1. Love is the greatest gift of all.
If your love is true (like really true), many people will help you for no other reason than true love is so very rare. Also, because their own selfish desires led them to use you in their schemes. But, still. Oh, and apparently death cannot stop true love. Bonus.
2. No pain, no gain.
Building up an immunity to poison (like Iocane powder) is extremely beneficial in many situations including, but not limited to, a battle of wits and will guarantee you a win every time you play “which cup is the poison in?” Sweet victory is only a vial away.
3. Make your own fun.
Just because you’re in a sword fight to the death, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Witty banter makes this experience much more enjoyable as does waiting to use your dominant hand until you discern whether your opponent is worthy or not.
4. Be honest.
If you’re only waiting around to kill someone, they may not accept your help. But if you’re honest and disclose this information, that might be all they need to hear. What’s not to trust?
5. React with humor instead of anger.
If your boss is aggravating you, repeatedly rhyming is a great tactic to keep him at bay while entertaining your colleagues.
“Do you know that you are late?!”
“Do you know I had a date?”
“You missed a meeting for today!”
“Yes, I know. Hip-hip-hooray.”
“Stop that rhyming! Stop it now!”
“Okay, dude, don’t have a cow.”
“Keep it up and you’ll be fired!”
“Staying here till I’m retired.”
“Don’t push it, Fred, you’re on thin ice!”
Ice…ice…
“I’ve got nothing… Lunch break? Nice!”
6. Don’t give up.
Being “mostly dead” is very different from being “all dead”. ‘Nuff said.
7. Self-care is important.
If you haven’t got your health, you haven’t got anything. So put your priorities in order. If those treasonous plans and murderous plots need attention, you may have to miss out on something fun like going to the Pit of Despair. For the sake of your health.
8. Know what a word means before you say it.
“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” That phrase is priceless. It can be used to embarrass anyone, anywhere, anytime. Also, it never gets old.
9. Don’t underestimate the power of a name.
The name is what’s important. Names have reputations, not people. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and co-workers to call you Thor or Captain America. Alternatively, if you’re trying to strike fear in the hearts of men, try Loki or Red Skull. No one will ask for help from Captain Fred. And no one is afraid of Red Fred. See? It’s all in the name. Pass it on.
10. Always have a “Plan B”.
There is no future in revenge. Don’t turn the other cheek, though, as that one might get slashed as well. Do what you need to do. Just keep in mind two things:
1. If you don’t succeed, you’ll need to find somewhere else to focus your energy.
2. If you do succeed… Well, think about it. Once you get your revenge, there is nothing left. Be sure to find time during your years of plotting revenge to study or learn a trade so, post-revenge, you have something to do with the rest of your life. Unless you happen to know a pirate who is willing to let you use his name.
Have you seen The Princess Bride? If so, what lessons have you learned from it? Everything tastes better coated in chocolate? “To the pain” is significantly worse than “To the death”? The Cliffs of Insanity are aptly named?
If you have not seen this film, please, for the love of Miracle Max, go. Watch.
This post is part of the Things I Learned from the Movies Blogathon hosted by Speakeasy and Silver Screenings. #LearnedFromMovies
- Special thanks to Silver Screenings for allowing me to have fun and be silly with my entries.
Best movie ever.
I learned that if you tie a little mask across your eyes no one will recognise you, not even your true love. Which can be good or bad.
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It really is.
Right? Because You can get away with anything if you have an eye mask. (Plus, they’re terribly comfortable.)
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Haven’t seen the Princess Bride but they sound like good life lessons ;-D
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Really?! I hope you get a chance to see it. There are so many life lessons I didn’t include… 😄
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I know, I’m way behind the times 😉
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Such a funny film. Loved it and could watch it again and again. Danny De Vito was so funny in it. And yeah, lots of lessons.
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Lots of laughs, lots of lessons. 😄
Do you mean Vizzini? That was Wallace Shawn. Although…interestingly enough, I think Danny DeVito was originally considered for that role.
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Oh dear! Looks like I’ve got a movie to watch. I wonder when I’ll fit it in!
Amusing though. 🙂
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Oh, please do watch this one. It’s not long and jam-packed with giggly goodness.
