Willow [DVD] [1988]

 

 

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"Willow" has been an easy target for the critics. Perhaps it's true that George Lucas wished he had written Lord of the Rings, or at least had secured the movie rights to it, but that doesn't take anything away from the magical adventure that is Willow.

There are some films which are timeless. You see them as a child and enjoy them equally as an adult. The adventure never pales, the wonder never ceases, and despite their clear existence in a world very different to your own, you care deeply about the characters and what becomes of them. No matter how many times you watch it. Willow is one such film.

Looking for something for the kids? Willow is perfect, and they'll wonder at your good taste. Want something to curl up to on the sofa with your other half? Willow's guaranteed to make 'em smile, laugh, and (when they think you're not looking) mist up a bit.

Warwick Davis is excellent in the title role, and his performance is even more remarkable given that he was only 17 when it was made. But Val Kilmer steals the show as the swordsman who finally finds something to believe in, wisecracking his way through various feats of heroism. The actor improvised much of his dialogue, which really makes it crackle. And watch out for the smoldering scenes with Joanne Whalley, parelleling their burgeoning off-screen romance during the filming, which ended in their marriage.

If you have never seen it, buy it now. If you have already experienced its magic, you already know you're going to!

I loved this film as a child and when I saw the DVD version I jumped at the chance to introduce it to my own daughters.

It's an excellent family movie for those long winter nights, with everything from dwarfish, heroic Willow determined to do the right thing as a family man to madcap Madmartigan, out for the main chance but a good guy really. When our fine heroes meet up with the seemingly evil but actually quite sweet Sorsha, daughter of the evil Queen Bavmorda, things start to get really complicated. Add a sorceress who (unwillingly) changes shape about twenty times over the course of the movie and you've got something the kids will go mad for.

For those adult eyes amongst us, it's sad to admit that this movie hasn't aged as well as we might have hoped. More than a little cheesy and peopled with every fantasy cliche character from inept magician to evil babykilling queen to swordmaster thief turned hero, the watching prompts as many winces as it does smiles.

At least the kids will love it. And, in theory, they're the ones we're buying it for.

I first saw Willow when I was very young, and now, a decade later, it has lost none of its magic for me!

The film tells the story of young Willow Ufgood, the reluctant hero of his Nelwyn village as he is chosen to return a very important Daikini (the Nelwyn word for humans!) baby to her own kind. However, Willow gets a lot more than he bargained for along the way, joining forces with a great (and often silly) swordsman, Madmartigan, two bossy and very short brownies, and the mysterious Fin Raziel, in his quest.

I loved everything about this film ... the music is beautiful, as are the settings (filmed in a variety of locations from Wales to New Zealand), the special effects are good, and the story is the classic and timeless tale of good versus evil, narrating the lives of many memorable characters. The film combines humour, action, fantasy and romance in a very satisfactory and watchable two hours. What more could you ask for?

And a note about the special DVD features as well ... crystal clear sound and vision, added extras such as interviews, trailers (some of which made me laugh) and stills from the making of the film, and a feature on the way the special effects were produced. I enjoyed seeing all of these - this classic is definitely worth the money!

Top marks for a film that I'll always enjoy.

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5.0 out of 5 stars great
great for the money. came within 7 days, i got this for my daughter and she loved it. anything to keep her happy.

Published 13 hours ago by Mrs Foster

5.0 out of 5 stars Blast from the past
I watched this in the early 90s and loved it. I brought it the other day on dvd and still love it. Val Kilmer is so funny and Warwick Davis plays the part of Willow very good. Read more

Published 13 days ago by Miss Mulligan

4.0 out of 5 stars Blast from the past.
Recent bbc two show with Warick Davis reminded me of the film from my child hood so bought it. Dated now but one for the collection.

Published 24 days ago by hadster

4.0 out of 5 stars I confess - I bought it on acct of Life's Too Short...but...
...bearing in mind that this was made in 1988 (thats nearly 25 years ago) this is really pretty good!
Bog standard tale of good looking to overthrow evil - but so what. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Ginola14

5.0 out of 5 stars Willow DVD
I love this film. Fantasy, adventure, fairies, trolls, wicked witch, dwarves, pixies, magic - what more can you ask for?

Published 1 month ago by LRH

5.0 out of 5 stars What a film
This is the ulimate cheese 80's fair a fantasy story thats mixes in fighting romance and comedy if your a child of the 80's or just like fantasy setting this is the film for you... Read more

Published 1 month ago by Rob

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT!!
I have always loved this film since being young but have not seen it for about 10 years. Finding it on here was the best christmas present to myself (ha) EVER!!!!!

Published 1 month ago by Miss Gee

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic
A brilliant fantasy film with a bit of fighting, comedy, romance and a wicked witch! Warwick Davis is Willow who finds a baby and has to return her to where she belongs. Read more

Published 4 months ago by Spooki

4.0 out of 5 stars Great entertainment!
Kids and I love this film, has everything. Romance, funny, excitement, monsters, pretty girl and boy (Val Kilmer) and a very cute baby!

Published 7 months ago by M. L. Grummett

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you!
Sorry my review has taken a while, the film arrived not long after my order and arrived in the state that was described! Thank you very much!

Published 7 months ago by Abbie

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