Willow (1988)

A reluctant dwarf must play a critical role in protecting a special baby from an evil queen.

Director:

Ron Howard

Writers:

George Lucas (story by), Bob Dolman (screenplay by)

Stars:

Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 win & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Val Kilmer	...	Madmartigan
Joanne Whalley	...	Sorsha
Warwick Davis	...	Willow Ufgood
Jean Marsh	...	Queen Bavmorda
Patricia Hayes	...	Fin Raziel
Billy Barty	...	High Aldwin
Pat Roach	...	Gen. Kael
Gavan O'Herlihy	...	Airk Thaughbaer
David Steinberg	...	Meegosh
Phil Fondacaro	...	Vohnkar
Tony Cox	...	Vohnkar Warrior
Robert Gillibrand	...	Vohnkar Warrior
Mark Northover	...	Burglekutt
Kevin Pollak	...	Rool
Rick Overton	...	Franjean

Storyline

A baby girl is discovered in a river by Ranon and Mims, the children of Willow Ufgood, a dwarf farmer and magician and the baby girl is taken into the care of Willow's family. But when a terrifying dog-like creature attacks Willow's village, whilst tracking down the baby. Willow consults the village council and the wizard The High Aldwin. The High Aldwin gives Willow a task and Willow leaves the village and embarks on the task to give the baby girl to a responsible person. But Willow soon learns the baby is Elora Danan, the baby girl destined to bring about the downfall of the evil sorceress Queen Bavmorda. Joined by his allies: swordsman Madmartigan, sorceress Fin Raziel and the Brownies Franjean and Rool, Willow takes it upon himself to protect Elora from Queen Bavmorda, who intends to kill Elora and prevent Elora from fulfilling her destiny. And Willow and his allies are pursued by Queen Bavmorda's daughter Sorsha and the evil commander of Queen Bavmorda's army General Kael, whom ...

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Plot Keywords:

evil woman | tough girl | tough guy | falling downhill | good man | 

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Taglines:

Adventure doesn't come any bigger than this.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Fantasy | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

20th Century Fox [Belgium] 20th Century Fox [Spain]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 May 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Willow

Filming Locations:

Cannon Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,300,169, 20 May 1988, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$57,269,863

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Lucasfilm, Imagine Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

126 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The fact the main character (played by Warwick Davis) didn't get first billing is quite common: Christopher Reeve, despite being the title character in Superman and Superman II, was billed third after Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman in the original and second after Hackman in the sequel. Other main stars given third billing include Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now (after Brando and Robert Duvall) and his son Charlie Sheen in Platoon (after Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe).

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Goofs

Obvious stunt double and doll in some shots during the sled scene.

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Quotes

Madmartigan: [He and Willow have entered a fortress empty, save for petrified beings] Why did I *listen* to you, Peck? "Everything will be all right once we get to Tir Asleen". Well, the only army around here is the one that will ride across this valley and wipe us out!
Willow: But Cherlindrea said we'd be safe here!
Madmartigan: Safe? Look at these people! This place is cursed, Peck. It's falling apart. Open your eyes. And it...
[Steps in a pile of troll dung]
Madmartigan: Trolls!

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Crazy Credits

Although he played the title role, Warwick Davis took just third billing. Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley took first and second billing respectively.

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Alternate Versions

The UK version edits the second sword thrust into General Kael when Madmartigan steps on the sword and drives it through him. It only shows Madmartigan step on the sword, then cuts to Kael falling. A scene during the battle between Bavmorda and Fin Raziel was deleted which actually showed where the scratches on Fin's face came from.

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Connections

Referenced in An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder (2006)

User Reviews

A Stunning 80s Epic

I remember seeing this film in theaters back in '88 and long to see it again on the big screen. There is a motherload of crappy fantasy flicks out there and this one is better than most. I was kinda young when I saw it and didn't find it too violent but some parents may think it gruesome at times. I myself feel that gave it an edge. Along with swordplay there are nasty trolls,a 2-headed beast,mean-spirited characters and some intense scenes at the end. Of course there are lots of special effects. This was a technically well made film with awesome cinematography and interesting locations. Every now and again Fox airs the movie but it's 2 1/2 hr running can be really cut. Ya gotta see it!