Throwback Tuesday: The Princess Bride (1987)

In a land far far away a beautiful girl named Buttercup ( Robin Wright Penn) falls in love with a farm boy named Wesley (Cary Elwes). The farm boy says nothing to Buttercup other than, “As you wish”, though this phrase speaks a thousand words. He leaves for a short time and in his absence she is set to be married to Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon) and is taken to his castle. She takes a leisurely horse ride and is kidnapped by three bumbling bandits. It isn’t long before a pirate dressed all in black is on the trail of the Bandits and closing in quickly. It is soon revealed that this is no ordinary pirate but is actually Wesley in search of saving his beloved Buttercup. Along his journey to save Buttercup he makes allegiances that later play prevalent roles in the climax of the story, until Wesley must finally try and steal his love back from the grasps of Prince Humperdink himself.

A sick boy (Fred Savage) is visited by his eccentric grandfather( Peter Falk) who brings him a book that the boy has little interest in, thinking it a mushy love story, but after his quirky grandfather catches his interest by explaining that it’s not just a love story, but an adventure, his grandson’s interest is perked and suddenly he wants to hear the story of Buttercup and Wesley. It is here, the narration of the story begins.

The Princess Bride is structured around the idea that love conquers all. But in this story of giants, coward princes, men with extra limbs, sword fights, torture, revenge, bandits, pirates, heroes and true love it’s told through a realm of comedy along with it’s epic scope. With a perfectly structured cast and fantastic screenplay it is entirely conceivable. Wesley’s unconditional love for Buttercup enables us to believe that love has no boundaries. And Buttercups conviction that he will rescue her from her fate as Humperdinks wife is unwavering. The final sword fights are meticulously choreographed and are one of the most exciting and technical ever on film. Rob Reiner captures the perfect balance of action with comedy while giving the film it’s overall feel of utter sweetness.

It is essentially a fairy tale made for the old, the young and the in between. The Princess Bride will be able to be enjoyed for all time and is a movie everyone should put on their list to see. In an over the top way it creates a mystic fun world that everyone wants to be part of. Cheers for Buttercup and Wesley.

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