The Princess Bride (1987)
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.
Details
Budget
$16,000,000
Rating
8/10 (4650 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
The Princess Bride Ltd., Buttercup Films Ltd., Act III Productions
About The Princess Bride
''The Princess Bride'' is a fantasy adventure that blends romance and comedy within a storybook framework. The film follows the tale of Buttercup, a young woman who believes her true love, Westley, has died. She is then betrothed to Prince Humperdinck, a marriage that sets in motion a series of events involving kidnappings, sword fights, and giants.
The narrative uses a 'story within a story' device, where a grandfather reads the tale to his sick grandson, adding a layer of meta-commentary and allowing for playful interruptions. This structure, along with its distinct characters and memorable lines, has contributed to its enduring appeal across generations. The film navigates classic fairy tale tropes while injecting humor and a self-aware tone.
Its keywords highlight common searches like 'swashbuckler,' 'revenge,' and 'miracle,' alongside 'story within the story' and 'grandfather grandson relationship,' pointing to the specific narrative elements that resonate with audiences. The film's critical reception, with an 8.0 IMDb rating, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 78/100 on Metacritic, suggests a broadly positive consensus, indicating it has been well-received by both critics and general viewers.
Why you might be searching for The Princess Bride
People often search for ''The Princess Bride'' because of its quotable dialogue, like 'As you wish,' and its blend of adventure, romance, and comedic elements. The distinct characters such as Inigo Montoya and Fezzik, along with its unique storytelling style of a grandfather reading to his grandson, make it a memorable film.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer praised the film as a story about love in its various forms, including familial and romantic, noting its imaginative, witty, and humorous approach to the classic fairy tale genre, and highlighting its appeal to both adults and children.
Read the full reviewA reviewer described ''The Princess Bride'' as a unique masterpiece that offers timeless charm, clever humor, and a blend of romance, adventure, and comedy suitable for all ages, cementing its status as an icon due to its touching story and unforgettable characters.
Read the full reviewA review recounts the plot, starting with a young boy's reluctance to hear a romantic story from his grandfather, before detailing the characters like Buttercup, Westley, and the kidnappers Vizzini, Fezzik, and Montoya, and the unfolding pursuit involving Prince Humperdinck.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer expressed disappointment, stating the film did not live up to its reputation, criticizing aspects like the changing light in sets, the mix of accents, poor dialogue, acting, and one-dimensional characters, ultimately not recommending it.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Princess Bride" on Hulu and Disney+. It's also available for purchase or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
No, "The Princess Bride" is not based on a true story. It's a fantasy adventure comedy film adapted by William Goldman from his novel of the same name.
At the end of "The Princess Bride," Westley, Buttercup, Inigo, and Fezzik escape Prince Humperdinck's castle after Westley intimidates Humperdinck into surrendering. Inigo, having avenged his father by killing Count Rugen, is offered the title of Dread Pirate Roberts by Westley. The reunited Westley and Buttercup share a kiss as they ride off. The frame story concludes with the sick grandson eagerly asking his grandfather to read him the story again, to which his grandfather replies, "As you wish."
Yes, "The Princess Bride" is widely considered worth watching. It received critical acclaim upon its release and has become a cult classic, recognized for its mix of swashbuckling adventure, romance, and comedy.