Willow (1988)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Phil H

  
  Classic tale of good vs evil with great characters and creatures throughout. All the cast are likeable and fit perfectly into the story making the film quite humorous in places, the 'Brownies' and 'Madmardigan' especially hehe. The action is nice and not too… More
  Classic tale of good vs evil with great characters and creatures throughout. All the cast are likeable and fit perfectly into the story making the film quite humorous in places, the 'Brownies' and 'Madmardigan' especially hehe. The action is nice and not too brutal, brings back the feeling of old 'Errol Flynn' films in a way with swords, swashbuckling and the dashing hero. The main event in this film was the effects in the form of the cgi, first time used in a movie, looks cheesy now but it was state of the art back then. Tippet creatures are nice too with the old stop motion effects, they do look atad raggy these days and are obvious but it kinda harks back to good old fashioned Ray Harreyhausen fantasies. Probably the first big film for Val Kilmer this, he is good as the sort of anti hero turned complete hero, some nice dialog and visual gags, abit silly but hey. Also the first big lead role for UK born Star Wars star Warwick Davis who really does create quite a cult memorable character that is very likeable. Classic fantasy fluff and winner.

• Manu G

  
  Adventure doesn't come any bigger than this. Well the idea of seeing it as an adult when I really wanted to see as a kid really failed! It was mostly boring at times although the end was the best thing of this movie. The story wasn't that interesting to me sadly. This movie… More
  Adventure doesn't come any bigger than this. Well the idea of seeing it as an adult when I really wanted to see as a kid really failed! It was mostly boring at times although the end was the best thing of this movie. The story wasn't that interesting to me sadly. This movie actually was nominated for 2 Oscars even though it didn't won any so give it a shot if you like, maybe your experience will be different. In the dungeons of the castle of the evil Queen-sorceress Bavmorda, a prisoner gives birth to a child who, according to an ancient prophecy, will put an end to the reign of the Queen. A midwife saves the child from the wrath of Bavmorda, but is forced to throw her cradle in a river when reached by the Hounds of the Queen. The river brings the child near a village of nelwyns, and little Willow finds and adopts her. When the Hounds reach the village, Willow begins a difficult journey to bring the baby back to her people and to fulfill the prophecy.

• Sergio G

  
  As good George Lucas fan this is another example of his remarkable storyteller's skills. It's a story of a nelwyn called Willow that found a baby near a river. And that's when the problems start. With the help of Madmartigan (a thief) and 2 pixies they need to return… More
  As good George Lucas fan this is another example of his remarkable storyteller's skills. It's a story of a nelwyn called Willow that found a baby near a river. And that's when the problems start. With the help of Madmartigan (a thief) and 2 pixies they need to return this baby safetly to a nearby kingdom befor the evil queen Bavmorda foun him first. Just great! 5 stars.

• Chris W

  
  The only thing going on that sets this film apart from other similar sword and sorcery/hero's quest/fantasy action films is thast this one is basically the Star Wars version of things, Not completely so, but, George Lucas had his hands all over this thing, and it shows, even down… More
  The only thing going on that sets this film apart from other similar sword and sorcery/hero's quest/fantasy action films is thast this one is basically the Star Wars version of things, Not completely so, but, George Lucas had his hands all over this thing, and it shows, even down to some of the music at times. Other than that ,this isn't really all that remarkable or special. It's not a bad film, and I was entertained, but it's not like a stone cold classic or anything. I think the main problem is that it just runs on for a bit too long, and often times it feels like it's on autppilot, and everyone's going through the motions. If you like that sort of thing, then fine. It's like a cheeseburger. Almost all cheeseburgers are pretty much the same, yet their familiarity gives a certain kind of comfort that we are okay with, even if it's nothing truly special. I did like the cast though, because it's nice to see Warwick Davis in a prominent role that doesn't involve tons of leprechaun makeup. Plus, it's just cool seeing the lead played by someone's who's vertically challenged. Val Kilmer fulfills the Han Solo role, and he's fun to watch, even if this isn't really his best or most memorable role. The "Brownies" kind of bugged me, and I now realize that they functioned as foreshadowing of Jar Jar Binks, if you catch my drift. So I'm giving this thing backhanded compliments and being nit picky, but, like I said, it did entertain me, so I do give it a mild recommendation. Perhaps if I had grown up with this movie I'd have a higher opinion of it, but who knows.

