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, released in 1987, blends adventure, family, fantasy, comedy, and romance into a narrative that has resonated across generations. The film operates as a story within a story, where a grandfather reads a fairy tale to his grandson. This structure frames the whimsical journey of Princess Buttercup and Westley, as they navigate a world populated by unusual characters and challenging obstacles.
The film distinguishes itself through its script, which combines humor with classic fairy tale elements. It incorporates sword fights, giants, pirates, and themes of revenge and true love, all presented with a comedic sensibility. The production maintains a balance between traditional storytelling and a self-aware, sometimes screwball, approach to the genre.
The Princess Bride has achieved a lasting presence in popular culture, often noted for its memorable dialogue and character performances. Its blend of earnest romance and comedic wit allows it to appeal to a broad audience, from children to adults, maintaining its relevance years after its initial release.
Why you might be searching for The Princess Bride
People search for "The Princess Bride" due to its memorable characters, quotable lines, and unique blend of humor, adventure, and romance. Many recall the story-within-a-story framework and the iconic plot points like sword fights, giants, and pirates. Specific searches might also involve its cast or the classic fairy tale elements presented with a comedic twist.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes the film as an imaginative and witty fairy tale that successfully challenges conventional storytelling, appreciating its enduring message of humanity and triumph over adversity.
Read the full reviewAnother reviewer calls the film a unique masterpiece, highlighting its timeless appeal, charm, and universal enjoyment for all ages due to its mix of romance, adventure, comedy, and heroism.
Read the full reviewA review recounts the plot, noting how a young boy initially reluctant to hear a romantic story becomes engaged by the unfolding events involving Princess Buttercup, Westley, and various colorful antagonists.
Read the full reviewConversely, one viewer found the film underwhelming compared to its reputation, citing perceived issues with production design, dialogue, acting, and character depth, questioning its widespread appeal as family fun.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Princess Bride" on services like Hulu, fuboTV, Philo, and BBC America. It is also available to buy or rent on platforms such as Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home, or you can purchase it on DVD or Blu-ray.
"The Princess Bride" is not based on a true story. It is a fantasy-adventure-comedy film adapted by William Goldman from his novel of the same name. The movie tells a fairy tale about a beautiful young woman and her true love battling evils in the mythical kingdom of Florin.
At the end of "The Princess Bride," Westley, Inigo, and Fezzik infiltrate Prince Humperdinck's castle to rescue Buttercup. Inigo finally gets his revenge on Count Rugen, the six-fingered man who killed his father. Westley confronts Humperdinck, intimidates him into surrendering, and then reunites with Buttercup, assuring her their marriage is invalid because she never said "I do." The group escapes on horses, and Westley offers Inigo the title of Dread Pirate Roberts. The movie concludes with Westley and Buttercup sharing a kiss, and the framing story ends with the grandson eagerly asking his grandfather to read him the story again, to which the grandfather replies, "As you wish."
"The Princess Bride" is highly acclaimed, with a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 78 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics have praised it as a postmodern fairy tale with a mix of swashbuckling, romance, and comedy, making it fresh and enjoyable for various audiences.