A very rich and charming film. If you haven't seen it yet, definitely rent it now.

Rating: 9/10 (1 January 2001)

I can't believe I waited this long to see this. I guess I expected 'the usual.' Well that is exactly what you won't get, even in the context of "Once upon a time.."
The tone is so sincere and gentle that even the farcical aspects never really overwhelm the whole. It never sinks to low humor or schmaltz. (Westley's unruffled optimism has a great deal to do with this.) Even the visual and physical humor is subtle and delightful because each instance is not belabored (e.g., our first view of the large medium and small circus performers, The Dread Pirate Roberts as Zorro, the lighting-speed rope climb, Vizzini's demise, the suction cups, the bellows, Westley as baggage). And nothing is frenzied, even when there is less than half an hour before the princess weds' or the violins play madly.
The script is fantastic. Every character gets a few great lines, and every aspect of the film is treated with humor--nothing and no one escapes, yet there is no hard edge, no sting. Supremely quotable.
The casting is inspired and the characters are interesting (except perhaps Buttercup, because she plays the only straight role--but she is very beautiful). Westley, Inigo, Fezzik, and Vizzini are truly memorable. The hero has a delightful cynicism. The swordsman is also sensitive; the giant is also reflective. The Sicilian is a brilliant political conspirator and not the player seeking vengeance. The evil count maintains an interest in empirical observation while torturing Westley. The evil prince reveals himself slowly and doesn't sneer or gloat to excess.
My only criticism of the characters is Billy Crystal's portrayal of Miracle Max. Why bother with the heavy makeup if he just plays Billy Crystal? His part was hilarious, but brought me right out of the movie. I wish he'd stretched a little here--his range is so wide when he tries.
The unexpected touch of reality inserts itself often into this fairy tale: 'Get used to being disappointed', Australian poisons and land wars in Asia, 'Life isn't fair', 'Life is pain Anyone who says differently is selling something,' I'm swamped,' the 'shortage of perfect breasts in this world,' and the conspiracies to incite war between two nations named after monetary denominations.
There is a variety of underlying morals to the story, presented without preaching: the lasting ties of true love, the sacrifices made for friendship, the importance of family, that things worth having are not easy to obtain, don't ever give up because you never know what could happen.
This rare and endearing film seems to appeal to everyone, even 7 year old buys who hate kissing. I feel sad for those who did not fall in love with this movie--they seem doomed to lives of bah humbugism. But there's always hope...