The Princess Bride
I recently purchased a DVD copy of The Princess Bride. It has long been my favorite movie, one which I have seen more than 20 times and could easily see 20 more. Watching the movie again after several years of not seeing it has reminded me how much I love it. There are two scenes that resonate more with me as an adult than they did when I first saw it in high school (on tape, not in a theater). First, this exchange:
Westley and Buttercup run along the bottom of a ravine, eluding Prince Humperdinck and his hunting party.
WESTLEY
A few more steps and we'll be safe in the Fire Swamp.
BUTTERCUP
We'll never survive.
WESTLEY
Nonsense. You're only saying that because no one ever has.
I love Westley's attitude here and try to adopt it in my own life every day. For a number of years, my own insecurities made me think that I would never be able to make a marriage work. In addition to my lack of discipline, maturity, and emotional stability, I knew that the divorce rate among children of divorced parents was two to three times higher than in the general population. With all that stacked against me, how could I possibly hope to succeed? I eventually came to the conclusion that in the area of relationships, statistics and probabilities don't apply to me—which is how the Westley character tends to look at everything.
Here's the second scene:
Westley and Buttercup emerge from the Fire Swamp to music reminiscent of Beethoven's Pastoral symphony. They exchange words and looks of love. Humperdinck emerges from the woods on his horse, Count Rugen beside him. Three warriors, armed and ready, are mounted in formation behind. Buttercup looks beyond exhaustion. Westley looks worse.
HUMPERDINCK
Surrender!WESTLEY
You mean you wish to surrender to me? Very well, I accept.HUMPERDINCK
I give you full marks for bravery—don't make yourself a fool.WESTLEY
Ah, but how will you capture us? We know the secrets of the Fire Swamp. We can live there quite happily for some time. So, whenever you feel like dying, feel free to visit.Armed warriors begin emerging from behind trees all around.
HUMPERDINCK
I tell you once again—surrender!WESTLEY
It will not happen!The warriors have now cut off any possible avenue of retreat, and they all have loaded crossbows aimed at Westley.
HUMPERDINCK
(drawing his sword and roaring)
For the last time—SURRENDER!WESTLEY
(roaring right back, bigger)
DEATH FIRST!!!
I like this scene because I like to think that I would behave the same way in a similar situation, putting myself between my beloved and whatever unfortunate army might try to threaten her or take her away. I hope that I would, without hesitation, die before letting that happen.
This is a great film and a great love story, appropriate for anyone who likes comedy, action, romance, drama, suspense, sports, family relationships, or movie monsters, as well as anyone of any age who can handle mild violence, kissing scenes, and one powerfully delivered "SOB" profanity. If you haven't seen it, do. If you have seen it, see it again soon.
