The Princess Bride (1987) Dir: Rob Reiner

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This 1987 fantasy romance film, directed by Rob Reiner, and based on the cult novel by William Goldman, has been one of my favourite films since I was a child. My siblings and I would quote and re-quote it endlessly to each other, and we must have watched it tens of times growing up. It had, however, been far, far, too long since I had watched this 80's classic, and I wanted to make the effort to revisit it more often, particularly after the passing of the film's beloved director.

Something Reiner absolutely nailed in this film was its world-building. The costumes and the sets all feel plucked straight out of a fantasy story, with 'Robin Hood' being the one I always think of, in particular. The costumes, the British woodland environment, the old castles, and even the ships - everything screams classic fantasy and magical fairytale aesthetic. It is to die for, quite frankly. Even the soundtrack is perfectly inkeeping with the world that Reiner builds. It all feels so perfectly in-line with itself.

The story unfolds in an entertaining and high stakes, yet tender and lighthearted manner, and Reiner makes sure to include plenty of comedy too. The film really does have everything; 'fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles...' - it is the ultimate fantasy film, in my opinion. I was never really a fantasy enjoyer growing up, certainly not compared to science fiction, for example, but this film I adored wholeheartedly. It's no wonder my sisters and I watched it so regularly.

Cary Elwes and Robin Wright make true love not just believable, but wonderfully real in their two leading roles. This is, without question, my favourite performance from Elwes - I think it showcased all his best talents, including his often underrated comedic wit, which works brilliantly in this role. Wright, meanwhile, turns the damsel in distress into a excellently stubborn and resilient, yet still vulnerable, maiden-turned-princess.

There are some wonderful supporting performances, particularly from Mandy Patinkin - who plays my favourite character in the film - and Andre 'The Giant' Roussimoff, who very much embodies the gentlie giant persona. Chris Sarandon's villain is delightfully snivelling and cunning, whilst Christopher Guest and Wallace Shawn also prove to be memorable and entertaining antagonists.

Overall, I think there are very few films out there that come close to being as entertaining, as uplifting, and as funny, as this wonderful Eighties classic. It's a film that, with every passing year, seems to feel more and more timeless. It is classic Hollywood at its very best, and provides the perfect escape in a time where life doesn't feel like a fairytale for the vast majority of us. When it comes to feel-good films, it doesn't get any better than this.