[Film Review] The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride

Film Review

"Are you kidding? Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles."

Director: Rob Reiner
Release Date: 25 September 1987
Running Time: 98 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
MPAA Rating: PG

Based on a book of the same title by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a cult classic film, with a hell of a lot of lists ranking it as either a top comedy film of all time, one of the greatest screen romances, or both.

It follows the trials of true love in the Renaissance European nation of Florin. The story stars Buttercup, a simple yet incredibly beautiful farmgirl, and Westley, the farmhand she enjoys ordering around. Although they realize that they share the incredibly rare thing called "true love", fate conspires to keep them apart, as Westley is lost at sea. Five years later, Prince Humperdinck, who rules Florin in place of his elderly and doddering father, decides to celebrate the kingdom's 500th anniversary by marrying Buttercup, who is now the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. Buttercup, knowing that the Prince is well within his rights and believing she can never love again anyway, reluctantly agrees.

In a plot against the throne, Buttercup is kidnapped by the criminal trio of Vizzini (the mastermind), Fezzik (the dumb muscle) and Inigo Montoya (the world's greatest fencer, traveling to avenge his father) — but their steps are hampered by a mysterious man in black who seems determined to stop them at all costs. The subsequent adventures are madcap, iconic and brilliant.

Really, this movie doesn't need me to talk about it, but I need to talk about it. Partially because even though I just got this blog it's already started to turn into my personal media dumping ground, and partially because I just love this film. They say the only people who don't like The Princess Bride are those who haven't seen it, and really, the possibility of someone not having seen this film is inconceivable.

"We are men of action - lies do not become us"

Writing:

This film is always high on the movie ratings for a reason. The thing is a cult classic filled with nostalgia, love, and humor. Based on an equally brilliant book by William Goldman - one of the few instances where the book and film are equal in quality - what exactly is this story about? 

Fencing.

Fighting.

Torture.

Poison.

True Love.

Hate.

Revenge.

Giants.

Hunters.

Good men.

Bad men.

Beautifulest ladies.

Snakes.

Spiders.

Beasts of all natures and descriptions.

Pain.

Death.

Brave men.

Coward men.

Strongest men.

Chases.

Escapes.

Lies.

Truths.

Passion. 

Miracles. 

For a start.

In short, it's about everything.

"When I was your age, television was called books"

It starts off relatively benign with a simple framing device of a grandfather reading a story to his sick grandson. It's pops back quite a few times, but far from being annoying or a mere set up it's a good analog to the framing device utilized in the original novel, which highlighted the magic of having a a good tale read to you when you're young. At first the kid starts off pretty bored, but as the story continues, it works it's magic on not only him, but the viewer.

The main story is a fairy tale. Even though the original book was written in 1973, and the film made in 1987, something about the story feels timeless, like all the other stories of old. Though some (purposefully) anachronistic details would be different, the essence would always feel the same somehow. In the mere decades since it's creation it's already become a classic. I know both young children and much older adults that know this story like the back of their hand.

"Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I’ll most likely kill you in the morning."

There are many times where this film asks you to just sit back and let the classic fairy tale tropes ride, and we let it, and enjoy it. But it's at the same time an affectionate parody. It successfully balances sometimes blatant parody between subtly and genuine appreciation and execution of the genre. Combined with the framing device and witty humor the tale becomes whimsical that balances a little bit of everything - a rare feat for most any story in any format. 

I even watched this movie with my mama (mostly because she just happened to be in the living room), and she was awake for every single bit of it. Now I know you don't all know her and her habits, but I have had to deal with her falling asleep for almost every movie she watches (including those she was super excited to watch) for 20 years now. Her staying awake for a full film, especially one that she wasn't even intending to watch is downright SPECTACULAR. On top of that she was laughing the entire time. And it was brilliant.

"You mean you'll put your rock down and I'll put down my sword and we'll try to kill each other like civilized people?"

It's also insanely quotable. I like to post quotes on my reviews, but do you realize how hard it is for me to avoid just posting the entire damn screenplay!? Every scene has something. From witty one-liners to perhaps one of the most famous ways to phrase I love you, you cannot watch this movie with a bunch of people without someone speaking in unison with this film at some point. The original author himself wrote the screenplay, so it's also only natural that some of the best lines in the book also make it into the film. As a child, I'll admit I didn't remember this movie very well or what happened in it, but who can forget the Spaniard who named at least three tropes with a mere thirteen words?

