May I be so bold as to claim that this film here, The Princess Bride, is the greatest ever made! Yes, the greatest. Ever! And that includes future films. Now, as an introductory disclaimer I will state this movie’s unattainable position as my all-time favourite may have something to do with nostalgia. Still, I am going to make the case that it is the greatest spectacle to hit our screens regardless of my sentimentality.
Released in 1987, this fantastical extravaganza promises to deliver ‘fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love [and] miracles.’ Additionally, the film delivers in its storytelling, character building and humour. It really has a bit of everything.
For those not alive during the late eighties and early nineties, the cast of this film may seem rather dull. But to those millennials like me, looking back, it really is a bit of an all-star cast. Based on a book by William Goldman, the film begins with a ‘sick grandson’ played by none other than The Wonder Years star, Fred Savage. His parents are off out for the night, and his Grandad (Peter Falk) has come to look after him, bringing a book, The Princess Bride. Grandad persuades his reluctant grandson to allow him to read the story. As he begins reading, we, and Savage, are transported into the story.
Narrated by Grandad, we hear about Buttercup (Robin Wright) and her truelove, farm boy Wesley (Cary Elwes). Due to what I am assuming is a poor economy, Wes must go travelling to look for work in hope of securing their financial future. Though I would imagine they would be pretty self-sufficient living off their farm. We hear that Wes is apparently killed by the Dread Pirate Roberts, and his beloved Buttercup is reluctantly betrothed to the smarmy Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon).
With the narration out of the way, the tale begins in earnest.
From the off we are introduced to two larger than life characters, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and Fezzik, the latter of which is played by wrestling legend, Andre the Giant. Under the command of Vizzini (Shawn Wallace), who has been hired to start a war, they have kidnapped the betrothed Buttercup and are currently being chanced by a man in black. After catching up with the kidnappers, the Man in Black faces off against each individually. After tests of skill, strength and intelligence, all of which are packed with brilliant dialogue, the man, revealed to be the Dread Pirate Roberts, defeats Inigo, Fezzik and Vizzini and captures Buttercup for himself.
The major story arc ensues with enough twists, turns, and intriguing characters to keep you hooked. Amongst those of intrigue is Inigo, whom is on a quest to get vengeance against the ‘six-fingered man’ who killed his father. Having been defeated by the Man in Black, Inigo decides he must search him out and seek his help if he is to succeed in his quest.
After the Dread Pirate Roberts takes Buttercup into the Fire Swamp several events occur, and he is captured and tortured by a six-fingered man. Following his cries, Inigo and Fezzik find their incapacitated ‘Man in Black’ and take him to Miracle Max (Billy Crystal) to be healed. I cannot stress enough how the good the dialogue throughout this film is, but after reviving the injured man, Inigo convinces him that between his skills, Fezzik’s strength and the Man in Black’s brain they could storm the castle, defeat Humperdinck, take vengeance against the six-fingered man and round up everybody’s story arc nicely.
Admittedly, I’ve been somewhat scant with details, not wanting to spoil this now 30-odd year-old film. You know, just in case you missed it. Still, there are numerous scenes of note worth mentioning to try an entice you to watch. While much of the action is good, it is more often than not the dialogue that makes these scenes what they are. That said, there is one masterful sword fight between Indigo and the Man in Black, choregraphed by the same individual who did the early Star Wars fights, Bob Anderson, that is absolutely magnificent. Not since the Three Musketeers, or since, have our screens been blessed with such splendid fencing style sword fighting. So, if only to watch the Spaniard vs the mysterious Man in Black, I encourage you to get on this film.
The biggest issue this film has for myself is probably, me. My own subjective experience and opinion. Admittedly, I have not always said that this is my favourite film (not to be confused with what is the best film), but I do now. Why I wonder? Well, it probably due to it a) being present throughout my entire life; b) it’s brilliant; and c) does what it says on the tin. ‘Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love [and] miracles’ all things that I love to see wrapped up into a fantastical fairy tale, and all things this film includes.
I am perfectly aware that this film is not going to strike home for everybody, and that a major part of my affection lies in sentimentality. Still, that aside, the movie is a damn good one. Whether you are into fairy tales, love stories or action, this one has got something for you. Please do get it on your viewing list, I am pretty confident that most of you will not be disappointed.
Rating
Overall: 9/10
Visual: 8/10
Narrative: 8.5/10
superSCOPE 
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