Summary:
This is the review of the princess bride, a hilarious romantic film about a beautiful commoner, Buttercup and her separation from her one true love, Westley.
The Princess Bride - Film Review
Cast: Cary Elwes (Westley), Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya), Robin Wright Penn (Buttercup), Chris Sarandon (Prince Humperdink), Wallace Shawn (Vezinni), Andre The Giant (Fezzic), Christopher Guest (Count Rugen)
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Drama, Adventure, Romance, Comedy
'The Princess Bride' is a hilarious romantic tale about a beautiful commoner, Buttercup and her separation from her one true love, Westley. After being informed of his death, Buttercup wept and swore never to love again. However, the evil crown prince, Humperdink issued the royal command that Buttercup wed him and Buttercup had no choice but agree. When the princess-to-be was kidnapped by a trio of rogues, the man in black came to the rescue. Little did Buttercup know who the man really is.
The story began with the grandfather (Peter Falk) narrating a story to an incredibly bored and sick grandson (Fred Savage). The story the grandfather read was situated in a small farm in Florin, where Buttercup and Westley lived. The story had many subplots and each plot it's own hero and villain. One of the plots, for instance, was Spanish swordsman Inigo Montoya's (Mandy Patinkin) life-long search of the six-fingered man who killed his father. Inigo's determination made the murder of evil Rugen one of the most sensational in the era.
These subplots were but diversions from the main story line, the one of Westley (Cary Elwes) rescuing Buttercup (Robin Wright) as her life hung precariously on the balance. As he journeyed to save Buttercup, he came across many obstacles, allies and enemies. Most of the obstacles Westley came across were challenging and supernatural, like the Rodents Of Unusual Size (R.O.U.S.), a machine that can shorten lifetime and a gang of outlaws who kidnapped the princess-to-be. His allies were the laughing giant and a Spaniard, both of whom had been his previous enemies. The real evil, however, is a prince interested in nothing but starting wars, even if it meant slaying Buttercup.
Director Rob Reiner has expertly blended romance, comedy and traditional elements
of fairy tale literature in 'The Princess Bride'. The script, written by William Goldman (also the author of the novel, "The Princess Bride") is filled with witty comments and intriguing phrases (Inconceivable!!!). Goldman's script, along with Reiner's eccentric sense of humor, was the recipe of a lovable film.
The movie is just as romantic as humorous, especially in the last few scenes. Reiner employed visual techniques such as slow motion and close ups to give a romantic feeling. When Buttercup jumped from the balcony, she seemed to be flying. Slow motion was used to create an illusion of Buttercup floating in air. Soft camera focus was used as the four white horses rode into dusk and of Westley and Buttercup locked in a passionate kiss. Likewise, similar techniques were used to create scenes of the Fire Swamp, the Cliffs of Insanity and the Pit of Despair. On the Cliffs of Insanity, a bird's eye view of Westley climbing the cliff as the rope was cut off made him seem vulnerable. For the Pit of Despair, light effects (Back lighting and Low key light) were used to create a gloomy feel.
Best of all, this movie is suitable for all ages. It is a film which parents can watch in peace without sudden interruptions with bored kids. To the children, it is an adventurous fairy tale, a combination of action, drama and fantasy while for the adults it is a subtly delivered comedy. While the witty language is more suitable to adults, kids will be absorbed by the fantastic creatures (Rodents Of Unusual Size) and enormous characters (Fezzic the Giant).
The actors did an incredible job in performing the script and even the minor characters like Miracle Max will cause you to roar with laughter. It is the actors who made the otherwise supernatural plot real and brought about many smiles from the adults and admiring glances from kids. The cast of 'The Princess Bride' is a talented troupe at home with comedy and romance.
'The Princess Bride' is hardly the everyday fairy tales of Snow White and Cinderella. It is a more complicated version and holds a meaning - True Love is irreplaceable and it is worthwhile to struggle for it. The movie is brilliantly acted out and contains some amazing visual techniques. It is a must for everyone to watch. If you do not, you are really missing out on something worth a laugh.
Recommended age group: 12+
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