Screenwriter William Goldman (See Film Personalities section) remarked in his book that amongst the novel he has written, it was The Princess Bride he liked the most. At the same time, he claimed that he had a wonderful time making the film version. I could see why. There must be a lot of fun involved while making this fantastic fairy tale.

Goldman always admitted that he never wrote and never can write comedy. Probably he is wrong. The Princess Bride is funny, and begs the audience not to take it seriously. There were some tense moments, but usually broken down by some witty lines. I want to see this movie with my children, when I have one.

The story begins with Buttercup, the heroine of the story played by the then newcomer Robin Wright, in the process of falling in love with a farm boy, played with great fun by Cary Elwes. When that is done, they decided to get married, and to do so they need money. For money, farm boy decides to hit the sea and come back when he has enough. Not so good. He is later believed to be dead, and Buttercup is chosen by Prince Humperdinck to be his bride, hence the title of the film. She is then kidnapped by Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), egocentric and brilliant conmen, and his hired hands the giant Fezzik (Andre the Giant), who loves to rhyme, and master swordsman Inigo Montoya (Many Patinkin), who vows revenge on a six-fingered man who killed his father. Farmboy comes back in form of swashbuckler Westley and we are set for an adventure.

While the film may not be appealing to feminists (Buttercup doesn't do much but appear helpless), it will certainly entertain the whole family. There is a small theme of family togetherness, when the film begins with a grandpa (Peter Falk) visiting a grandson (Fred Savage) who is down with flu, and attempts to read him a story book (Princess Bride, of course) only to be objected by the grandson who prefers video game. Well, he is persuaded however and the bored grandson slowly gets interested as the story (and the film) progresses.

It is unthinkable that this film came out during the period of Rambos and Commandos. It is quiet, gentle and warm. The performers do their job with great love and it is there on the screen every minute. You will especially enjoy Mandy Patinkins freelance swordsman who is also on the mission to avenge his father. His line, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die," will be remembered for a long time. There is Andre the Giant, playing Fezzik, the lovable giant. Read Goldman's book, and you will look at Andre with fonder eyes in this movie. There is this super-arrogant but brilliant Vizzini, heading these two, whose duel of wit with Elwes is one of the highlights of this film. As a matter of fact there are just too many highlights in this movie. Did I mention that there is an unrecognisable Billy Crystal in this movie? Its only one scene and it blew me up. Watch it. Watch the whole movie, for Gods sake. Its fun and I can't ask for more.