The masterpiece of 1987, “The Princess Bride” is the classic fairy tale about a forbidden love, a princes charming and his princess and the adventures meant to illustrate that True Love conquers all and everything.

Initially a children’s novel by american author William Goldman (who also signs the movie’s screenplay), the movie was blessed with much more popularity and soon became a screen classic. The story itself combines most elements from classic children tales, two youngsters discover true love, but a love forbidden by their social status as she is a princess and he a farm boy. Soon betrothed to an evil prince, the princess finds herself kidnapped by the prince’s enemies and lost in adventure where her heart will learn to speak again …

The movie has left a lasting impression in most its viewers, a plethora of unforgettable  characters such as the short-lived but devious Vizzini, the silly giant Fezzik (a true tour-de-force by regretted wrestling champion Andre the Giant), the vengeful swordmaster Inigo (Mandy Patinkin, a ‘he’ despite the name), the relentless and loving Westley (we get the best from Cary Elwe) and the adorable Buttercup (Robin Wright Penn) playing opposite Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) and the evil count Rugen (Christopher Guest) … leading to the win of many prizes including one for the famous and painfully beautiful theme song written by Willy de Ville (“Storybook Love”) and performed by Mark Knopfler (founder of Dire Straits).

As for the many moments … the entire movie is one big movie quote and has become an inspiration for cinematography ever since. Who can forget the chivalrous discussion between Westley (as the Man in Black) and Inigo before their fight?

Inigo Montoya: Hello there. Slow going?
Man in Black: Look, I don’t mean to be rude but this is not as easy as it looks, so I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t distract me.
Inigo Montoya: [apologetic] Sorry.
Man in Black: Thank you.

Inigo Montoya: I donna suppose you could speed things up?
Westley: If you’re in such a hurry, you could lower a rope or a tree branch or find something useful to do.
Inigo Montoya: I could do that. I have some rope up here, but I do not think you would accept my help, since I am only waiting around to kill you.
Westley: That does put a damper on our relationship.

Inigo Montoya: But, I promise I will not kill you until you reach the top.
Man in Black: That’s VERY comforting, but I’m afraid you’ll just have to wait.
Inigo Montoya: I hate waiting. I could give you my word as a Spaniard.
Man in Black: No good. I’ve known too many Spaniards.
Inigo Montoya: Isn’t there any way you trust me?
Man in Black: Nothing comes to mind.
Inigo Montoya: I swear on the soul of my father, Domingo Montoya, you will reach the top alive.
Man in Black: Throw me the rope.

Or maybe Vizzini’s ‘inconceivable’ scream every time Westley doesn’t die as expected?

Vizzini: HE DIDN’T FALL? INCONCEIVABLE.
Inigo Montoya: You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Or definitely Vizzini’s battle of wits against Westley or maybe Westley’s famous ‘to the pain’ speech aimed at a cowardly prince Humperdinck … and let us not forget the beautiful theme song … but for all of this I truly invite you to watch the movie and perhaps you too will discover that … true love never dies!