I can still remember the excitement of getting all dressed up like a noble lady/princess for the first time and then gathering around the wooden gate in anticipation of it opening! Then, at 10 AM on the dot, I saw a man standing above the entrance playing a small pipe, and in a loud voice, he sang:
Good people pay heed, our petition your attentions we beg and request, if you are inclined to listen, we will think ourselves truly blessed. We have come to relate many stories concerning our forefathers’ time and we trust they will drive out your worries of this, we are all in one mind. Many tales of the poor and the gentry, of labor and love will arise. We have songs to make your hearts gleeful and songs to bring tears to your eyes. There is one more thing needing mentioned: the dances are danced, all in fun. So, now that you heard our intention we play onto the beat of the drum.
~The Calling On Song by The Empty Hats
In the midst of this, you were greeted by the town folk as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the king and queen at the opening gate. Once they greeted the guest in all their royal splendor, everyone proceeded through the gate for a festive time to be had! Now, depending on where a festival is located and the time of year, some festivals are only for two weekends and others, like the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, for eight!
This festival usually starts around Valentine’s Day and goes to the end of March. I usually like to go the first or second weekend because it’s not as crowded and has a romantic atmosphere. The theme is usually chocolate wine and romance or Once Upon a Time. Harking back to a time of chivalrous knights in shining armor, saving damsels in distress and then living “happily ever after.”
It is with this in mind that I share three movies that will not only give you more swash for your buckle but will also give you the best happily ever after!
“As you wish…”~ Wesley The Princess Bride 1987
The Princess Bride is a cinematic fairytale adapted from the book by S. Morganstern. The screenplay was written by William Goldman and was directed by Rob Reiner. It stars Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, and Robin Wright.
Once upon a time… a grandfather (Peter Falk) reads his favorite book to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). It’s called The Princess Bride by S. Morgenstern. It’s about the most beautiful woman in the world (Robin Wright), the hero who loves her (Carey Elwes), and the evil prince (Chris Sarandon) who says he wants to marry her. This story is chock full of sword fighting, revenge, giants, monsters, miracles, and true love.
This film is a quintessential swashbuckler fairytale and can be watched over and over again! There are so many quotable and great moments. If I had to narrow it down to just two, it would be the sword fight between Indigo Montoya and the man in black and Miracle Max and his lovely wife, Valerie. I could spend this entire article on this one film and still not do it justice. If you have not seen this film, find a way to watch it, and if you have seen this film, watch it again and share it with a friend, for this is a story that should be shared. Just like the grandfather shared it with his grandson.
CURSED FOR ETERNITY…No force in Heaven will release them. No power on Earth can save them.
Ladyhawke was directed by Richard Donner and written by Edward Khmara, Michael Thomas, and Tom Mankiewicz.
It stars Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
In a time of magic and adventure, in 12th century Italy, the scorned, spiteful Bishop of Aquila puts a terrible curse on the star-crossed lovers Isabeau of Anjou and Etienne of Navarre. Now, by day, the irrevocable hex turns Isabeau into a magnificent hawk, and by night, it transforms Navarre into an indomitable grey wolf. Eternally united and forever separated, however, the doomed couple will find an unexpected ally in the person of Phillipe Gaston, an audacious young pickpocket known as “The Mouse”, the only prisoner who has ever escaped Aquila’s impregnable fortress. But, sometimes, love can become a prison. Can Philippe help the hawk and the wolf break the spell?
According to IMBD, the 1985 film is not based on a true medieval legend. However, one example of a relevant medieval legend is the story of Bisclavret, which was recorded in the second half of the 12th century. Be that as it may, it is still a fantastic story! The transformation scene from man to wolf and from lady to hawk is done in a creative way through editing in cinematic shots. It’s believable and doesn’t take the viewer out of the story. Matthew Broderick brings some comic relief to a tragic love story as he is unwittingly thrown into this tale, perhaps hoping to find some redemption.
My favorite scene takes place towards the end of the film in the Fortress Chapel. Etienne Navarre faces a former knight of the bishop in the final battle. This story has all the things to make a great fairytale: a brave knight, a beautiful damsel, magic, eternal love fighting to be together but cursed to be apart. This movie has all the feels from start to finish, which is why it’s on my list for the perfect fairytale!
Desire. Defy. Escape.
You can’t go wrong with a classic. This film is called Ever After: A Cinderella Story and was made in 1998. It’s a reimagining of the classic fairytale written in 1812 by the brothers Grimm. It was directed by Andy Tennant, who also co-wrote the film with Susannah Grant and Rick Parks. It stars Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, and Dougray Scott.
The Brothers Grimm arrive at the home of a wealthy Grande Dame, who speaks of the many legends surrounding the fable of the cinder girl before telling the “true” story of her ancestor Danielle.
After her father’s sudden death, Danielle is made a servant by her new stepmother. She also has two new stepsisters, one quite kind, but the other is really horrid. Still, she grows up to be a happy and strong-willed young lady, and one day, her path crosses that of handsome Prince Henry, who has troubles of his own at home. Will these two find their happily ever after? Luckily, the nice Leonardo da Vinci is on hand to help.
This film is visually stunning. I love all the costumes and the set design. Drew Barrymore‘s portrayal of Danielle is great. She is strong-willed and not afraid to fight for what she wants, yet she remains a noble lady! Anjelica Houston puts the wicked in the wicked stepmother; her portrayal is mesmerizing. She is cruel and conniving. She makes the Disney version seem like a kitten. The idea that Danielle meets the Prince “accidentally” and how circumstances keep putting them together and yet pulling them apart makes you, the viewer, sit on the edge of your seat wondering if they will get their happily ever after. My favorite scene is when Danielle is dressed for the ball.
Well, there you have it, good gentles! May these films fill your dreams with more swash for your buckle and happily ever after!
Do you like these cinematic choices? What other films would you consider to have the best fairytale ending?
Would you like more swash for your buckle? Then check out:
Get More Swash For Your Buckle: The Best Films About Robin Hood