"Stop saying that!!"

Characters:

Yet another plus are these wonderful characters and cast. Each character is distinguishable and vivid. Just as the story plays with standard tropes, both as a parody and homage to fairy tales, the characters have various shades of this as well. The result is just an incredibly fun cast. You've got a naive but brave princess, dashing pirate, exasperated Sicilian, friendly giant, determined Spaniard, prince charmless, sadistic count, punch-clock-villian albino, possibly yiddish miracle man, etc... This crazy set of characters makes for an adventure that's grand but still fun and wondrous all the same.

The casting couldn't have been better. Maybe it's because it's so ingrained in the public mind but it's difficult to imagine anyone else playing these roles. These actors easily fill in their roles and bring these personalities to life. I read the book after watching the film, and it's impossible for me to imagine these characters apart from their screen personas at this point. I read all their lines in their voices and everything. Not only do they look the part but their performances work well with the mix of comedy and drama that comprise the film's sensibilities. Even Andre the Giant who played Fezzik, despite not having a background in acting, still brought something special to the role that I doubt anyone else could have carried. Great actors like Billy Crystal and Wallace Shawn are just downright entertaining to watch. Other characters need not even speak for the viewer to get a sense of their role - Count Rugen, for example, outright feeling like a villain, just by giving off this sketchy, even slimy aura without even doing much of anything.

"This is true love. Do you think it happens everyday?"

Design:

Visually, this movie is also pretty enjoyable. Yeah, sure, it's a fantasy from the 1980's, but quite frankly, it's not something that needs much in the way of special effects. There are the eels and rodents in the Fire Swamp, sure, but most of the adventure doesn't even call for anything than some good old-fashioned set design and camerawork. The settings work well for a fairy tale in a fictional country, with rolling hills, forests, and farmlands. The infamous Cliffs of Insanity, were shot on the Cliffs of Moher, and most other places in various locations throughout England. The scenery aids the fantasy feel of the movie.

"Life is pain, highness. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling you something."

The costumes are iconic. Even on new cover art for the novel, Buttercup's red dress and the basic design for the all black Dread Pirate Roberts outfit are almost always there. Hell, just the other day when someone was talking about Daredevil and how in one of his scenes wearing all black she could only see Westly. It targets as vague renaissance feel, but as with other details in the movie has some endearing anachronisms, which just make it even more of a lovable fantasy. I also really love Buttercup's lovely dress during her marriage.

"Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."

Music:

The music isn't something I payed much attention to in my younger days viewing this movie. In a weird way, you can really tell it's a bit older. It's kinda like listening to a Playstation game or something that kinda tries to pretend it's orchestrated, but you know it's artificial (not overtly so, but you can still pick it up). But somehow I find it oddly endearing. You'd think you'd rather have a high-quality orchestra recording with real harps and flutes and everything, but Mark Knopfler's compositions and the tone of the story somehow all fit together well. A piece can at the same time be romantic and dramatic, but funny and quirky. Perhaps because it's got a dated element to it's sound, but it's still generally accessible in a larger scope, it gives that sort of nostalgia that you get from a classic work. It reminds me a bit of listening to music from older fantasy games on the PS1 or PS2 - a few pieces from Final Fantasy IX comes to mind, honestly.

"Since the invention of kisses, there have been five kisses rated the most passionate. The most pure.
This blew them all away."

Final Thoughts:

A true classic of witty comedy, sweet romance, and sweeping adventure, it's a must-watch of fantasy and fairy tales, and a most beloved film. It's somehow two stories in one, not just about the tale of True Love, but also about the magic we experience when you're a child being read what you find is the most wonderful story. I think we all shape our lives around stories in one way or another, and for me The Princess Bride is actually about that at it's core. And if you needed to read through my ravings over this magical work before deciding to watch it, here's your final message to go. Go to the video store, Netflix, your friend's house, a suspicious streaming site, or wherever and watch this masterpiece.

Sailor's Rating: A+

"Well your friend only happens to be Mostly Dead. Mostly Dead is still Slightly Alive."