Willow Is A 1988 Adventure Fantasy Movie You Should Never Miss

Willow is a 1988 fantasy adventure film which was directed by Ron Howard, based on the novel The Dark Is Rising. It stars Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, and Sophie Okonedo. The movie is about a young farmer boy named Will who must go on a perilous journey to protect an infant destined to become the savior of humankind. He also meets two wise gypsies called Old Mother Willow and Tom Badgerlock who help him in his quest. The three of them must reach a mystical tree that lies at the end of their road where they will be met by powerful entities known as “the children ” who prophesy about mankind’s destiny and then take them to avert disaster for all humanity.

Release Date: May 20, 1988

Country: United States

Language: English

Running Time: 126 minutes        

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Cast And Crew :

Directed by: Ron Howard

Screenplay by: Bob Dolman

Story by: George Lucas

Produced by: Nigel Wooll

Actors:

• Warwick Davis as Willow Ufgood
• Val Kilmer as Madmartigan
• Joanne Whalley as Sorsha
• Jean Marsh as Bavmorda
• Patricia Hayes as Fin Raziel
• Billy Barty as High Aldwin
• Pat Roach as Kael
• Gavan O’Herlihy as Airk Thaughbaer
• Maria Holvöe as Cherlindrea
• Kevin Pollak and Rick Overton as Rool and Franjean
• David J. Steinberg as Meegosh
• Mark Northover as Burglekutt
• Phil Fondacaro as Vohnkar
• Julie Peters as Kaiya Ufgood
• Malcolm Dixon as a Nelwyn warrior

What is the movie based upon?

The movie was adapted from a Susan Cooper novel entitled The Dark Is Rising. It is the third part of a four-part series that includes Over Sea, Under Stone, and Greenwich. The movie was made to commemorate New Line Cinema’s 20th anniversary. Additionally, it was to introduce The Loathly Lady, an antagonist who would appear in the studio’s planned sequel entitled “Willow 2.”

What is interesting about this movie?

This movie was a box-office failure that recouped only 80% of its budget. The Loathly Lady, the antagonist of the planned sequel, was designed by Academy Award winner: John Richard Cones. In 1987, director Ron Howard was selected for an Academy Award for this movie but lost to Woody Allen for Hannah and Her Sisters. Although the film was not a box-office success, Ron Howard still managed to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Director from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1988.

Why should you watch this movie?

The movie was filmed at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England, and London, England. The story contains the theme of life and death as the main characters travel to a magical realm where there is a looming threat about what will happen if one is dead for more than three minutes. In this movie, old English customs and Celtic mythology were used to create a fantasy world.

Who should watch this movie?

This movie was made to be a family film, but it is a great choice for young boys. However, you should be aware that the movie contains some violence and some scary scenes. The best age group to watch this movie would be ten to eleven years old.

What can we learn from this movie?

It is a classic adventure, fantasy story with many lessons. One of the most important lessons to take away from this movie is: to value family above all else. Additionally, there are some life lessons in the movie such as learning to appreciate what you have and sometimes following your dreams.