoper Guest), a scholarly sadist with a particular dexterous peculiarity.
Drawing thematically from the style and swordplay of heroic characters played by the likes of Errol Flynn, and looking not out of place on a romance novel cover, Westley is a heroic figure with a past that grows more intriguing as the story unfolds. He is a hero that a young boy can look up to, not simply as a paragon of physical and mental acuity, but also a man of humble origins who wins the heart of the lovely Buttercup. For young boys not into "kissing books", this is a kind of maturity presented with a soft touch by the charming tale. And even characters like Inigo and Fezzik--initially kind of dopey villains--reform after their confrontation with the "man in black" to seek out their true mission in life--at least Inigo's driving force to avenge his father's death at the hands of the six-fingered man. Ultimately, the party assembles for their mission to rescue the princess bride from her dire fate and storm Humperdinck's castle. The Princess Bride is timeless, a tale that is as fresh now as it always was and will always be. The film is a hallmark of nostalgia for me and many more, a tale with exciting characters and daring-do, heartfelt emotion and thrilling moments. It is the kind of film which is perfect to put on when you might be under the weather, tucked in under a blanket, rain trickling down the window panes. The witty dialogue and charming comedy makes for instantaneously memorable and quotable lines which pour forth from every scene. You would be hard-pressed not to be quoting your favorite snippets of dialogue long after the credits roll. And I could go on about this delightful tale of fantasy, romance, action, and more, but should you ask me to stop, how could I reply but to say, "as you wish".
Recommended for: Fans of an exciting and fantastical movie, with amazing heroes and beautiful princesses (or at least one princess), of cowardly knaves who get what's coming, and impassioned revenge and more. Oh, and true love...that, too.
Drawing thematically from the style and swordplay of heroic characters played by the likes of Errol Flynn, and looking not out of place on a romance novel cover, Westley is a heroic figure with a past that grows more intriguing as the story unfolds. He is a hero that a young boy can look up to, not simply as a paragon of physical and mental acuity, but also a man of humble origins who wins the heart of the lovely Buttercup. For young boys not into "kissing books", this is a kind of maturity presented with a soft touch by the charming tale. And even characters like Inigo and Fezzik--initially kind of dopey villains--reform after their confrontation with the "man in black" to seek out their true mission in life--at least Inigo's driving force to avenge his father's death at the hands of the six-fingered man. Ultimately, the party assembles for their mission to rescue the princess bride from her dire fate and storm Humperdinck's castle. The Princess Bride is timeless, a tale that is as fresh now as it always was and will always be. The film is a hallmark of nostalgia for me and many more, a tale with exciting characters and daring-do, heartfelt emotion and thrilling moments. It is the kind of film which is perfect to put on when you might be under the weather, tucked in under a blanket, rain trickling down the window panes. The witty dialogue and charming comedy makes for instantaneously memorable and quotable lines which pour forth from every scene. You would be hard-pressed not to be quoting your favorite snippets of dialogue long after the credits roll. And I could go on about this delightful tale of fantasy, romance, action, and more, but should you ask me to stop, how could I reply but to say, "as you wish".
Recommended for: Fans of an exciting and fantastical movie, with amazing heroes and beautiful princesses (or at least one princess), of cowardly knaves who get what's coming, and impassioned revenge and more. Oh, and true love...that, too.