Once upon a time, a grandfather is reading his favorite book to his largely disinterested grandson (played a young Fred Savage). The story, he promises, has everything – “Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles” – all of which comes to life as they turn the pages on the tale of Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and her true love Westley (Cary Elwes).
What sets The Princess Bride apart from other fairy-tale film adaptations – and has solidified its status as both a cult classic and family favorite – is its winning combination of romance, humor, and swashbuckling adventure. The film expertly blends genres, offering a madcap mix of fantasy, action, and comedy that appeals to audiences of all ages. From memorable characters like Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) seeking revenge for his father’s death to the lovably inept duo of Fezzik (André the Giant) and Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), the film is filled with iconic moments and quotable lines that have become ingrained in popular culture. (We’ll bet you a dram of iocane powder that you just muttered to yourself “You killed my father. Prepare to die.”)
But The Princess Bride also resonates with audiences for its timeless themes of true love, friendship, and the power of storytelling. Whether you’re watching it for the first time this summer or revisiting it as a beloved classic, you are bound to be enchanted.
