The Princess Bride (1987)

The Worst Film Ever

Good concept, poorly executed.

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

The Princess Bride has been a film that I've always wanted to watch but never got the opportunity until now (Thank you Goodwill!). After finishing the film, I can see why it's close to so many people's hearts. Throughout the film, I caught myself smiling at moments and bursting with laughter at others. It is a very easy watch. The story's pace is great, making the viewer captivated and invested in the characters throughout the entire film. This is done with the help of some fantastically choreographed sword fighting, hilarious jokes, and an array of diverse characters.Even though I enjoyed this film, there are some things I can nitpick. I noticed many continuity errors while watching the film; not that it really matters, but it was sometimes distracting me from the story. I also felt as though there were times where the plot was too convenient or over the top. This could have been intentional since most child bedtime stories are outlandish, but there were scenes such as when they break into the castle that had me scratching my head and saying what the??? There were also parts of the film where I felt as though characters knew things or had things that they probably wouldn't, like when Fizzik pulls out a random black robe from his sleeve. That was confusing, but again, I might just be missing the humor behind those parts.Even though I had some tiny issues with the film, I still had fun with this movie. There were many moments that reminded me of when my dad used to read stories of knights and pirates to me as I fell asleep. This childhood sentimentality mixed with the feelings of whimsy and familiarity while watching the film is why I think that this film was such a fun experience. I would definitely recommend this film, it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think most will find something fun about this story of silliness, revenge, and true love.The Good ActingHilarious/comedic timingCaptivating storyThe Bad Continuity errorsPlot holesThe grandpa/grandson story sometimes getting in the way

'The Princess Bride (1987)' revolves around a bizarre framing device that does little other than lessen the impact of the main narrative's events, since it is clear they are only part of a story and 'never really happened' even within the wider fictional product. The movie's overall tone isn't as solid as you might expect, either, bouncing from slightly satirical to straight-up silly quite clumsily and often to distracting effect. Still, there's some fun to be had and the breezy pace pushes past some of the more contrived aspects, which are also covered by the picture's knowingly tongue-in-cheek outlook, so that the most entertaining of scenes, including a pretty fantastic - if slightly 'dinner-show' - swashbuckling sword fight, and chuckle-worthy of moments can be enjoyed without too much hesitation. 6/10

Not what I thought it was going to be. In my mind I thought it would be a proper Shakespearean fantasy, y'know the whole "thou shall not kiss thy lips". That kinda thing. Then I saw it was directed by Rob Reiner and I knew I was in for a complete different film. A princess is kidnapped and young Westley pursues the criminals so that he can be with his one true love. A beautiful, light hearted story that everyone can enjoy. And a story is exactly what it is. The narrative is told through a storybook, extremely authentic and feels very much like a fantasy adventure. A perfect blend of comedy and adventure, I was smiling throughout (a rare achievement for me, I know). The screenplay was refreshingly witty, particularly the banter and line execution from the characters. The perfect scene to describe this is when swordsman Inigo waits for Westley to rest before duelling. Sharp, concise and punchy. Plus, many many many memorable lines. Two that spring to mind are "inconceivable" and "the cliffs of insanity" which were both delivered by Wallace Shawn. Acting all round was good in the whole, stand outs were Cary Elwes and Mandy Pantinkin. Robin Wright held her own as well in which was one of her earliest roles. The romance between Elwes and Wright was all too brief, I would've like some more development between the two. The first and third acts were extremely well paced and memorable, the second dipped dramatically to a point where I've forgotten what happened. A shame really. The use of props enhanced the authenticity of the world that the film is set in, so I admired that. Overall, The Princess Bride was immensely enjoyable with a light whimsical nature that can entertain pretty much everyone.

A good story is good because it resembles the best story, which is, of course, the gospel of Christ's kingdom redeeming the world as seen in history. A princess is separated from her Lover, Who promises to come, rescue her, and make her His bride. But the rescue involves swords, disguise, battles with giants, challenging the apparent authority, overwhelming odds, even torture. And alas! the Princess loses all hope when her Rescuer is unexpectedly killed. But can death stop the true love of the Lord Jesus Christ for The Princess Bride?* If we ignore for now some possible irreverence, what semblance of hope, truth, and good character may we find in The Princess Bride in comparison with God's story? (Unless you frequently familiarize yourself with the Holy Bible, you'll likely miss a lot of the parallels below. Let me assure you, however, that as you read the following, you may think that you're reading about The Princess Bride, but please know that you are also reading the story of Jesus Christ and His Bride.)Many men want to know (about the Bible), like Fred Savage's character in the movie, "Is this a kissing book?" But the storyteller arouses us with descriptions of "fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles." Buttercup doesn't expect to be swept off her feet by one who has always served her. But her discovery of the real meaning behind his expression, "As you wish," may be compared to the believer's discovery of God's passionate intentions manifested through His abundant grace.Then the Man must go away for a while. But He promises, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). Again he assures her, "Here this now: I will always come for you." When she asks, "But how can you be sure?" he responds, "This is true love. Think this happens every day?"And, sure enough, he does come for her, but not as expected. And though it may seem "inconceivable," He doesn't get thrown from a cliff by His enemies. Instead he snatches the princess away from her captors for a short while, only to be captured himself and taken into the Pit of Despair - the Garden of Gethsemane. Life is sucked out of our hero through torturous means; a great cry spreads throughout the world. The last glimmer of hope is provided by the miracle worker, who has reason for a vendetta against the prince of this world. A little time passes; a Maximum Miracle occurs. Our hero lives!However, despite her best efforts and intentions, it seems the princess is bound forever to be separated from her true love because of the "mawwiage" forced upon her by the mal-intending prince. But all is restored when the false-hearted prince is bound, a father is avenged upon the death of the SOB, a successor is named to carry on the redeemer's work, and the princess bride is reminded that "there is a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. 'Twould be a pity to damage" hers.So whenever the Bride is tempted to doubt her Lord, saying, "Where is the promise of his coming?" (2 Peter 3:4), we will remind her of what he says: "I told you I would always come for you. Why didn't you wait for me?" And when she says, "Well, ... You were dead," we will again show her that "death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while." After all has been restored and the two lovers are reunited to live happily ever after, it will be told throughout the ages that "since the invention of the kiss, there have been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure, -- this one left them all behind." We will finally be convinced that, however great might be "a nice MLT -- mutton-lettuce-&-tomato sandwich -- when the mutton is nice and lean and the tomato is ripe - tht-tht-tht! they're so perky; I love that," -- "true love is the greatest thing in the world!"