Movie Review: The Princess Bride (1987)

★★★★★

There’s no movie quite like The Princess Bride. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and endlessly rewatchable.

Morgan K.

Vermont

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The Princess Bride

1987

When someone says The Princess Bride, chances are you immediately think of iconic lines like “As you wish,” or “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” And fair enough those moments are legendary. But what makes The Princess Bride (1987) more than just a quotable cult classic is how smart, layered, and downright heartfelt it is underneath the whimsy and sword fights.

Directed by Rob Reiner and adapted by William Goldman from his own novel, this is a film that walks a tightrope between satire and sincerity, delivering a story that’s as funny as it is touching. It’s equal parts fairy tale, swashbuckler, romantic comedy, and buddy movie and somehow, it all works.

Not Just for Kids: The Meta Genius of The Princess Bride

Most people remember The Princess Bride as a family-friendly fairy tale which it is but there’s a level of meta storytelling here that doesn’t get talked about enough. The entire narrative is framed by a grandfather (Peter Falk) reading the story to his sick grandson (Fred Savage), breaking the fourth wall in a way that still feels fresh decades later.

This framing device isn't just cute it’s brilliant. It pokes fun at the very idea of what a “storybook romance” is supposed to be. It allows the movie to be sweet and sentimental without ever becoming syrupy. The interruptions (“Is this a kissing book?”) give the audience permission to laugh, even during the most dramatic moments.

It’s the film’s way of saying: we know fairy tales are silly. We’re in on the joke. But that doesn’t mean we don’t love them.

A Cast That’s Doing Way More Than You Realize

There’s a reason this ensemble cast has become so beloved. Cary Elwes plays Westley with the perfect blend of Errol Flynn bravado and deadpan snark. Robin Wright, in her film debut, brings warmth and conviction to a role that could have easily been a damsel stereotype. But it’s the supporting cast that really elevates the movie into something special.

Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya brings actual pathos to his revenge quest his final confrontation with Count Rugen is emotionally charged in a way that surprises people expecting only laughs. There’s real pain in his eyes when he delivers the line that made him famous, and it’s earned.

Then there’s Andre the Giant as Fezzik. His performance is gentle, goofy, and surprisingly heartfelt. Watching him interact with Inigo basically functioning as a big, warm-hearted support system adds a softness that you rarely see in “tough guy” roles.

Even the villains are layered. Chris Sarandon’s Prince Humperdinck is delightfully pompous without being cartoonish, and Christopher Guest as the quietly menacing Count Rugen is understated but deeply unsettling.

Underrated Element: The Score and Sound Design

Something rarely discussed in most The Princess Bride reviews is the music and sound design. Composed by Mark Knopfler (yes, Dire Straits Knopfler), the score walks a delicate line between magical and minimal. It never overpowers a scene, but it always adds to the emotion. The subtle use of leitmotifs especially in Westley and Buttercup’s scenes gives the film a timeless quality.

The sword fight between Westley and Inigo? It’s not just well-choreographed (more on that below), it’s also scored with a perfect rhythm that mirrors the duel itself. Even the Foley work from the Rodents of Unusual Size (ROUS) to the Pit of Despair’s machinery adds to the movie’s immersive fairy tale vibe.

The Swordplay Deserves a Standing Ovation

It might seem silly to praise the action in a romantic comedy, but the duel between Inigo and Westley is one of the finest sword fights ever filmed and that’s not hyperbole.

Every move, every line of dialogue, every shift in the terrain is designed with precision and wit. The fight isn't just physical; it’s a conversation, a character reveal, and a masterclass in stage combat. Patinkin and Elwes trained for months, and it shows. This isn't just a cool action scene; it's narrative gold disguised as swashbuckling fun.

Why It’s Still Relevant (and Important) Today

The Princess Bride has become so ubiquitous in pop culture that it's easy to forget just how ahead of its time it was. It deconstructed fantasy tropes before it was trendy to do so. It balanced sincerity and sarcasm before “meta” was a buzzword. It featured a woman with agency, a physically disabled villain, and a multicultural cast of characters all without making a big deal about it.

It’s also a rare movie that crosses generations effortlessly. Kids enjoy the adventure, adults catch the humor, and film lovers appreciate the craftsmanship. It’s one of the few movies that’s as enjoyable at 10 as it is at 40.

Final Thoughts from BoxReview.com

At BoxReview.com, we’ve revisited The Princess Bride more times than we can count, and it never loses its magic. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the fiftieth, it continues to reveal new layers in its dialogue, its performances, and its underlying message: that love, friendship, and a little bit of cleverness can conquer anything.

It’s a fairy tale that laughs with you, not at you. And in a world where sincerity is often in short supply, The Princess Bride is a beautiful reminder that stories no matter how fantastical still matter.

Act Fast... Limited Time Offer!

The Princess Bride

1987