• Spencer S

  
  The main reason a person would want to watch this epically magical tale of a dwarvian creature turned sorcerer, his vagrant warrior aquaintance, and two fairy like comic reliefs saving an infant from some backwards prophecy is because the story is by none other than George Lucas. Not… More
  The main reason a person would want to watch this epically magical tale of a dwarvian creature turned sorcerer, his vagrant warrior aquaintance, and two fairy like comic reliefs saving an infant from some backwards prophecy is because the story is by none other than George Lucas. Not the screenplay or the direction mind you; that was mostly Ron Howard. Still, if you've obsessed over the space adventure masterpiece that is the original Star Wars franchise, there are similarities: a rugged thief who doesn't want to help the singular hero on a noble quest, who uses powers he's never heard of, all to destroy a evil entity locked away in a dire location. Right, an original concept. Props go to Val Kilmer for playing a charicature of Han Solo, Warwick Davis for bringing little people to the silver screen, and that baby who played Eleonora. Perfect facial expressions for every scene. Fun to watch, but doesn't require a second viewing.

• Jeff "

  
  Considering that Cocoon was Ron Howards worst film, I was pretty apprehensive to watch Willow. I had seen it when I was young, and didn't remember if it was good or not. I re watched it recently, and quite liked it. However the film has come under attack due to the fact that it… More
  Considering that Cocoon was Ron Howards worst film, I was pretty apprehensive to watch Willow. I had seen it when I was young, and didn't remember if it was good or not. I re watched it recently, and quite liked it. However the film has come under attack due to the fact that it was produced by George Lucas, and he basically created an earthly version of Star Wars in a medieval era. I saw a few similar elements, but nothing really to freak out about. As I've mentioned, Cocoon was Ron Howards worst film, and this was his folllow up film to Cocoon. Howard has redeemed himself and has crafted an enjoyable fantasy film. The Story is set around a dwarf named Willow who must protect a baby from an evil queen. Willow sets out on a journey to return the baby to its rightful owner, and along the way he meets Madmartigan (Val Kilmer). Both set out on a great adventure to protect the baby. Willow is not a perfect film, but for what it's worth, it's a pretty good fantasy film that really the whole family can love. The film has enough action, comedy and thrills to satisfy fantasy fans. Though predictable, the film doesn't shy away from being fun. Willow is good entertainment, and definitely redeems Ron Howards from his previous work, Cocoon. So if you like these types of films of swords, sorcery and magic, give this film a shot.

• Ginny  

  
  Personally, I think this movie is just gonna get more and more hillarious as time passes. (Hillarious but not in its intended way.) Willows Travels and the Fellowship of the baby, featuring Chewbaccas cousin, Snow White's Step Mother's Sister, and that was probably… More
  Personally, I think this movie is just gonna get more and more hillarious as time passes. (Hillarious but not in its intended way.) Willows Travels and the Fellowship of the baby, featuring Chewbaccas cousin, Snow White's Step Mother's Sister, and that was probably Godzillas sperm mutation.

• Conner R

  
  A fun little fantasy movie (yes, in the fact that it has midgets galore), this is very much the Lord of the Rings story that never was. A lot of the characters and themes are similar, with a touch of George Lucas to make it a little bit more interesting and unique. I don't think… More
  A fun little fantasy movie (yes, in the fact that it has midgets galore), this is very much the Lord of the Rings story that never was. A lot of the characters and themes are similar, with a touch of George Lucas to make it a little bit more interesting and unique. I don't think there has ever, in the entire world, ever been such a large gathering of midgets. I have never seen so many of them on screen, it's bigger than the Wizard of Oz. It's like seeing the Shire, but with non-normal looking small people. It's really something to stand back and be amazed at, George Lucas sure made some friends when he did Ewoks. Val Kilmer is at his best in this, he is the most trigger-happy and funny sword champions of all time, even in league with the Highlanders. There's also an extremely racist made up term for midgets called "peck", enjoy using that and getting street tackled.

