by Adriane Wieben

"As you wish...”

My parents have not always been members of the Church.  Mom was raised in an in-active home, and Dad was Catholic.  I thought this would make them a good resource in my quest to discover if The Princess Bride really was a “Mormon cult film” or if it was popular with other groups, and in other places.  When I asked them if they remembered the first time they ever saw The Princess Bride, directed by Rob Reiner (“Meathead” of All in the Family fame), Dad didn’t remember, but Mom did.  “It was at the Zundel’s house, when Dad first started meeting with the missionaries,” she said.  I just started to laugh.  The Zundel family introduced my dad to the Church, and was a major reason he got baptized.  And so, in addition to being introduced to activity in the Church, my parents were also introduced to The Princess Bride by a Mormon family.  Since then, it has become one of my dad’s favorite movies, and through him it has become one of my favorites as well. 

But what is it about this movie that makes it so popular with those of the Mormon faith?  Is it the lessons that are taught? The values displayed? Perhaps the actions of the characters and themes of the movie ring true with Mormon doctrine?  Maybe it is just a funny movie that is safe to recommend to anyone?  I submit that it is not one, but all of these reasons that make The Princess Bride a popular “Mormon cult film.” 

As I recently reviewed the film in order to “research” this article, I found that many of the themes of the movie ring true with doctrines supported and taught by the Mormon faith.  The idea that the love is eternal, as shown between Wesley and Buttercup, is obviously the same in the Church.  “Death cannot stop true love,” says Wesley, “all it can do is delay it for a while.”  This concept rings true for all those who believe in eternal and unending love, which is a major tenet in the Mormon faith.  Another doctrine supported by this movie is that of overcoming odds, and conquering the most difficult circumstances.  Mormons believe that this life is a test, to see how we will face challenges and trials.  Vizzini is constantly amazed at the ability Wesley has to conquer difficult challenges.  “Inconceivable!!!” he incessantly shouts.  I am sure that he would say the same thing if he were to witness some of the unbelievable changes the gospel can make in the life of someone who truly accepts it.

As I watched I could also see how the lessons and values displayed by the main characters would be popular with those of any religion, especially one that emphasizes Christ-like behavior.  Even the “bad guys” like Inigo and Fezzick demonstrate sportsmanship and kindness.  Inigo helps Wesley to the top of the “Cliffs of Insanity” and gives him a minute to rest before they fight.  When it is Fezzik’s turn to fight Wesley, Vizzini tells him “Do it your way” which is to hide behind a rock, and when he sees Wesley’s head to hit it with another rock.  Fezzik says, “My way is not very sportsmanlike.”  Instead of being unsportsmanlike, he warns Wesley by throwing a rock in front of him, and then suggests a fight man-to-man, with no tricks.  It is this goodness that makes him the favorite character of both of my parents.  

Though there are several other reasons this movie could strike a chord with those of the Mormon faith (family closeness demonstrated by the grandfather reading to his grandson; a belief in miracles demonstrated by Miracle Max; politeness and kindness between the characters) I think the main reason this movie is so popular is because it is simply a feel-good, entertaining movie that can be recommended to and enjoyed by almost anyone.  When I asked my parents, they both cited the humor, romance, and wholesomeness of the movie as reasons they enjoyed it.  I don’t think we, as Mormons, necessarily notice the connections the movie has to our values (though subconsciously that is why we feel comfortable with it) but rather we feel good when we watch it.  We never feel uncomfortable with the theme, the actions of the characters, or the ideas portrayed.  It’s also humorous and quotable at every turn.  And sometimes we just need a good laugh.  No matter what the reason, The Princess Bride has definitely shown itself to be a very popular “Mormon Cult Film.”  

By Adriane Wieben