The Princess Bride was an 80s classic full of adventure, romance, and humor. Discover how this favorite became a cult classic with unforgettable characters.
It was impossible to grow up in the 80s and not have seen The Princess Bride. And, if you haven’t seen it yet, I don’t know what you are doing with your life. Seriously, stop what you’re doing right now, grab some popcorn, and hit the play button. If you’re reading this because you’ve already seen it, then you know what I’m talking about.
The Princess Bride wasn’t just a movie. Rather, it was an experience, a timeless treasure that snuck into the hearts of audiences and never left. No other film of the decade combined adventure, romance, humor, and pure magic quite like The Princess Bride. Had the perfect mix of everything that a film needed, and oddly enough, it was also weirdly relatable.
The 80s was all about big hair, neon colors, cassette tapes, and all the cheesy charm that goes along with it. And, this film encapsulated everything that was awesome about the decade. It was released back in 1987, and became the ultimate cult classic of the 80s. The movie itself was a little ahead of its time, yet it was perfectly timed with the era’s fascination with adventure, fantasy, and humor.
The movie itself had a lot going for it. There was a long list of talented cast members, a script that was both heartfelt and self-aware, and a plot that had just the right amount of whimsy. It was as if we magically condensed the entire decade into 98 minutes of pure magic. Trust me, The Princess Bride is not just about a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Rather, it is still one of the most beloved films of all time. You will laugh, you will cry, and if you are like anyone else, you will begin to quote lines from the film for the rest of your life.
Basic Information
Let’s talk about the essentials first, then we can get into why the film was such a masterpiece.
- Title: The Princess Bride
- Release Date: September 25, 1987
- Director: Rob Reiner
- Main Cast & Roles:
- Cary Elwes as Westley
- Robin Wright as Buttercup
- Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya
- Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck
- Wallace Shawn as Vizzini
- André the Giant as Fezzik
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Romance
- Runtime: 98 minutes
- Box Office Performance: The movie had a modest initial box office performance but quickly grew into a cult classic after it hit VHS.
- When It Went to Video: The Princess Bride hit the VHS market in 1988 and became a staple of countless sleepovers, becoming a home-viewing favorite for generations.
Plot Summary
I know what you’re thinking, and no, The Princess Bride Was not just a fairytale. The film starts off with the grandfather reading a story to his sick grandson. Yeah, it’s sort of like a movie within a movie. And, this is where the magic literally begins as we are transported into the world within the book.
The story itself follows Westley, a farm boy who falls deeply in love with a beautiful woman named Buttercup. And, the only way that she knew who he was, was from his catchphrase, “As you wish!” But, after the evil Prince Humperdinck had her kidnapped and framed her death on a neighboring country, Westley sprang into action. He embarks on an epic journey to rescue her with the help of some of the most colorful characters imaginable.
Prince Humperdinck hired the quick-witted Vizzini and his lovable giant Fezzik to pull off his dreaded plan. And, somehow caught up in the middle of it all was a vengeful swordsman named Inigo Montoya who is looking for a man with six fingers. The adventure itself was filled with duels, lies, betrayals, and unexpected laughs. And, we can’t forget the revenge. Yes, there is definitely a lot of revenge.
The plot itself was full of fantastical elements. But, it was the characters who made the film truly unforgettable. The dialogue itself is sharp, clever, and hilarious. And, this is what makes the film so special. At the heart of it all, was a love story that wasn’t simply fairytale fluff. Don’t forget, this was a story within a story, and there were times when the dialogue was interrupted by the young boy who didn’t want to hear about kissing.
Cultural Impact of The Princess Bride
Unlike other films of the decade, The Princess Bride didn’t just ride the coattails of other fantasy adventure stories. Instead, it created its very own legacy. The film managed to blend genres and influences in ways that were groundbreaking for the time.
If you grew up in the 80s, then you’re probably able to quote just about every single line. You have Vizzini who always shouted out, “Inconceivable!” Even though he doesn’t really know what that word means. Then there was Fezzik, played by wrestler Andre the Giant who would always respond, “You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.” The lines themselves are still part of public consciousness day.
It’s virtually impossible to sit down and watch the love story of Wesley and Buttercup without quoting every single line as you go along. It wasn’t just a film that you liked. It was a film that you loved. In an era where true love stories were not as popular as action-packed sci-fi, it managed to create its own cult following. And, let’s not get started on Inigo Montoya’s vendetta. He has one of the best lines in the entire movie, “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
In a decade where everyone obsessed with bigger, better, and faster, The Princess Bride was a true breath of fresh air. The movie was clever, sincere, and self-aware. It didn’t pander to the audience who was totally in on the joke. The 80s was a decade filled with action heroes and high-tech gadgets, but this one movie showed you that you could still have a little bit of fairytale magic without taking things too seriously.
Production Background
Of course, we can’t talk about the movie without also talking about the production background. It’s important to remember that the making of The Princess Bride was almost as magical as the movie itself. The film was directed by Rob Reiner, and it was adapted from the 1973 novel by William Goldman. Interestingly enough, Goldman also wrote the screenplay.
When the film was first released, it wasn’t an instant hit. In fact, critics thought it was a little bit too quirky for most people, and a little too hot. They were divided and the box office numbers didn’t exactly scream that it was a blockbuster film. But, like all of the best things that came out of the 80s, it built up a cult following over time. It wasn’t until the movie hit VHS that it found its true audience.
Unlike other big-budget films, The Princess Bride had a very limited budget. Yet, they managed to create some truly iconic moments. There was the fire swamp scene that was filmed in northern California and the rodents of unusual size that were basically people in giant costumes. But, none of that actually matters because it was the heart of the film that made it truly resonate with audiences.
And, if you grew up in the 80s, then chances were you were a fan of wrestling. Just like today, major wrestlers find their way onto the big screen all the time. And, Andre the Giant was no exception to that rule. His performance as Fezzik still remains a fan favorite. Due to his large size, he also had issues fitting into some of the sets. Nevertheless, his lovable presence and ability to deliver deadpan humor made him one of the most memorable characters in the movie.
Reception and Legacy of The Princess Bride
As we already discussed, The Princess Bride did not set any new box office records. Instead, it developed a passionate fan base after it was released on VHS. And, that fan base has never let go. Today, the movie is often regarded as one of the best films of the decade. And, it’s not just for its quirky charm or its ability to blend humor and adventure. Rather, it is simply one of those rare films that simply gets better every time you watch it. In an era of endless reboots, The Princess Bride is a shining example of original storytelling.
The Princess Bride FAQ
Is The Princess Bride really a family movie?
Without a question, The Princess Bride is a family movie. Granted there is some mild swearing and sword fighting, but overall it is a family-friendly adventure that everyone can enjoy.
What’s the most iconic quote from The Princess Bride?
Perhaps the most iconic quote was Montoya’s, but it was just so long that nobody wanted to keep repeating it. As a result, the most iconic quote from the film was, “As you wish.”
Is there a Princess Bride sequel?
There has never been a Princess Bride sequel. Although there had been talks about a reboot, it has not gotten past the discussion stage.
The Princess Bride In A Nutshell
No matter how you look at it, The Princess Bride is a much-watched family comedy for anyone who wants to truly understand the magic of 80s cinema. The film features quirky humor, endearing characters, and unforgettable moments. It is a cult classic that has stood the test of time. Granted, it was a bit of an oddball when it was first released, but that’s no different than Space Balls. It’s that wackiness that has made it such a loved film. So, if you’re looking for something truly magical to watch tonight, then why not check out The Princess Bride on your favorite streaming app?
