The Princess Bride (1987)

Average rating

(75%)

Starring:	Cary Elwes \| Peter Falk \| Mandy Patinkin \| Peter Cook \| Billy Crystal \| Mel Smith \| Wallace Shawn \| Chris Sarandon
Director:	Rob Reiner
Studio:	LIONS GATE FILMS
Run time:	94 mins
Collections:	100 Big Adventures \| 100 must-see movies
Genres:	Action/Adventure \| Comedy \| Family \| Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Languages:	English
Subtitles:	None
Released:	July 23, 2001
Also available on:

Director Rob Reiner breathes vividly colored cinematic life into William Goldman's THE PRINCESS BRIDE, effectively evoking the wondrous, wide-eyed spirit of the witty 1973 novel. When a sick boy (Fred Savage) receives a visit from his doting grandfather (Peter Falk) who intends to read to him from his favorite book, he's not exactly pleased to be extracted from his world of video games. However, his mood quickly changes as he, along with the viewer, is transported to a place out of time--to Florin, a kingdom in the ultimate imaginary land, complete with dashing heroes, cowardly princes, rhyming giants, shrieking eels, rodents of unusual size, fancy swordfights, and yes...even some kissing.
The lovely Buttercup (Robin Wright) learns that "As you wish" really means "I love you" when she falls for her charming farmhand, Westley (Cary Elwes). While trying to seek his fortune, however, Westley disappears at sea, an apparent victim of the Dread Pirate Roberts, who takes no prisoners. A few years later, Buttercup, engaged to the oily Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), is kidnapped by an oddball trio of rogues--brains, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn); brawn, Fezzik (Andre the Giant); and sword, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin in a standout performance). As they sail away toward the Cliffs of Insanity, they notice the pursuit of a man in black...and the adventure begins. A clever fairy tale for all ages, THE PRINCESS BRIDE is arguably one of the funniest and most entertaining films of all time.

Search for this film on Guardian Unlimited

Rating of 4 stars out of 5

Rob Reiner has always been careful to avoid typecasting as a director, so following the warm nostalgia of Stand by Me he opted for this curious, but ultimately charming children's fable. The film opens with Peter Falk reading the story to The Wonder Years's Fred Savage, and this ironic distancing continues throughout the movie. Although the requisite monsters, giants and swordfights are present and correct for the children, Reiner also ensures there are plenty of quiet chuckles for adults, largely thanks to the eclectic cast, which includes Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, This Is Spinal Tap's Christopher Guest, Mel Smith and Peter Cook. An unexpected delight for all the family.

Rating of 1 stars out of 5
Halliwell's Film Guide

Rather strained fantasy with occasional bright moments.

Highest rated reviews

33 out of 36 people found the following review helpful:

Some ingenuity utterly ruined by misogynist agenda

Rachel George from Brighton, England, 3rd November, 2007

Please don't let your small children watch this film. It has the following life lessons I think we're all familiar with: 1) women are commodities, to be carried around, bickered over and swapped. 2) women are emotionally weak - so destroyed by their loved ones dying that they become willing to become anyone's wife. 3) women are useless in any kind of dire physical situation. 4) men are the only characters who can save any kind of day, utter witticisms, or have any sort of control. 5) it is ok to aim this sort of thing at male and female children. Despite this film having some innovative and enjoyable characters in Inigo Montoya and Wesley, as well as the giant, women are subjugated and controlled so much so that I just couldn't watch it without cringing - how dare they put out this misogynist stereotypical rubbish to young boys and girls and somehow market it as different to any trite Disney cartoon story? In summation; occasionally funny and interesting, largely painful, outdated and women-hating.

Read all highest rated reviews

16 out of 17 people found the following review helpful:

A classic!

Chris Motley from Sheffield, England, 3rd June, 2004

Ever since seeing this film 12 years ago or so I have been trying to get hold of a copy. Seeing it again all these years later it has lost none of its charm or humour. My little girl of 4 was also transfixed.

The film is a comedy fairytale told by Grandad Peter Falk to his 'Wonder Years' Grandson. There is Swashbuckling swordplay reminiscent of Danny Kaye and Basil Rathbone in 'The court jester'. There are superb cameo appearances by Billy Crystal, Peter cook, Mel Smith etc but you have to look hard thru all the make up. There is a great story of true love with a charming/brave hero and an elegant/beautiful heroine. But perhaps best of all the film takes the mickey out of itself and the fantasy/fairytale genre in general, creating a very funny, warm and captivating film.

They say that everybody chould at some point in their life watch 'Schindler's list'. I say they should also own a copy of this.

Read all highest rated reviews

15 out of 16 people found the following review helpful:

Better than "Shrek"

jonke from London, 10th December, 2003

It's now a commonplace for movies aimed at the pre-teen market to secrete a few gags in there for the Mums and Dads so as to broaden the film's appeal. "The Princess Bride" doesn't do that - it works on the assumption that you treat your story and your audience with respect and that the best jokes work right across the age range.

This film sparkles from start to finish as it tracks its heroes through a landscape of castles, wizards, giants and Screaming Eels!

Director Rob Reiner ("This is Spinal Tap") and writer William Goldman (too many to mention but try "Butch Cassidy","The Stepford Wives" and "Marathon Man" for starters) - this team have created a pretty near flawless film that you'll find yourself watching time and time again.

Great cast too, with Peter Falk topping and tailing the story, Wallace Shawn as a particularly irritating, scheming thief and the implausibly named Mandy Patinkin (he's a he!) as the totally indomitable swashbuckler Inigo Montoya.

Sorry DVDSONTAP but this is one to buy not rent!'

Read all highest rated reviews

Most recent reviews

Loads of fun

A Customer from Plymouth, 16th November, 2008

Love this film. Everyone should see this film at least once in their lifetime. Funny, charming, it makes a sunday afternoon perfect. Great family film, though the special effects have dated and children will probably sneer at the giant rats, but it is all good clean fun for all to enjoy. They don't make them like they used to.

As for a certain review - I am a woman and I am not offended at all. It never entered my head that women are treated as commodities. I just enjoyed a good film. I am offended by the review. By protesting at every little thing can actually ensure people tire of feminism rather than embrace it. You may also miss out from alot of quality films.
Maybe it wouldn't hurt to view something for what it is - a comedy fairytale. Easy to watch and enjoy.

Read all recent reviews