Introduction
The Princess Bride (1987) – Worth the Watch? I never thought I would ask this question. This film has been a favorite of mine since childhood, captivating me with its blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. As a martial artist, I have always been drawn to its swordplay, and this film combines technical skill with humor. The Princess Bride’s depiction of strategy, intelligence, and sense of honor is rarely seen in Hollywood films. The movie’s duels are not just demonstrations of strength; they also highlight timing, precision, and clever thinking. This is all wrapped in witty dialogue and playful banter. Even after almost four decades (has it been almost forty years?!?), the story and the fencing sequences continue to inspire me, highlighting the artistry and depth of martial skill in an entertaining way.
Summary
The plot of the The Princess Bride (1987) is probably well known, as it follows the quest of Westley (Cary Elwes) to rescue Princess Buttercup from the villainous Prince Humperdinck. Along the way, they encounter memorable characters, including the skilled swordsman Inigo Montoya, played by the award-winning Mandy Patinkin. This film is celebrated for its whimsical humor and romantic plot, but its swordplay is surprisingly sophisticated. The duels, particularly between Inigo Montoya (Patakin) and the Man in Black (Elwes), demonstrate timing, strategy, and fluid technique rarely seen in Hollywood at the time or since. Legendary stunt and sword master Bob Anderson choreographed these amazing fencing sequences, and under his guidance, the actors were able to perform most of their own fencing. This allows the film to blend authenticity with cinematic flair.
Analysis
Pros
The duels in The Princess Bride (1987) are remarkably authentic for a Hollywood film. One of my favorites is, of course, the iconic Inigo Montoya vs. Man in Black sequence. The action in this scene mirrors classical rapier fencing, emphasizing timing, distance, and strategy over brute force. The dialogue, which references historical fencing masters, further enriches the duel. Inigo Montoya asks, “You are using Bonetti’s Defense against me, ah?” And the Man in Black replies, “I thought it fitting considering the rocky terrain.” Montoya responds, “Naturally, you must expect me to attack with Capo Ferro?” and the Man in Black says, “Naturally, but I find that Thibault cancels out Capo Ferro. Don’t you?” Montoya counters with, “Unless the enemy has studied his Agrippa… which I have!” These lines are playful, but they demonstrate a genuine respect for historical martial arts traditions and add depth to the fencing sequences.
This realism is thanks to the legendary sword master Bob Anderson, whose choreography guided Mandy Patinkin and Cary Elwes through the intricate sequences. The actors themselves trained tirelessly, both on set and during their own time. They mastered the techniques so thoroughly that nearly every move was performed live. Their commitment, combined with Anderson’s expertise, elevates the duel into a showcase of martial artistry as well as cinematic storytelling.
Cons
I try to present a balanced view of each film, even if it is a review of one of my favorite films of all time. With that in mind, I can acknowledge that despite its authenticity, the duels are still theatrical. Ambidextrous hand-switching, acrobatic vaults, and cinematic flying disarms would be impractical in real combat. Feints and extended binds are exaggerated in this film, and sometimes the heightened dialogue and humor distract from the technical skill on display. This presents fencing in a way that is charming but not purely martial.
Conclusion
The Princess Bride (1987) remains a landmark film for its story, humor, and its remarkable depiction of swordsmanship. The duels, guided by Bob Anderson’s masterful choreography, were brought to life through the dedication of Mandy Patinkin and Cary Elwes. The sword sequences demonstrate timing, strategy, and technique that resonate deeply from a martial arts perspective. The blend of authenticity and cinematic flair elevates the film beyond mere entertainment and instead offers a study in respect for the martial tradition. Decades later, this film continues to inspire both fans and practitioners alike.
So, is The Princess Bride (1987) worth the watch? I can say, without any hesitation, that it is worth the watch – even if it is a kissing story.
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