The Princess Bride (1987)
Synopsis:
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness together. Their journey takes them through a world filled with six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, and Sicilians, not to mention rodents of unusual size. Along the way, they encounter memorable characters including the skilled swordsman Inigo Montoya, the cunning Vizzini, the gentle giant Fezzik, the villainous Prince Humperdinck, and the sinister Count Rugen. This adventure blends fantasy, comedy, and romance as the true lovebirds face seemingly impossible challenges. Even death itself can't stop their determination to triumph and be together, making this a timeless story about the power of true love conquering all obstacles in a magical, slightly twisted fairy tale world.
Where To Watch: The Princess Bride
Parental Feedback
The Princess Bride blends adventure, romance, and comedy in an enchantingly cracked fairy tale that balances lighthearted humor with moments of peril. Parents should know the pacing moves briskly through sword fights, kidnappings, and encounters with unusual creatures, while maintaining a storybook tone that frames the action within a grandfather reading to his grandson. The humor ranges from witty wordplay to physical comedy, and while there are villains and dangerous situations, the overall approach keeps the fantasy elements from becoming too intense for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch The Princess Bride
This enchanting fairy tale offers multiple layers of entertainment that appeal to both children and adults watching together.
The story celebrates true love and loyalty through the relationship between Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley, showing children the value of devotion and perseverance even when facing staggering odds.
The adventure elements include memorable characters like the six-fingered swordsman Count Rugen, the clever Vizzini, the gentle giant Fezzik, and the determined Inigo Montoya, each bringing distinct personalities that teach different lessons about courage and friendship.
The framing device of a grandson listening to his grandfather's story creates a warm, multi-generational connection that models family bonding through storytelling.
The blend of fantasy, comedy, and romance genres provides variety in tone and keeps young viewers engaged through sword fights, wit, and heartfelt moments without relying on modern special effects.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Princess Bride
Despite its family-friendly classification, some elements may concern parents of younger or more sensitive children.
The presence of murderous princes and villainous characters who plot harm against the heroes may frighten children who are not yet ready for stories involving genuine danger and life-threatening situations.
Encounters with rodents of unusual size and other fantastical creatures could be unsettling for very young viewers who have difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality.
The sword fighting and physical confrontations, while not graphic, do depict violence that some parents may prefer their children avoid until they're older and can better understand the fantasy context.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Princess Bride earns approval as a family adventure that balances humor, heart, and heroism while teaching valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and overcoming obstacles.
What Parents Should Know About The Princess Bride
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the story demonstrates loyalty, perseverance, true love, and the importance of keeping promises through Westley and Buttercup's devotion to each other despite overwhelming challenges. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, there are moments of apparent death, separation of loved ones, and perilous situations that may require parental guidance for younger or more sensitive children. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the villainous characters including the murderous Prince Humperdinck and Count Rugen ultimately face consequences for their cruel actions against the heroes. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, characters like Fezzik and Inigo Montoya demonstrate friendship and working together, while the heroes must overcome staggering odds through cooperation and trust. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the central message emphasizes that true love conquers all obstacles and that even death cannot stop those who are genuinely devoted to each other. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate The Princess Bride as a multi-generational classic that successfully entertains both children and adults. Many families value the clever dialogue, memorable characters, and the way the story balances adventure with humor and heart. The PG rating reflects mild peril and fantasy violence that most parents find appropriate for elementary-age children and older, though some recommend previewing for particularly sensitive younger viewers. The framing device of a grandfather reading to his grandson resonates with families who enjoy stories about storytelling itself, and parents often report that the themes of true love, loyalty, and heroism spark meaningful conversations with their children about relationships and perseverance.
Official The Princess Bride Trailer
Why Kids Love The Princess Bride
Kids love watching Westley face off against a giant named Fezzik and a master swordsman named Inigo Montoya in wild showdowns that mix incredible action with laugh-out-loud moments. The fast-paced chases and epic sword battles keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the dashing hero races to rescue Princess Buttercup from the villainous Prince Humperdinck. Every fight scene delivers thrilling moves and clever tricks that make kids cheer.
The silly sidekicks steal the show with their goofy personalities and unexpected teamwork. Fezzik the gentle giant and the boastful Vizzini create hilarious chaos wherever they go, while their banter and funny mistakes add nonstop laughs to the adventure. Even the six-fingered Count Rugen brings a memorable villain kids love to watch get outsmarted.
Westley proves himself as the ultimate problem-solver, using his wits and bravery to escape impossible situations and save the day. His daring rescues and quick thinking show kids how heroes overcome staggering odds through courage and cleverness. The loyal team of unlikely friends—from swordsmen to giants—demonstrates how teamwork wins against murderous princes and dangerous obstacles, making every victory feel earned and exciting.