Watch Willow
- PG
- 1988
- 2 hr 6 min
-
7.2 (130,397)
In the 1988 fantasy adventure film, Willow, directed by Ron Howard, we are transported into a world filled with magic and mystical creatures. The movie stars Warwick Davis as the titular character, a young Nelwyn farmer who dreams of bigger things. Joining Davis on this epic journey is Val Kilmer, as a warrior known as Madmartigan, and Joanne Whalley, as the brave warrior Sorsha.
The movie begins with Willow, a Nelwyn who is smaller than the rest of his kind, but has a heart that is larger than life. Willow is content with the life he leads, but he longs for something more. One day, while tending to his flock, Willow comes upon a baby who has been delivered to him by a group of Daikini, who are the human race in this world. This baby, who is later revealed to be a member of the royal family, has been sent away from her home in order to protect her from an evil queen who seeks to end her life.
Willow, recognizing the importance of this child, sets out on a dangerous journey to return her to her people. Along the way, he encounters Madmartigan, a skilled warrior who is in the midst of an identity crisis due to a past failure. Madmartigan is drawn to Willow and the baby, and agrees to help them on their journey.
The trio is soon joined by Sorsha, the daughter of the evil queen who is pursuing them. Sorsha is a fiercely skilled warrior, but as she travels with Willow, Madmartigan, and the baby, she begins to question the motives of her mother and the life she has led. As the group journey through various obstacles, they are pursued by the queen's army and many obstacles arise.
One of the standout elements of this movie is the world-building. The film takes place in a richly developed universe, full of fascinating lore and wondrous creatures. There are brownies, who are small fairy-like creatures who aid Willow on his quest, as well as trolls and dragons. The special effects used in the production of this movie are astounding, especially considering that it was released in 1988. The creatures and their unique world interact with the main characters in such a compelling way.
Another standout element is the cast. Warwick Davis is the perfect choice for the role of Willow. He imbues the character with a warmth and vulnerability that makes the audience care about him immediately. Val Kilmer is exhilarating in the role of the rogue warrior Madmartigan. He brings a charm and levity to the movie, making him an instant favorite. Joanne Whalley is equally impressive in her role as Sorsha, the conflicted warrior who joins the group. She brings a ferocity to the role, but also a complex emotional depth that makes her character much more than a stock strong female character.
Overall, Willow is a must-see film for fans of the fantasy genre. Its unforgettable world-building, iconic performances, and timeless story make it a classic that is worth revisiting time and time again. It's a movie that will transport viewers to a world that is both magical and dangerous, and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Willow is a 1988 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 47.