Directed by:
Rob ReinerScreenplay:
William GoldmanCinematography:
Adrian BiddleComposer:
Mark KnopflerCast:
Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant, Fred Savage, Peter Falk, Peter Cook, Mel Smith (more)VOD (4)
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A high-spirited adventure that pits true love against inconceivable odds, The Princess Bride has charmed legions of fans with its irreverent gags, eccentric ensemble, and dazzling swordplay. A kid (Fred Savage), home sick from school, grudgingly allows his grandfather (Peter Falk) to read him a dusty storybook—which is how we meet the innocent Buttercup (Robin Wright, in her breakout role), about to marry the nefarious Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) though her heart belongs to Westley (Cary Elwes). The wedding plans are interrupted, however, by a mysterious pirate, a vengeful Spaniard, and a good-natured giant, in a tale full of swashbuckling, romance, and outrageously hilarious spoofery. Directed by Rob Reiner from an endlessly quotable script by Oscar winner William Goldman, The Princess Bride reigns as a fairy-tale classic. (Criterion)
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Reviews (9)
A wonderfully whimsical fantasy tale. The humor feels like something straight out of Terry Pratchett’s books, though surprisingly, he wasn’t involved. It’s fascinating how, in the 80s, someone crafted such a delightful fantasy with warm, quirky humor. There’s truly nothing else like it. Plus, that 80s vibe just makes it all the more charming.
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Well... I mean... I have to say that compared to the book, The Princess Bride disappointed me. The plot is more or less identical and the dialogue and all the "catchphrases" are the same (Goldman wrote the script himself, so it's not surprising), but somehow I missed the magic that made me read on and on, the funny narrative language, the fiction with the non-existent Morgenstern... And what's worse - most of the things I laughed at in the book, I didn't find funny here at all. Partly it was Cary Elwes, partly it was Knopfler's really ugly music and the cheap-looking production design in general (yes, I know that was probably the intention)... In the end, it amounts to about three stars. If I hadn't read the book, I might add.
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In a story marked by numerous trials and unhealthy fixations on revenge, a character lived, didn’t live, lived, didn’t live, and eventually lived... It was a fairy-tale farce flirting with parody. Set against strange backdrops, featuring the dashing Elwes and humor falling below expectations and potential (with one crystalline exception). It was like a version "The Prince and the Pauper" with a chastity belt. Mrs. Columbo’s grandson enjoyed it, but I didn’t much. Perhaps it was Rob Reiner's role as the reader that affected my enjoyment.
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This fairy tale didn't really captivate me in any significant way. It's a comedy + fairy tale + fantasy mix, which is quite normal for America. It moves along at a good pace, has interesting characters, and Robin Wright is beautiful, but overall, it didn't quite grab me. It definitely isn't an equivalent to Czech fairy tales for me. It's different, it has a different poetic quality, and it didn't stir any strong emotions in me, at least not in terms of moving me deeply.
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A fairy tale that doesn’t even feel like a fairy tale, more like a parody of fairy tales. I laughed more than I’d expected. The story features many great characters, but I was most impressed by the irresistible Spaniard played by Mandy Patinkin. The logic holes sometimes became abysses. I can't figure out why the princess lived in some shepherd's hut with a lascivious-looking squire, but I chose to ignore such matters as I had great fun.
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