• David L

  
  A baby comes into the care of the elvish Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis) and his wife, Kaiya (Julie Peters). The infant bears the birthmark of the one prophesied to come who will put an end to the tyrannical rule of the evil Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). But the Queen, too, knows of the… More
  A baby comes into the care of the elvish Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis) and his wife, Kaiya (Julie Peters). The infant bears the birthmark of the one prophesied to come who will put an end to the tyrannical rule of the evil Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). But the Queen, too, knows of the prophecy and is seeking the baby bearing the telltale mark. For the sake of his village, as well as the safety of the child, it falls to Willow to transport the baby to a safe haven beyond the boundaries of his land and the reach of Queen Bavmorda. So Willow sets out upon his journey, and along the way finds an ally-- maybe-- in the person of the self-proclaimed `World's greatest swordsman,' Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), and together (sort of) they embark upon an adventure that will ultimately lead them to a final confrontation with the evil Queen herself. With some help from George Lucas, Ron Howard delivers this highly imaginative tale-- which bears that unmistakable Lucas touch-- with a touch of magic of his own. A showcase of special F/X-- it pioneered the `morphing' technique so vital to the success of films like `The Abyss' (filmed one year after this one) and `Terminator 2: Judgment Day' (1991)-- it is nevertheless decidedly not a `special F/X' movie. The F/X, though a big part of the film, to be sure, do not supersede the story. And because of that, it makes that necessary emotional connection with the characters possible, and takes the whole film to a higher level. A big part of what has made Lucas and Howard so successful, in fact, is that innate ability of being able to tap into the humanity of any given story (With Lucas, for example, his `American Graffiti' and even `THX-1138,' and Howard's `Parenthood,' `Night Shift' and `Apollo 13') and knowing how to convey it to their audience. It's the difference between being a true filmmaker, and just someone to whom an opportunity is handed who simply hasn't the insight or sense of human nature to know what to do with it (Like Adam Shankman with `The Wedding Planner,' Jeff Franklin's `Love Stinks,' Nick Gomez with `Drowning Mona' or Peter Ho-sun Chan's `The Love Letter.' All movies that suffered greatly because of their director's inability to do what Lucas and Howard do so proficiently and seemingly with facility). In the title role, Warwick Davis does a good job of bringing Willow to life, as does Val Kilmer in the flashier role of Madmartigan. Joanne Whalley does a decent turn as Sorsha, daughter of the evil Queen, but is overshadowed by the deliciously sinister rendering of Bavmorda by Jean Marsh, whose wickedness is shamefully delightful. The supporting cast includes Patricia Hayes (Fin Raziel), Billy Barty (High Aldwin), Pat Roach (General Kael), Gavan O'Herlihy (Airk), David Steinberg (Meegosh), Mark Northover (Burglekutt), Kevin Pollak (Rool), Rick Overton (Franjean) and Maria Holvoe (Cherlindrea). With an intelligent screenplay by Bob Dolman and original music by James Horner, `Willow' is an entertaining, enlightening film, rich in characterization and metaphor, with a subtle message and a moral that unobtrusively makes a statement about diversity and the value of an individual's contributions to the society of which he is a part; as well as the fact that one person can, indeed, make a difference. Visually stunning, too, it's a transporting experience truly filled with magic, and a journey definitely worth taking.

• Wahida K

  
  Willow is a Timeless Adventure Movie.

• Jens S

  
  Long before the Lord of the Rings films, George Lucas decided to create a "Star Wars in Fantasy", if you will. The result is a childhood favorite with many marvelous ideas, lovable characters and a really pretty production design. Some of the editing and special effects seem… More
  Long before the Lord of the Rings films, George Lucas decided to create a "Star Wars in Fantasy", if you will. The result is a childhood favorite with many marvelous ideas, lovable characters and a really pretty production design. Some of the editing and special effects seem dated today, the charm of the film lingers on, though. Especially Val Kilmer as the Han Solo of fantasy, sword fighter Madmartigan, adds a great sense of humor to the film. The action is great, the soundtrack lovely, an all around enjoyable film for those who still are kids at heart.