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Okay. I’ll try. 🙂
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In all truth I think it is more likely I’ll have my kidneys dry cleaned before I watch something with princess in the title. I did the chick flick shit shift as a parent (my wife owes me big time) and I’m done…
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Chick flick?! Did you just… You didn’t. Okay, I’m dry cleaning your kidneys then you are free to watch it. Don’t judge a film by its title, my friend. Cary Elwes, Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin, Carol Kane, Billy Crystal, Wallace Shawn… A chick flick? Blasphemy!
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anybody got a peanut?
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No more rhymes now. I mean it!
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One of the best movies ever! Number eight in your list is a particular favourite of mine. ‘Never start a land war in Asia’ is another 😀
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“But only slightly less well known is this!” 😄 Love that scene. Brilliant writing and acting.
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And I had the biggest crush on Cary Elwes, too! 😉
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Um. Who didn’t? ❤ As you wish…
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I am ashamed to admit, I have never seen ALL of The Princess Bride. Merely funny clips now and then. I’m adding it to my list of things I must do soon, because, obviously, I have life lessons to learn from it. Some of these were hilarious, and I’m not even sure what they refer to! Doh!
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In fairness, this is an unbelievably quotable movie (both from writing and brilliant casting/acting) so you’re bound to get a giggle from some of it even if you haven’t watched the whole movie. But, yes, do see it. Love, life lessons, laughter…it’s all good.
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I always MEANT to watch it, but somehow didn’t. 😦 However, I’m currently on a quest to buy the entire collection of Fawlty Towers episodes, and I may as well grab this movie at the same time. (And yes, in those days Cary Elwes was bee-yootiful!) 🙂
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Fawlty Towers! 😄 I should grab that, too. It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten a lot of those.
One could argue that Cary Elwes is still quite handsome. But total eye candy in Princess Bride. I think it was partly his superior acting and the character he played. Though maybe that’s just me. (I’m going to stop now, Marcia. This isn’t THAT kind of blog!) 😉
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Ooh, I love that movie!
“8. Know what a word means before you say it.” was the first lesson I learned from it. Haha!
What is your favourite scene from The Princess Bride?
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Seriously?! I can’t choose just one. 😜 Sword fighting atop the Cliffs of Insanity? To the Pain? Battle of Wits? Miracle Max? So many scenes, so little time.
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Wonderful quotable movie, great pick and thanks for writing this!
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Thanks so much for hosting this awesome blogathon. It was great fun. 😀
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Excellent points! I particularly appreciate the tormenting of the boss. 😀
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You would torment your boss? I can’t imagine that.
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Well, I know what trick I’m using the next time I’m backed into a corner during an uncomfortable meeting. Fezzik wouldn’t lie!
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Rhyme your way out of that corner. But be honest about it. 😉
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If I don’t
I’ll be in deep shi—- OH I SEE WHAT HAPPENED THERE.
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😄
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Having just read through all these comments, I hesitate to say this… Yes, I have seen it, but I didn’t get it. I’ve read the book as well – in fact I read that first. Maybe I shouldn’t have read the book. The thing is, I love William Goldman. He’s written some of the best books and movies out there. Perhaps that was the problem. It wasn’t his normal kind of story. (Shall I stop making excuses now?)
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Oh… You better hesitate! Yes, stop making excuses and I’ll tell you a secret: I could not stand that book. Which, incidentally, I read after watching the movie. I’m seeing a trend here. I find this extremely interesting because Goldman wrote both the book and the screenplay. They are wildly different. But…Rob Reiner. I saw the movie then picked up the book expecting to laugh my ass off and was all, “What is this?”
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Sounds like I need to give it another go. Otherwise I’m guessing I’m in deep trouble…
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Perhaps I should try the book again, too. Only fair. (I really think, in this case, if you read the book first you’ll be disappointed and vice versa. Or confused. Confused might be a better word here.)
As for the trouble… Don’t go there, my friend.
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Scarcely a week goes by without me challenging my children to a duel, beginning with the words “My name is Inigo Montoya…”
Perfect film. Great post!
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Haha! Challenging the children to a duel! I love it. 😄 (And, really, it always must begin with those words.) That’s beautiful.
