Movie Project - Day 46: Willow

Moving into something a bit more adventurous, the other night we watched the 1988 classic, Willow. This movie is truly remarkable and quite the mishmash of actors, producers, and directors that works very well. I'm sure if this movie was made today they would try to make two or three sequels, but this was back in the day when people would make a movie, be happy with it, then move onto something else.

There are times I miss those days.

The movie's plot is common enough: Evil Overlord looking to take over the land and quell the one person that has been prophesied to destroy her. Common man takes the task that has been more or less forced upon him, and encounters willy and wacky folk to add to his party as he journeys to fulfill his quest.

So if the story's been heard before, why is it something worth hearing again? Perhaps it's because of the lavish atmosphere of the world created. Or it could be the balance of character development and comedy. The practical uses of magic and prominent use of melee weaponry. Maybe because I have some very strong memories of watching this movie with my step-brother, whom I have not seen nor talked to in years. In the end, I believe it's because the story hits the right points with the right intensity.

The biggest draw for this movie is the fact the heroes aren't people that are born and bred for greatness. Willow, the main protagonist, is a simple farmer and loving father just trying to keep his household in order. He makes mistakes, he has fears, and he has dreams. While not everyone would aspire to be a magician, it's still admirable that he never gives up, even when his best trick goes awry during a performance.

On a side note, the actor who played Willow, Warwick Davis, has become more well know for his role as Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter series. Just goes to show just how far Willow Ufgood went in his career as a sorcerer!

An evil overlord taking over the world and those that are trying to stop this from happening make up the bulk of the story, but the movie also touches on the lives of the ordinary people that wouldn't know much about what was going on, and are happy to be that way. They live their lives, drink their ale, do their jobs, but in large don't react very strongly to what's going on.

Of all the action packed parts of this movie, one element and one event stood out for my daughter.  First and foremost, she loved the horses.  There were horses in pretty much every part of the movie.  Ponies, stallions, mares, cart horses, almost any kind of horse you can imagine.  Well, they never perform the RCMP Musical Ride.  And they don't have the Lipizaner Stallions featured either.  They still have a lot of horses!

Then her most favourite part of the movie was, without a doubt, the sledding.  At one point, Willow escapes from an mountain enemy camp by sledding down the mountain side on a shield.  I'm still amazed how they were able to shoot that scene.  Then Mad Mardigan, played by Val Kilmer, falls off the shield/sled, tumbles down the mountain, and winds up rolled into a massive pile of snow.  It's quite funny watching this pile of snow, with a pair of feet sticking out, come rolling down the hill.

For its time, it was quite the landmark in filmmaking, and it was produced by George Lucas.  While this is not Star Wars, it certainly has enough to stand on its own.  A modern classic and a lot of fun, but be warned, there are some scary parts that might scare little ones.  Of course, I've also shown my daughter Toy Story 3, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Coraline.  I think she's used to scary by now.

Either that, or I better start saving now for the therapy bills.