There are films that simply entertain, and then there are films that evolve with you. The Princess Bride falls into the latter category. Once a childhood adventure filled with swashbuckling heroes and fairy-tale romance, it now serves as an unexpected metaphor for modern motherhood – particularly when you’re raising and educating children alone.
What was once an engaging tale of true love and high adventure now resonates on an entirely different level. Westley’s unwavering determination, Buttercup’s disillusionment, and Inigo Montoya’s single-minded purpose feel far more recognisable when viewed through the lens of single parenthood and home education.
Why The Princess Bride Remains the Ultimate Family Film
💛 It Balances Escapism and Wisdom – Sword fights, romance, adventure – woven together with surprising philosophical depth. Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something. Tell me that’s not elite parenting wisdom.
😂 The Humour Holds Up – Unlike some childhood favourites (*apologies to Space Jam), The Princess Bride remains genuinely clever. The satire, the wit, the unexpected depth – it’s the kind of humour that matures with you.
📖 It Doubles as a Home Ed Resource – History, ethics, problem-solving… The Princess Bride has it all. Analysing Vizzini’s logical fallacies? That’s philosophy. Westley’s relentless pursuit of Buttercup? That’s a lesson in grit (though questionable life choices). The Cliffs of Insanity? PE.
🙃 Westley’s “As You Wish” Hits Different – When you’re the only adult in the house fetching endless snacks and mediating sibling disputes, Westley’s unwavering compliance starts to feel far too relatable.
Rewatching The Princess Bride as a home-educating single mum is a unique cinematic experience – one filled with nostalgia, deeper meaning, and occasional interruptions for juice refills. But whether you’re quoting it word for word or introducing your children to its brilliance for the first time, one thing remains certain:
It is, and always will be, a perfect film.
Have you watched The Princess Bride as a parent? Did it resonate differently for you too? Share your thoughts below! 👑⚔️