The Princess Bride

1987 Action/Adventure

Based on William Goldman's novel of the same name, The Princess Bride is staged as a book read by grandfather (Peter Falk) to his ill grandson (Fred Savage). Falk's character assures a romance-weary Savage that the book has much more to deliver than a simpering love story, including but not limited to fencing, fighting, torture, death, true love, giants, and pirates. Indeed, The Princess Bride offers a tongue-in-cheek fairy tale depicting stable boy-turned-pirate Westley's journey to rescue Buttercup (Robin Wright), his true love, away from the evil prince (Chris Sarandon), whom she had agreed to marry five years after learning of what she had believed to be news of Westley's death. With help from Prince Humperdinck's disgruntled former employee Miracle Max (Billy Crystal), swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), and a very large man named Fezzik (Andre the Giant), the star-crossed lovers are reunited. more..

Director: Rob Reiner

Starring: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon

Reviews

  • The movie has its own genuine charm and one hilarious high: Billy Crystal & Carol Kane are simply wonderful.

    Julie Salamon - The Wall Street Journal

    27 April 2013

  • Cary Elwes is marvelously funny as the hero.

    David Sterritt - Christian Science Monitor

    27 April 2013

  • It is filled with good-hearted fun, with performances by actors who seem to be smacking their lips and by a certain true innocence that survives all of Reiner's satire.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • A hilarious mixture of Errol Flynn swashbuckler and Monty Python send-up...When it comes to pleasing both kids and adults, you can't do much better.

    - TV Guide

    27 April 2013

  • Reiner's penchant for hip little riffs -- Billy Crystal as a yiddish wizard, etc. -- dilutes primal power in favor of genial fun.

    Ty Burr - Entertainment Weekly

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Music, Original Song

    Academy Awards (1988)

     
  • Best Costumes

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (1988)

  • Best Casting for Feature Film, Comedy

    Casting Society of America (1988)

     
  • Best Album of Original Instrumental Background Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television

    Grammy Awards (1988)

     
  • Best Dramatic Presentation

    Hugo Awards (1988)