The Princess Bride (Rob Reiner, 1987); USA
Reviewed by Byron Potau. Viewed on DVD.
On Valentine’s Day what could be more appropriate than a film about true love? The Princess Bride is one of those universally enjoyable and likable films, so much so that it is hard to imagine that there could be anyone out there who could think otherwise.
When a boy (played by Fred Savage) is sick in bed, his grandfather (charmingly played by Peter Falk) brings over a book that has been in his family for generations. He reads it to the reluctant boy, promising a story of adventure, fighting, betrayal, and true love. Westley (Cary Elwes) and Buttercup (Robin Wright) fall in love and Westley leaves to make his fortune. When he is rumored dead, killed by the Dread Pirate Roberts, she falls into a depression for years. Nevertheless, Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) chooses her for his bride, and he and Buttercup are soon to be wed. But, she is kidnapped by a Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), who hopes to start a war between Prince Humperdinck and the neighboring country of Gildor. Accompanied by Fezzick the giant (Andre the Giant), and Spanish swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), they make off with the princess, but soon realize they are being followed by the Dread Pirate Roberts who turns out to be none other than the assumed dead, Westley. Will true love prevail?
The film is a wonderfully classic and impeccably executed fairy tale. There are periodic cutbacks to the grandfather and his grandson that could be in danger of interrupting the flow of the film and taking away from its overall success. However, Fred Savage and Peter Falk are so charming in their roles that they are nearly as enjoyable to watch as the other characters.
Speaking of which, few films have had so many colorful characters that are so well played. Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, and Andre the Giant are all intensely enjoyable in their respective roles, due in large part to the often funny and inventive script by William Goldman based on his own book.
There is so much to enjoy: the Fire Swamp with its rodents of unusual size, the Cliffs of Insanity, and Mandy Patinkin’s famous line “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to Die.” For a fairy tale such as this, the art direction is key, and, while not stunning, it still manages to satisfy.
The music from Dire Straits lead member, Mark Knopfler, is perfectly in tune with the film–adventurous, rousing, catchy, and romantic. Rob Reiner’s sure handed direction keeps the pace of the film going perfectly, and he must be given his due credit for the impeccable timing of the actors, as nearly every joke hits perfectly, as well as bringing all the different components together so well. If it’s true love you are looking for you just might find it in this film.
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