Rob Reiner’s THE PRINCESS BRIDE takes the form of a fairy tale, but it never treats that form with distance or irony. Adapted by William Goldman from his own novel, the film moves between romance, revenge, adventure, and storytelling without losing its footing. It makes fun of the language of classic swashbucklers while still committing to the genre completely.
Robin Wright’s Buttercup sits at the centre of that balance. She brings a steadiness to the role that allows the film’s more playful elements to hold together. Around her, the ensemble builds a world that feels lived-in rather than decorative. The film moves quickly, but each character leaves a clear impression.
Over time, THE PRINCESS BRIDE has grown into something people return to rather than outgrow.