The Princess Bride
Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Directed by Rob Reiner
Reviewed by Morgan Sherwood
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Many years ago, in a European nation called Florin, there was a beautiful girl named Buttercup. Buttercup has a farm boy, Westley, who only ever says three words to her, “As you wish”. Buttercup realizes that when Westley is saying, “As you wish” he really means, “I love you” and she finds out that she truly loves him back. “Hold it, hold it,” interrupts a small boy, “What is this? Are you trying to trick me? Where’s the sports? Is this a kissing book?” This story is a tradition in this little boy’s family to read when one is sick. The Grandfather of the boy reads the story with many interruptions giving the movie an innocent feel. Now where was I, oh yes, the couple is deeply in love but don’t have the money they need to get married so Westley goes on a trip overseas to earn the necessary cash. When he leaves, Westley tells Buttercup to wait for him, he will come back, they have true love, which is strong enough to keep them together and return him to her safely. 5 years pass and Buttercup gives up hope that Westley will ever return. She receives word that the Dread Pirate Roberts, who never keeps his prisoners alive, had captured Westley’s ship. Prince Humperdinck of Florin choses Buttercup to be his bride, but she will never love him for her heart belongs to Westley. A few days before the wedding, while on a horseback ride through the woods, Buttercup is kidnaped. The kidnapers take her far from Florin, sailing through eel infested waters. While sailing they notice a boat following them. It is too soon for anyone from Florin to notice Buttercup is missing and they are too far away from any town for it to be a fishing boat. It is a struggle between the mystery “man in black” from the boat and the strength of the giant, the skill of the swordsman, and the brains of the Sicilian kidnapers to see who will keep the princess and their lives. Oh but there’s one other thing, he who wins the girl will also have to deal with the Prince.
The Princes Bride is a classic; not cheesy like some other older movies; and will be enjoyed for centuries. This film gives you confidence that anything is possible and not everything is what it seems. The actors do a great job captivating the audience without a single dull moment. Buttercup is played extremely well by Robin Wright and Westley is played just as well by Cary Elwes. This movie was originally a book of the same title by William Goldman and has been a favorite of my family’s for years. I love this movie because it has a great storyline which is demonstrated well in all accounts. I recommend this film to all ages that enjoy adventure, action, fantasy, and comedy. You don’t have to like romance to enjoy this movie, but it gives it variety so it appeals to everyone.
