Original artwork, not a still
Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.
— The Princess Bride ‧ 1987
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Westley answers a heartbreaking claim with a smile: for him, death is only a delay. It is the story's romantic thesis, and the film promptly undercuts it with a grandson groaning at the kissing, which suits a story that loves its romance and teases it. The line is quoted wherever people want a movie promise of love that will wait.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Princess BrideShow the scene
In a ravine, Buttercup has just learned that the man in black is the Dread Pirate Roberts, whom she blames for killing the love of her life. He reveals himself as Westley, the farm boy she thought dead for five years. He says he told her he would always come for her and asks why she did not wait. She replies that he was dead. Westley says death cannot stop true love, only delay it. They kiss, and the grandson groans.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: The Princess BrideLife is pain / Death cannot stop true loveReference checked
- Wikipedia: The Princess Bride (film)PlotReference checked
Context reviewed