• Jani H

  
  "It is a time of dread..." As long back as I can remember, there's two movies that I've loved since my childhood. 'The Goonies' and 'Willow' were these two close to my heart. I recently saw them both, 'Willow' today, and still...… More
  "It is a time of dread..." As long back as I can remember, there's two movies that I've loved since my childhood. 'The Goonies' and 'Willow' were these two close to my heart. I recently saw them both, 'Willow' today, and still... The love is there. The movie is a wonderful fantasy that takes us to a world were nelwyns (dwarfs) and daikinis (humans) live their own peaceful lifes. A daikini child is born and she is the only one that can defeat the evil sourcerer Bawmorda, who's about to set her own reign of terror to the world. Willow, who finds the child from the river, is the one who's job is to get Elora Danan safe. On his journey, he meets Madmartigan, a talented but not so friendly swordsman. Together, they're off to a great adventure full of magic. "Follow the direction of the bird! - It's going back to the village! Ignore the bird, follow the river..." 'Willow' is my favourite Ron Howard movie. Sure, now as I saw it for the first time for several years, I noticed some flaws and so on but you have to remember that filmmaking has progressed a lot in 20 years. The special effect, by George Lucas' ILM were at that time amazing. I remember when the two headed beast came from the water, I almost had to change my underpants. Now the effects may seem a bit dated but so what. The magic is still there. As a curiosity, 'Willow' was the film that united Val Kilmer (Madmartigan) and Joanna Whalley, who plays the evil sorcerer's daughter Sorsha. Movies can do magic. Well, their love didn't last forever but can it really? 'Willow', despite that it is a bit aged, works wonderfully. The pacing of the film is good and the story develops nicely. The actors, especially Warwick Davis (Willow) and Val Kilmer perform well. Kevin Pollak plays a small but important role as a beer loving brownie. So what do you get of 'Willow'? A classic that will surely give you an exciting 2 hour. For me, this film will always have a special place in my film reel shaped heart.

• Ken S

  
  Not nearly good as I remember it. Good sword fighting though.

• Tim S

  
  I give Ron Howard huge props for this early film in his directing career. Absolute magic.

• Aaron N

  
  Willow: See this acorn? I'll throw it at you and turn you to stone! Madmartigan: Ooh, I'm really scared. No! Don't! There's a- a peck here with an acorn pointed at me! A fun movie. Plays like a greatest hits collection of other fantasy movies, made better from… More
  Willow: See this acorn? I'll throw it at you and turn you to stone! Madmartigan: Ooh, I'm really scared. No! Don't! There's a- a peck here with an acorn pointed at me! A fun movie. Plays like a greatest hits collection of other fantasy movies, made better from the whole thing not taking itself too seriously, and of course Val Kilmer, the fantastic score from James Horner, and some effects that still hold up pretty well today all help in making this a fun childhood style classic. From a story by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard, short actor Warwick Davis, who is known mainly as either the lead Ewok or the Leprechaun, stars as Willow, a young dwarf who is tasked with finding the proper place for an abandoned child. This leads to an epic quest of course, full of magic, swordplay, monsters, and romance. As mentioned, the story is not exactly original, Lucas himself originally wanted to adapt the Hobbit, but couldn't get the rights, but its made up for by its charming nature...and Val Kilmer. Kilmer really does do a great job in this movie. He is funny but also good as a confident hero. Davis is equally good, working outside the constraints of a creature costume. Its a very enjoyable movie, even if it may seem corny at times. Madmartigan: What the hell happened up there? Willow: You started spouting poetry. "I love you Sorsha! I worship you Sorsha!" You almost got us killed! Madmartigan: "I love you Sorsha?" I don't love her, she kicked me in the face! I hate her... Don't I?

• danny d

  
  val kilmer is really good, classic movie with good sword play and a great fatasy story.

• Dean !

  
  A great family adventure film.

• Lafe F

  
  High-budget and well-made fantasy epic, but I couldn't relate to any of the characters, they all seemed annoying. The world of Willow simply wasn't interesting, unlike Middle Earth. This world had hardly any monsters: there were boars and a two-headed moat monster, but every… More
  High-budget and well-made fantasy epic, but I couldn't relate to any of the characters, they all seemed annoying. The world of Willow simply wasn't interesting, unlike Middle Earth. This world had hardly any monsters: there were boars and a two-headed moat monster, but every other being seemed human-like, except some were reduced in size. I didn't like it.

• Curtis L

  
  Classic adventure fantasy film. And it has midgets. Lots of midgets.

• Drew S

  
  "I hate that woman! She kicked me in the face!"

Read all 20 featured audience ratings