公主新娘(The Princess Bride)英语观后感

The Princess Bride is a very well made fantasy-adventure about revenge, giants, kidnapping, and true love. It is also my favorite movie, and I'd like to tell you why.

First of all, it captures a reminiscent, fantastic sweetness of character, tone, and in its message that is all but extinct today. By resorting to the simplistic morality that endeared Frank Capra's films to millions of fans, Reiner resurrected however briefly the long-forgotten art of the adventure. One that is devoid of compromised morals, conflicting motivations and questionable, misplaced heroism.

The purpose and motivation of every character in The Princess Bride is pure and true, no matter how outdated the standards are that set them. When viewing this film you're instantly reminded of the swashbuckling tales of Captain Blood, The Mark of Zorro, and The Adventures of Robin Hood. The lines are drawn quite clearly between hero and villain, and heaven help whoever stands on the wrong side of that line.

The focus throughout is not on the cinematography, nor the music; both of these are merely tools to heighten the tension of the situation, or intensify the loneliness and futility of it. The focus is diverted completely to the endless, illimitable determination of Westley to overcome all obstacles in the pursuit of his true love. Each character is given depth, however fleeting. Each character must be sympathized with, or scrutinized for their wickedness.

There is no wasted dialogue, no wasted scenes, nor movements, nor expressions. Every word spoken and step taken further the character's fixation in the mind of the viewer, strengthening or weakening, inspiring sympathy or revulsion.

The actual fantasy opens with a young Westley and Buttercup (Never mind how silly their names are, I'll get to that) growing up and falling in love on a farm, the story unfolding through the narrative of Peter Falk. It's a simple tale, boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy leaves girl to make his way in the world to support her. Unfortunately word travels back to her that he was killed by pirates, Buttercup is thrown into depression, and untimately snatched up by the Prince of the land for a wife.

Buttercup doesn't love her husband, yet can't help her lot in life. Her only solace is a horseback ride she enjoys alone. It is on one of these solitary rides that our story truly begins. She encounters three men: a mischievous, despicable hunchback, played by Wallace Shawn, a Spanish swordsman without equal, played by Mandy Patenkin, and an enormous giant, played by Andre Rousimoff (known to the world as Andre the Giant).

It becomes apparent early in the abduction that the only true villain among these three is the hunchback, Vizzini. The other two, Inigo and Fezzik, are merely hired help. Circumstances that are never elaborated drew the three of them together, and one can only assume that money is the explanation. It's easy to see the friendship that Inigo and Fezzik share, probably forged for the most part by the cruel jibes and bullying of Vizzini, which is comical at times despite it's sadistic nature.

We discover all too soon that Westley is relentlessly following the kidnappers, and is willing and able to do anything it takes to rescue Buttercup from their clutches. Westley pursues his love across a sea and up a towering cliff that no mortal man should be capable of climbing, yet he does. He defeats all three of the assassins who kidnapped Buttercup in turn, dispatching them with frightening skill, strength, and cunning respectively. One can only wonder in awe at how this simple farmboy can so easily defeat a swordsman of such skill, a giant of such strength, and a criminal mastermind of such devious genius. Westley frees Buttercup and they disappear into the mysterious and deadly Fire Swamp, with the Prince and his men breathing down their necks.

This story is framed and interjected occasionally with the narration of Peter Falk's character and the observations of his grandson, played by Fred Savage, who as the story progresses goes from nonchalant and irritating to sympathetic and excited. Savage's character does serve his purpose, which is the message and the moral of the film.

Yes, the names are silly. I've wondered many times where a writer could come up with names like "Buttercup" and "Humperdink." Fantasy can, by right, be unrealistic and still achieve it's purpose, still enthrall and enchant. The comedy of this film is one of it's greatest aspects, especially the cameos from Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Peter Cook. The comedy is sometimes deadpan and satirical and occasionally tongue-in-cheek, and always is very well delivered.

The acting is believable, the cinematography, editing, and music all serve their purpose. The dialogue I cherish, as there are nuggets of wisdom to be found at every turn, such as "Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says different is selling something."

All in all, it is a very good film, and one I dearly love. It may not be a classic, but I have hopes that one day it will be. If there are enough people out there that love it as much as I do, I'm pretty confident that it'll be cherished by generations.