The Adventure of True Love

The Princess Bride (1987) - A Review

Director ~ Rob Reiner

Producers ~ Andrew Scheinman, Rob Reiner

Writer ~ William Goldman

Starring ~ Carry Elwes, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon

Every kid loves a good fairytale. The girls love the princesses and romance; the boys love the villains and sword fighting. This film has both, in addition to riddles, magic and, most importantly, humor. The Princess Bride is a satire of the swashbuckling films from the 30s like ‘Captain Blood’. It is a modern, fresh and hilarious take on a typical fairytale. The plot line is simple, but there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Yet, the characters are what make this film the cult classic that it is. Carry Elwes plays an endearing Westley, who develops from a love struck, simple farm boy to the daring, mysterious hero of the story. His companions, Ingio Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and Fezzik (Andre the Giant), are funny contrasts to Westley’s more serious, sarcastic nature. Billy Crystal is a stand out; playing the small role of Miracle Max with such relish that you remember him long after the movie is over.

It is one of those films that is shown by adults to their children, in the same way that the story is read by The Grandfather to his grandson. However, to truly appreciate its dry, witty dialogue and self-awareness as a film it takes an adult audience. This is why I love it so much because when I watched it as a child I found it entertaining, magical and exciting. Now watching it as a near adult I can appreciate the subtle messages in its one-liners and tongue in cheek way that it approaches its characters and the notion of 'true love' . It both mocks and celebrates a genre, all wrapped up in the pure, innocent package of a fairytale.

Favourite Quotes ~

Westley: You mean you wish to surrender to me? Very well, I accept.

Inigo Montoya: He's right on top of us. I wonder if he is using the same wind we are using. 

Fezzik: You be careful. People in masks cannot be trusted. 

Miracle Max: You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles. 

Prince Humperdinck: You truly love each other, and so you might have been truly happy. Not one couple in a century has that chance, no matter what the storybooks say. And so I think no man in a century will suffer as greatly as you will.