When Westley (Cary Elwes) first says “As you wish” to Buttercup (Robin Wright) in The Princess Bride, it seems like nothing more than the polite reply of a servant to his mistress. He fetches water for her, she barely acknowledges his presence, and those three words appear as a mere formal response. At this moment, the line holds little more significance than the typical exchanges between a servant and a noble. But as the film progresses, the phrase begins to grow in importance, gradually revealing layers of unspoken affection and devotion that, once fully understood, deliver a satisfying emotional punch.
By the time Buttercup realizes that each “As you wish” is actually Westley’s way of saying “I love you,” the audience is already aware of the deeper meaning. This revelation—when it finally dawns on Buttercup—is not only a pivotal moment in the film, but also a triumphant one. It’s what makes this seemingly simple line one of the most iconic and enduring quotes in cinema history.
Director Rob Reiner and screenwriter William Goldman, through a combination of satire, parody, and sincerity, created a film where every element—from swashbuckling pirates to verbose villains—was exaggerated. Yet in the midst of all the humor, absurdity, and fantastical elements, one phrase stands out for its unwavering honesty. The Princess Bride is, at its core, a parody of the fairy tale genre, but “As you wish” transcends parody to become the beating heart of the story. It’s sincere, simple, and in a film that often reminds its audience that it’s “just a story,” this phrase stands as a powerful and truthful representation of love.
Overview Table: The Power of “As You Wish”
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Meaning | A servant’s polite reply, seemingly of no importance to Buttercup at first. |
| Growth in Significance | The phrase evolves, gradually carrying more emotional weight as a symbol of Westley’s love. |
| Context in the Fairytale | In the fairytale world, “As you wish” transforms servitude into genuine devotion and unselfish love. |
| Context in the Frame Story | The grandson learns the deeper meaning of the phrase as he grows into understanding the sincerity of love. |
| Emotional Power | The phrase captures the essence of love through small, consistent acts rather than grand declarations. |
| Cultural Impact | “As you wish” has become one of the most enduring love quotes in cinema due to its simplicity and sincerity. |
The Line Turns a Parody Into a Promise
One of the remarkable qualities of The Princess Bride is the way it exists in two distinct worlds: the exaggerated fantasy in which Westley and Buttercup live, and the modern, somewhat cynical world of the grandson (Fred Savage), who rolls his eyes at “the kissing parts.” While the fairy tale world is full of magic, sword fights, and impossible feats, the grandson represents a more skeptical view, one rooted in reality. As his grandfather (Peter Falk) reads the story to him, the young boy is dismissive, viewing the tale as little more than an outlandish, sentimental fable.
However, the repetition of “As you wish” serves as a bridge between these two worlds. In the context of the fairy tale, Westley’s words evolve from a mere expression of obedience into a symbol of deep, undying love. Each time he says “As you wish,” it reflects a devotion that goes beyond duty. It is his way of allowing Buttercup the freedom to be herself without any expectation of reciprocation, a freedom that emphasizes the unselfish nature of his love.
Westley: “As you wish.”
(This line is repeated multiple times throughout the film, signaling Westley’s devotion and love for Buttercup.)
Westley’s love for Buttercup is not about grand gestures or declarations of ownership. Instead, it is about offering her the space to live her life, while he quietly demonstrates his devotion. When Westley is believed to be dead, Buttercup is not only mourning the loss of a person, but the loss of a rare and precious kind of love—one that asked for nothing in return, and one that never tried to control her.
In the modern frame story, the impact of “As you wish” is similarly transformative. Initially, the grandson is unwilling to embrace the story’s romantic elements, insisting that it’s boring and unnecessary. But as the tale unfolds, the grandson is drawn into its sincerity, finding himself moved by the power of the love story. By the end of the film, when his grandfather whispers “As you wish” to him, the grandson’s resistance has dissolved. He now understands that love stories are not something to grow out of or dismiss as childish, but something to carry with you into adulthood.
Why Three Words Still Hold More Power Than Any Love Monologue?
The genius of the line “As you wish” lies in its simplicity. Most cinematic love declarations are grand, dramatic, and full of hyperbole. Think of the elaborate speeches, the tears, the professions of undying devotion, and the over-the-top gestures that often characterize love in film. In contrast, The Princess Bride gives us three unassuming words, repeated with quiet sincerity, which convey more emotion than entire monologues could.
Westley’s love for Buttercup is not about making promises of wealth or glory. He does not vow to give her the world or to conquer kingdoms for her. Instead, he shows his love through his actions: fetching water without complaint, enduring hardship for her, and never once demanding anything in return. Every time he says “As you wish,” it becomes clear that his love is in the quiet, consistent effort he puts forth, the patience he exhibits, and his refusal to give up on her—even when he is thought to be dead (or, as the film humorously states, “mostly dead”).
Westley: “Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.”
(This iconic quote reflects Westley’s unwavering devotion and the timeless nature of true love in the film.)
In a world where love is often presented as a dramatic spectacle, The Princess Bride makes a profound statement by showing that the most powerful expressions of love are not the loudest, but the most consistent. Westley’s love is built on actions that speak louder than words, and the simplicity of “As you wish” encapsulates that love perfectly. It is a phrase that conveys patience, understanding, and a deep sense of commitment.
Unlike many modern romances that attempt to update or modernize love stories with witty banter or cynical detachment, “As you wish” remains timeless because it resists the urge to overcomplicate love. It’s not flashy or trying to impress; it simply is. And that simplicity is what makes it so enduring.
The power of “As you wish” is that it is real. It doesn’t need to be adorned with ornate language or dramatic gestures. It is a quiet promise, made over and over again, with no need for fanfare or public declarations. In its brevity, it speaks volumes. It says, “I see you, I understand you, and I choose to be here with you.” And that is the essence of true love: a commitment, made quietly and consistently, to stand by someone through thick and thin, without needing constant recognition.
A Love Story That’s Not Just a Fairytale
Nearly forty years after its release, The Princess Bride still stands apart from other romantic films because it refuses to treat love as a spectacle. It treats love as a choice—a small promise that is kept over a lifetime, not a declaration shouted from the mountaintops. In a genre where dramatic speeches often overshadow the quieter moments of connection, “As you wish” reminds us that the most enduring romances are the ones that are built on consistent actions and humble promises.
The film’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance parody and sincerity, delivering a love story that feels both timeless and genuine. Westley’s repeated phrase is the ultimate symbol of that love: it is steadfast, patient, and free of ego. It is a love that requires no justification, no elaborate speeches, and no fanfare—just three simple words that have captured the hearts of audiences for decades.
FAQs
In the film “As You Wish”, it is Westley’s way of saying “I love you” to Buttercup. Each time he says it, it symbolises his devotion to her, offering selfless love without demanding anything in return.
The phrase is iconic because it conveys deep emotional truth in its simplicity. It’s not a grand declaration, but rather a consistent, patient promise of love that resonates across time.
At first, it seems like a mere servant’s reply, but as the movie progresses, it becomes a declaration of love, with each repetition carrying more emotional weight as Westley’s devotion to Buttercup is revealed.
Modern romances often rely on grand gestures or witty banter, while “As you wish” works because of its quiet sincerity. It shows that love can be expressed in small, consistent ways, without the need for spectacle.