Thanks for stopping by…but, since you’re here, you don’t by any chance happen to have six fingers on your right hand?
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Haha! Inconceivable 🙂
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If people fear something, it can be truer than you think.
Never underestimate ROUSs.
The secret to a happy mawwiage is twue wuv. 😀
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ROUSs? I don’t think they exist.
Now twue wuv…yes, the secret to a happy mawwiage. And a long one. You know, since death can’t stop it. 😉
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I found a DVD of “The Princess Bride” on sale ($5.00!) a few weeks ago, and plan to re-watch it again soon…especially after reading your Lessons Learned. SO many great lines in this film, and such great casting. You’ve written about these valuable lessons in a witty and clever way, yet you haven’t diminished their real-life value. That is quite a skill.
Thanks for joining the blogathon with TWO fabulous entries. I’m so glad you came to the party! 🙂
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That is awesome! Have fun watching. 🙂 I know. This is one of the most quotable movies. The writing is amazing but the delivery of the lines…priceless. Absolutely brilliant casting.
Thank you so much for hosting this and letting me goof and have fun with my entries. You are truly the bee’s knees. 🐝 (Let me know if, or when, that gets old. I won’t bee offended. OMG. I couldn’t even help that.) Great party. I’ll help you clean up. Oh, there’s an open bottle of wine here. We should finish that. Cheers!
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Haha! Yes, let’s finish off that wine! *clink*
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Not sure I’ve seen this one. Number 7 though. Amen. Wish the wife would listen when her ME flares up… *rage*
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Um. Your wife has treasonous plans and is involved in murderous plots? 😉 Careful…
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This is the first movie I took my son to in 1987 and have watched it probably yearly since. Best. Movie. Ever. So quotable – ‘My name is….You killed my father, prepare to die”, ‘Only mostly dead’, ‘Inconceivable!’ Also love a ‘MLT – when the mutton is nice and lean’
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You just made me laugh out loud at the mutton comment. He has so many good lines, I wasn’t thinking of that one. 😄 We never run out of quotes from this. There’s one for almost every situation. It’s our go-to movie. It’s just…The Princess Bride. Thanks for stopping by. Have fun storming the castle!
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Oh, this is brilliant! 10yo DD did not like the Princess Bride. She did not get it. I nearly disowned her.
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Inconceivable! I’d have done the same.
Thanks. 😄
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I learned that you should always revenge your father’s death! also that ‘As you wish’ can be an incredibly romantic line.
Don’t forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! 🙂
Cheers!
Le
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From Cary Elwes, pretty much anything would be an incredibly romantic line. 😉 “As you wish” was perfectly delivered.
Will do. This blogathon was fantastic. Thanks for stopping by.
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Love this article!! So well done. Such fun.
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Thanks! It was so fun to write. Such a fabulous movie. Glad you enjoyed the post.
(P.S. Thanks for the shout out on your blog!)
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Pingback: 10 Things I Learned from The Princess Bride — Lemon Shark – Drawing on Words
This is so great!
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Thanks. 😀
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Sarah, what a fun post! I love Princess Bride – haven’t seen it in a while but it’s a great movie.
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Thanks! 🙂 I hope you get to see it again soon. Have fun storming the castle!
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A great movie and I love the take-aways. I rarely watch a movie more than once and have seen this one a dozen times 🙂
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So have I. 🙂 It’s so quotable, so fun, and such feel-good silliness. It’s one of my go-to movies when I can’t decide what to watch or I’m not feeling well.
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Number 5 isn’t just for annoying bosses. It’s great for inducing eye rolls from the offspring as well. Take it from me. 🙂
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Fair enough. Except mine join in. So I sing. A lot. 😉 It’s great fun.
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LOL. I obviously have not watched with a sufficiently critical mind. I didn’t know you had to learn from it – thought it was something I could smile and forget.
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Forget?! Inconceivable. You obviously have to watch this again. 😜
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LOL. I’m sure I will. Roger records anything with Princess in the title. He thinks it earns him Brownie points.
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Reblogged this on WILDsound Writing and Film Festival Review.
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Thanks for the share! 🙂
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