A traditional fairytale with satirical elements, The Princess Bride became a cult film after its release. Immensely quotable, with it’s fantasy land the film has been called the Wizard of Oz of its time.
Opening with a grandfather telling his grandson a story, the film follows the lover story of Westley (Carey Elwes) and Buttercup (Robin Wright) who are separated when Westley is lost at sea. Buttercup is being forced to marry an evil prince (Chris Sarandon) and it’s up to Westley to save her with the help of his new friends, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), a Spaniard, and Finnick (André The Giant), a kind hearted giant. Montoya is searching for the man who killed his father when he was just a boy, but all he remembers of him is that he has 6 fingers on his right hand.
The film is very well cast, bringing this witty film to life. While at times it can be a bit ridiculous, the land still feels very real, which a tough line to walk. Carey Elwes plays Westley in the style of classic adventure stars like Errol Flynn. He’s dashing and amazingly witty, a fine leading man. Mandy Patinkin is the Han Solo to Westley’s Luke, stealing the show without stealing the girl. Robin Wright isn’t quite as charismatic but it suits her character of the ‘princess’. Chris Sarandon is great as the villain, a snivelling coward. Billy Crystal also shows up for a short cameo and steals the show.
The fight scenes in the movie are superb, especially the duel between Westley and Montoya, which is epic and very impressive. The switch between left and right hands is very well done, the scene was actually the longest sword fight scene at the time. The final fight between Montoya and his father’s killer is also incredibly interesting.
The Blu-ray isn’t short on special features, many created for the new release. One of the best is the 25th Anniversary conversation between director Rob Reiner and the two leads, Carey Elwes and Robin Wright. It provides some great behind the scenes information for the obsessed fan. There are Blu-ray exclusive special features that cover a wide range of making of’s, including elements like the intense fencing and adapting the fantasy world. You also get all the previously released extras.
Overall Verdict: A fine fairytale adventure that’s as witty as it is action packed, its clear why it became a cult classic.
Special Features:
The Princess Bride Phenomenon: A conversation with Rob Reiner, Cary Elwes and Robin Wright
The Princess Bride Phenomenon: Entering the zeitgeist
The art of fencing
Dread Pirate Roberts
Miraculous makeup
Princess Bride: the untold tales
Fairytales and folklore
Love is like a storybook
Two commentaries: with the director, one with the books author
Original documentaries from 1987
Trailers
Reviewer: Matt Mallinson