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UCFC Movie Reviews The Princess Bride Year: 1987 Director: Rob Reiner Swordmaster: Bob Anderson Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, André the Giant, Robin Wright, Peter Falk Review by V. Bjerreskov (02 07 10) Some people consider The Princess Bride to be the best fencing movie of all time. Considering some of the turkeys I've seen (The Musketeer being one that springs instantly to mind), I am inclined to say that, even if it isn't the best, it's certainly in the top five. William Goldman is possibly one of the most brilliant men ever to write a screenplay and novel. Not many men could come up with the concept of making up an obscure literary work, and then "abridging" it. The result is an excellent fairy tale, given just a hint of legitimacy by tagging "The Good Parts" onto the end. Rob Reiner does an excellent job of bringing the work to the screen. He infuses the film with a sense of its roots. Every scene is crafted to be just slightly other-worldly, and lighting, set design, camera angle, and props come together to inform the audience that they are indeed watching a fairy tale. By framing the different scenes as a grandfather reading a book to his sick grandson, he creates two distinct worlds: ours, and the one where the actual story takes place. The only issue I have is with the very Eighties soundtrack: all synth, all the time. But we must remember, that was when this movie was filmed. The primary actors were well chosen, and were surrounded by a stronger supporting cast than most movies can boast. Cary Elwes's stoicism and intensity are perfect in the role of Westley. Robin Wright's looks are a good compliment to his, and although her character might be a little ditzy and defeatist from time to time, she plays Buttercup as a perfect match to Westley's strengths and weaknesses. André the Giant's accent is nearly incomprehensible, but by about the tenth viewing, you figure out everything he says. Besides, he's supposed to be a foreigner, as is Inigo. Mandy Patinkin is brilliant in his role, and Chris Sarandon delivers his lines with such dry humour that you almost don't want to hate him as the bad guy. Carol Kane, Billy Crystal, Peter Falk, Fred Savage, Peter Cook, and Mel Smith all have cameos, and do an incredible job. Fencing occurs at points throughout the film, but the scene that really enthralls the fencers in the audience is the cliff-top duel between Inigo and The Man in Black. That isn't to say that the fighting doesn't look choreographed, but Bob Anderson has done an admirable job making believable ambidextrous fencers of two men who, likely, have never picked up a sword before. Not only that, but the fact that the two of them talk about real fencing masters and the deficiencies in their techniques is great entertainment for the well-read fencer. In The Princess Bride, you will find good story, good acting, good directing, good fencing, and a dated soundtrack. But as long as you don't let the latter bother you, you will enjoy this film. Back to Movie Reviews Home  |  About Us   |  About Fencing   |  Links  |  Photo Gallery Image Bank  |  Reviews   |  Fencing Fun  |  Contact Us