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Watching The Princess Bride trying to make a comparison to the book is almost a surreal experience. Anyone who has read the book or seen the movie knows that the story is conveyed to a young boy staying home sick by his grandfather reading out of a book. Thus watching the reading of the reading leaves one with little to analyze.... But I'll try.

Obviously the two mediums are completely different and you lose something in the translation either way. I thought the adaptation was fantastic, however, because it cut out some less vital elements and streamlined the story into one of the greatest romantic fantasies of all time. The Wesley-Buttercup storyline is completely adapted, as is Inigo's quest for revenge. The acting by all of the characters is great, most notably Mandy Patakin as Inigo and Cary Ewles as Wesley. Even Andre the Giant is great!

The direction by Reiner is superb. This is better than a class in art design. You really feel transported to another time and place and Mr. Reiner does everything perfectly here and sows the tough of a true master. That said, this is one area where a good book always trumps a good film, and The Princess Bride is certainly a great book.

The book is strong in that it has many sub plots and much more character development so if you wish to simmer in this great world you will have more time to do so. The descriptions are lucid and beautiful. The romantic element is really only the framing story and the book goes into much greater detail concerning the history of the world in which they are entangled. This is an epic ans sweeping novel so I think you would do well

The story is basically unchanged in each so I implore you see both the movie and read the book as well. Both are classics in their venue and should not be missed by any but the most cold hearted and cynical-not that there is anything wrong with that!

Learn more about this author, Royce Radcliffe.
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