The Princess Bride (1987) Movie Review

Anybody want a peanut?

Cast: Cary Elwes played the extremely handsome farm boy named Westley. Westley, after working hard on the farm, goes on to seek what life has to give him, but instead ends up fighting giants, pirates and a frighteningly large rodent. Robin Wright played the beautiful young woman named Buttercup, who clearly enjoyed bossing Westley around the farm. Then one day, she realized she loved him as he loved her. Can I just say that Robin Wright was born to play this part? I mean, she looks like a real princess. I don’t care if she plays the part of an ax murderer in a future role, but if she does, all I will think of is that Princess Buttercup is having a very bad day. I’m sure Carrie Fisher goes through the same thing too as always being remembered as Princess Leia. As you can tell, I’m having way too much fun with this movie review I’m throwing out some of my blogging movie review rules with this post. Anyways, so while Westley is away becoming the black masked man, Buttercup ends up getting engaged to Prince Humperdinck, who is played by Chris Sarandon. Wallace Shawn played a very short, feisty and comical character named Vizzini. Vizzini appeared to like riddles and using his intellect, or lack thereof. Mandy Patinkin played the Spanish fencing character named Inigo Montoya who was accompanying Vizzini to capture Buttercup and kill her. Inigo was also intent in finding the six fingered man who killed his father. Andre the Giant had a fun part of playing… a giant named Fezzik. Billy Crystal played Miracle Max, a medicine man of sorts who brings Westley back to life, but not quite completely. The six fingered man does exist and he is played by Christopher Guest, who Inigo Montoya eventually meets later on in the movie. All these characters are brought to life by a grandfather, played by Peter Falk, who is reading and narrating the story to his sick grandson, played by Fred Savage.

Basic movie facts: This movie was directed by Rob Reiner that was based on a book written by William Goldman, by the same name as the movie. The “Cliffs of Insanity” do exists, but under a different name, of course. The location for the cliffs for the movie were The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Danny DeVito was originally cast as Vizzini. Christopher Reeve wanted to play the part of Westley. Robin Wright was one of the last people to audition for the part of Buttercup, behind 500 other actresses trying out for the part.

Pros: This movie is considered one of the all time best fairy tales ever filmed. A family friendly movie that the entire family can watch, The Princess Bride has become a classic to movie watchers all over the world. A quirky and romantic movie, the many characters keep you engaged and laughing.

Cons: None.

Cinematography: Adrian Biddle was the cinematographer of this lovely film. Adrian died in 2005 leaving behind 19 films to add to his legacy. His last known film was “V for Vendetta” which came out in 2006.

Music score: Mark Knopfler, from the British band Dire Straits, was asked by Rob Reiner to score this movie. What I noticed about the music score is that he used medieval sounding flutes, violins for dramatic emotional effect and a mix of eclectic sounds to match the quirkiness of the film. The music you hear in this film is unlike any other score you’ll hear in a movie in this day and age. There is a timeless sound to his music and that is something I love to listen to because it takes me to a certain part of the movie, such as the high pitched violins for the epic sword fight and the Story Book Love.

Favorite quote: The funny thing is that the entire movie is a movie quote! This movie has been known to be one of the world’s most quoted movie-ever! Here are some of my favorites:

Inigo Montoya: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die. ”

Butter Cup: “You can’t hurt me. Westley and I are joined by the bonds of love. And you cannot track that, not with a thousand bloodhounds, and you cannot break it, not with a thousand swords. ”

Vizzini: “Do you know what that sound is, Highness? Those are the Shrieking Eels, if you don’t believe me, just wait. They always grow louder when they’re about to feed on human flesh. If you swim back now, I promise, no harm will come to you. I doubt you will get such an offer from the Eels.”

Westley: “As you wish.”

Audience reaction: I wish I could have seen this in the movie theater. I only got to see it via the VHS as a child. I’ve seen this so many times yet I never get tired of watching it. This movie reminds me that true love can still exist, as silly as this movie actually is. It is a sweet and romantic movie where the guy fights for his woman and the woman believes he is the only one for her. Unlike that other character who bought a house across a body of water and waited 8 years for the love of his life to come to one of his parties. Westley would have never waited that long! I love stories where the guy fights for his love, not sits around all day and puts on parties in hopes that she would attend. Sorry. I’m ranting about a specific movie!

Relatability: Can’t really relate to this movie, but I do love romantic comedies! The entire movie is so quirky, yet so sweet at the same time. There is something so timeless about it that it’s something you can’t find anymore in modern day romantic comedies. I’d like to believe there is still love that exists like this. If you haven’t seen this movie, go ahead and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. Go in watching it with a bit of sarcasm, quick humor and silliness. Just have fun and be a child once again.

Bonus Video: Here is the cast on “Good Morning America” in 2011 for their Princess Bride reunion.

Video Credit: William Forsche

Below is the trailer for the movie. It’s a little corny and doesn’t do any justice for the lovely movie, but check it out anyways.