One of the most Brilliant Films ever made...

Rating: 10/10 (9 September 2001)

I first saw this movie when it premiered in the theatres in 1987. My mother took me to see when I was a child, and we both loved it. Many years passed, and while I remembered it, years went by before I saw it again. Some years ago back in high school, friends and I were discussing it and we all reminisced about how much we had enjoyed it as kids. So, we decided we had to see it again and dashed out to rent it. What a surprise! It was like seeing it for the first time again, only this time it was even better! It was so amazing and so hysterically funny that we had tears in our eyes from laughing so hard. From that day on, it was added to my 'favourite films' list and every year that passes I love it more. I own it on VHS, DVD, and now wonderfully on the brand new Special Edition DVD. Out of all the various films I own on VHS and DVD, The Princess Bride is the only film I own three copies of. Now, THAT's dedication! ;-) I have to say the regular DVD edition from last year was sadly disappointing. It only has a chapter search, original theatrical trailer, and the film on it. So, if you haven't purchased this film on DVD yet, I highly recommend the Special Edition version which arrived September 4, 2001. It is exactly what I have always wished for, full feature commentary, actor interviews, "making of" featurettes, etc.
This film is an amazing classic, a film I feel that is generally enjoyed even more by adults than children. That is certainly the case for my own generation that remembers it from childhood as well as adulthood. With it's satirical comedy, witty romance, and high adventure, for me this film ranks high with other classics such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Rear Window, and Notting Hill, which are some of my other favourites. Not to mention some of the most spectacular scenery. For many years after so many viewings I thought that the Cliffs of Insanity scenes were filmed on the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. I am happy to report that with the Special Edition DVD this confirms my belief as correct! I realize that some scenes were shot on a set, but mostly they really did film it on the Cliffs of Moher. I have been to the Cliffs of Moher, and they are even more breathtaking in person than on film. For anyone who hasn't been there, the Cliffs of Moher (pronounced "More") are 700 ft cliffs that drop off sharply into the Atlantic ocean off of the coast of County Clare in the West coast of Ireland. Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the wonderful scenery this country provides really adds to the ambiance of the film.
Anyone who enjoyed this movie should definitely read the book this film is based on. It's a wonderful book and seeing the differences between William Goldman's book and his screenplay is fascinating.