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 The Princess Bride (Special Edition) :: 0792850769
Description
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| Screenwriter William Goldman's novel The Princess Bride earned its own loyal audience on the strength of its narrative voice and its gently satirical, hyperbolic spin on swashbuckled adventure that seemed almost purely literary. For all its derring-do and vivid over-the-top characters, the book's joy was dictated as much by the deadpan tone of its narrator and a winking acknowledgement of the clichés being sent up. Miraculously, director Rob Reiner and Goldman himself managed to visualize this romantic fable while keeping that external voice largely intact: using a storytelling framework, avuncular Grandpa (Peter Falk) gradually seduces his skeptical grandson (Fred Savage) into the absurd, irresistible melodrama of the title story. And what a story: a lowly stable boy, Westley (Cary Elwes), pledges his love to the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright), only to be abducted and reportedly killed by pirates while Buttercup is betrothed to the evil Prince Humperdinck. Even as Buttercup herself is kidnapped by a giant, a scheming criminal mastermind, and a master Spanish swordsman, a mysterious masked pirate (could it be Westley?) follows in pursuit. As they sail toward the Cliffs of Insanity... The wild and woolly arcs of the story, the sudden twists of fate, and, above all, the cartoon-scaled characters all work because of Goldman's very funny script, Reiner's confident direction, and a terrific cast. Elwes and Wright, both sporting their best English accents, juggle romantic fervor and physical slapstick effortlessly, while supporting roles boast Mandy Patinkin (the swordsman Inigo Montoya), Wallace Shawn (the incredulous schemer Vizzini), and Christopher Guest (evil Count Rugen) with brief but funny cameos from Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Peter Cook. --Sam Sutherland Editorial Descriptions are usually submitted by the manufacturers, publishers and authors. Contact us if you are one of them, and wish to change the above description. |
Reviews
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Author: Guest
This fantasy is so fantastic and it's held up 18 years later. There's nothing dated or cheesy watching it today.
Some of the movie's lines will stick with you forever! "Have Fun Storming the Castle" is one of my favorites. "As you wish." "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." "Inconceivable." And on and on and on.
This is a true family flick! Kids can watch it without being traumatized. Parents can watch it without turning into zombies.
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Author: Guest
It's got Adventure, Dread Pirates, Revenge, and True Love, and tounge firmly in cheek. It's a swashbuckler in the classic form: lovers are separated and rejoined, evil is overcome, and there are some good laughs at just about every step.
The characters are good. Andre the Giant does a convincing job as a giant, Billy Crystal has a brief role as a gnomish wizard, and Wallace Shawn is over the top as an evil, egotistical nebbish. The others are good, especially the doughy Albino, but Cary Elwes makes the staring role his own. His rubbery "mostly dead" performance is not to be missed.
This is a good one, mostly kid-safe, but nervous little ones might have trouble with a few scenes.
//wiredweird
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Author: Guest
I was born in 1986, this movie was produced in 1987.Go figure I never heard about it until I discovered the technological miracle that is broadband internet. Being a fan of fantasy both in literature and on the silver screen, the name `Princess Bride' kept popping out on almost all fantasy-review pages that I frequent. One day, while on a trip in the USA I saw this DVD, gave in into my curiosity and purchased in on the spot. Not without the foreboding thought that this movie could basically sucks, it is after all made in the 80ties and I do come from the `Jurassic Park', `Lord of the Rings' generation where blue screen was a thing of the past and computer animation is all the rage.
How wrong was I? Although I do think that the movie (and I apologized beforehand to hardcore fans out there) a bit cheesy and a little silly but on the whole it is a very enjoyable treat. I laughed all the way from the start with all the funny one-liners and watch in awe at the brilliance of script-writing. I'm still marvelling at the satire like way of the fantasy genre that is this movie. Although none of the actors except for Billy Crystal seem familiar to me, I do think that some fantastic acting have been brought into this movie and made it the triumph that it was.
So my advice is to the new generation such as myself is that go get this DVD. Maybe the screenplay isn't as good as today movies but it's the scrip that made it worthwhile. Sarcasm galore for all ages and era.
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Author: Guest
I've seen this movie a few times, though not nearly as many as my ex-wife. I agree that it's a good flick, but I wouldnt watch it over and over, as it does get old after awhile. This movie is strangely unique as it has really funny scenes and really boring scenes...really talented actors and very bad actors. The really only reason to watch this would be if you're a fan of Mandy Patinkin or Christopher Guest (both very decent entertainers). Other than that, it's not really worth owning in your personal DVD library. But, that's just my opinion.
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Author: Guest
This is a film our whole family enjoyed. In my opinion, it contains the best swordfight ever! Perhaps not 100% realistic...but it's the way I like them.
For the most part, it's a family safe movie...with about 3 minor exceptions.
1 - There is a fight scene involving a rat that is a bit graphic for younger kids. Only the rat dies...though.
2 - There is a scene where the life is 'sucked' out of the main character...and you see and hear him scream as this occurs...also a bit disturbing. However, this sets the scene for the remainder of the movie where the main character slowly comes back to life. It's very clever...once you get past the screams.
3 - There is one 'son-of-a-bitch' reference. It's under the context of a man exacting revenge against the man who murdered his father...right before he kills him with his sword.
Okay...I emphasized the 'warning' areas for kids. The movie as a whole is extremely well done, and right clever! I love the movie, and have added it to my collection as one of my favorites.
It's mostly full of humor...with those few exceptions mentioned above.
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