Released: 1987. Written by William Goldman. Directed by Rob Reiner My Rating: *****. Position on Top Twenty: #1.
Plot
The movie starts as The Grandson is getting a story told to him by his grandfather. The story is about
true love, fencing, monsters, pirates, escapes, and other fun stuff.
The actual story is about Buttersup and Westley, who fall in love. Westley leaves for the new world to make some money,
and is captured by pirates. Five years later, thinking Westley is dead, Buttercup becomes engaged to Prince Humperdink.
on the eve of the engagement, Buttercup is kidnapped by Vizzini the Cicilian, Inigo the Spainard, and Fezzik the Giant.
They take Buttercup to neighbouring Gilder, where they hope to start a war. Soon, however, it is clear that they are being followed.
A mysterious Man in Black follows the group to Gilder, and one by one, outdoes the evil doers. He beats Inigo at his strength, swords.
He beats Fezzik at his strength, brute muscle. And he outsmarts Vizzini.
Soon, it is revealed that the Man in Black is really the Dread Pirate Roberts, who allegedly killed Westley five years before.
Then, it is soon revealed that it is in fact Westley. He and Buttercup go through the dreaded Fire Swamp, survive, only to be captured
by Humperdink.
We have also learned that a six-fingered man slaughtered Inigo's father and he has been chasing him for 20 years. Westley kept Inigo
and Fezzik alive, but killed Vizzini. And, we learn that Rugan, Humperdink's confidant, is the six-fingered man. Humperdink promises to keep
Westley alive, but soon backs out on that. He sends Westley to the Pit of Despair where he is to be tortured.
Soon, the whole world falls apart on Humperdink as Buttercup swears she loves Westley and will kill herself if she marries Humperdink. He kills
Westley, but with the help of Miracle Max, Inigo and Fezzik bring him back to life. They storm the castle, stop the wedding, kill Rugan, and leave.
And they live happily ever after.
My Comments
This is one of my all-time favorites. it brims with action, adventure, drama, laughs, and most of all, true love. It is so happy, but realisitic at the same time.
Some of the oneliners take a second look to catch, but they are worth it. This is perhaps the smartest, upbeat movie I have seen in my life. I love it.
