The shelf

The Princess Bride (1987) poster

7+

The Princess Bride

1987

A grandfather visits his sick grandson and reads him a book: the tale of Buttercup, a farm girl, and Westley, the farm boy who loves her. There are pirates, a giant, a Spanish swordsman seeking vengeance, a scheming prince, and true love that won't stay dead.

For children old enough to talk it through: sustained intensity, or language or sexual content that Common Sense Media rates 7–9.

Runtime
1 hour 39 minutes
Rating
PG
Director
Rob Reiner
Cast
Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, and Christopher Guest
Picture
Color
Genre
Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Adventure
Shelf
Family

Why it’s here

A grandfather reading to his grandson frames a tale of true love, swordplay, and loyal friends. Witty and warm, it celebrates the gift of a story read aloud.

Context notes

For parents, before you press play.

Inigo's revenge quest and duel, a torture "Machine," and Westley presumed dead, plus giant rats and eels that may scare little ones. Some language (including "son of a bitch"), Inigo's drunkenness, and a poisoning; Inigo's revenge is played as satisfying, which is worth discussing.

Discussion questions

When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.

  1. Why did Westley say "As you wish"?
  2. Was Inigo right to want revenge? What happened when he got it?
  3. Who was the best friend in the story?
  4. Why do you think the grandson wanted to hear it again?

Content advisory

Common Sense Media 9+: swordfights, a torture machine, deaths; occasional language ("son of a bitch," "arse"); a drunk Inigo; kisses.

Trailer

Best edition

The disc comes first.

The Princess Bride 4K Blu-ray (DigiBook)

4K · September 5, 2023

Coming later

Where to stream

Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.

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