Ever since "The Princess Bride" was added onto Netflix this part month, I have watched it an embarrassing number of times. This cult classic has something for everyone- "Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles". This is obviously why this film has been a hit since its opening and will continue to be for generations. Not only is it wildly entertaining but it teaches us some very important life lessons that we didn't even realize while we were quoting along with the movie.
1. Life is not fair.
Oh, isn't this true! The good guy doesn't always get the girl, the hero falls, the last Oreo is crushed to bits in the package- it is just a fact of life. It is also an important lesson that takes some people a while to learn. Just because life isn't fair though does not mean it doesn't all turn out OK in the end. Who says life is fair? Where is that written?
2. There are so many ways to say "I love you."
I love you has become a phrase devoid of all meaning. Love is shown through other words and actions that people do for each other. Real love is in those little words, those hugs, and those moments when you just look at each other and smile. This movie teaches us to be a little quicker to notice when people love us than Buttercup was because you never know when your true love is going to be kidnapped by pirates.
3. Life is pain.
If life were easy we wouldn't grow from it. Anyone trying to sell you the key to happiness is lying, true happiness is within yourself.
4. Never get involved in a land war in Asia and never go against a Sicilian.
"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous of which is never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!" (He laughs hysterically, but suddenly freezes mid-laugh and dies.)
5. Special pills can bring you back to life.
Personally, I really want to know what these magic chocolate covered pills were. I'm not sure this is exactly a good lesson to be teaching to young audiences, but that doesn't make this lessons any less true. There are a lot of things that bring us back to life, including my personal favorite, caffeine. I also really want to know their back story now, because they are the most adorable dysfunctional old couple I've ever seen. Also please wait at least an hour to go swimming after taking a magic pill.
6. You've been saying "marriage" all wrong.
Well, "marriage" and just about everything else in the English language. In this scene we also learn the importance of saying the right words in the right order and not skipping around. Very sound life advice right there.On another note, where can I hire this guy to be the priest at my wedding?
7. Get to the point!
In matters of life or death, some explanations need to be summed up. Indigo understands this, so why can't professors in lecture do the same?
8. Starting wars is a very prestigious line of work.
Huh, who knew? This certainty is a lot harder to do though when a masked man is trying to steal your kidnapped princess back. Time to try another tactic.
"I've hired you to help me start a war. That's a prestigious line of work with a long and glorious tradition." Maybe if my degree doesn't pan out I'll give this a try.
9. People in masks cannot be trusted.
This seems like a really good rule of thumb, especially on the 364 days that are not Halloween. Sure, maybe the mask hides a handsome pirate, but on the other side, maybe it hides a scary murderous clown. Even I wouldn't take that chance for a young Cary Elwes. And another thing, if a freaking giant doesn't trust a man in a mask when he could just crush him into rubble, then I should probably listen to him because I definitely can't crush someone like he can.
10. There's a huge difference between mostly dead and all dead.
College students use this same logic when it comes to their grades -- usually in the case of "Mostly failing is not the same as failing." They also live under the impression that their deceased grades can be brought back to life. On another note, true love with not save your grades either. Really, I blame this hopeful mentality on this movie. I'm fairly certain that Wesley coming back to life has lees to do with true love and more to do with the magic pill he gives him. (Which also sounds a lot like college, strangely enough.)
Happy Netflix binge time! What lessons did this movie teach you?
