Here we go, popping another well-loved tape into the VCR of our minds. This time, it’s a journey back to a realm of sorcery, swords, and surprisingly small heroes. Remember that oversized VHS clamshell, maybe from Palace Video if you were lucky, beckoning you towards an epic adventure? I’m talking about Ron Howard’s 1988 fantasy quest, Willow. Born from the mind of George Lucas, who envisioned a sprawling fantasy tale even before Luke Skywalker first picked up a lightsaber, Willow offered a different kind of magic, one deeply rooted in classic fairy tales but splashed with that distinctive late-80s cinematic flair.
It wasn't Star Wars, and maybe that initial expectation coloured its reception back then, but watching it today feels like rediscovering a warm, cherished storybook. The premise itself is pure mythic simplicity: an ancient prophecy, a baby destined to overthrow a tyrannical sorceress (the chilling Queen Bavmorda, played with icy menace by Jean Marsh), and the unlikely hero tasked with protecting her. That hero isn't a towering warrior, but Willow Ufgood, a Nelwyn farmer and aspiring sorcerer, brought to life with incredible heart and charm by Warwick Davis.
### An Unlikely Hero Finds His Courage
Let's talk about Warwick Davis. George Lucas had met him playing Wicket the Ewok in Return of the Jedi (1983) and was so impressed that he essentially crafted the role of Willow specifically for the then 17-year-old actor. It’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. Davis carries the film, portraying Willow’s fear, determination, and burgeoning bravery with a sincerity that anchors the entire adventure. He’s the relatable heart beating within this fantastical world, the ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances – a classic trope, yes, but executed beautifully here. You genuinely root for him, feeling every setback and celebrating every small victory.
Of course, no fantasy quest is complete without a roguish companion, and Willow gives us one for the ages in Madmartigan. Val Kilmer, fresh off the swagger of Top Gun (1986), is perfectly cast as the mercenary swordsman – charismatic, boastful, initially self-serving, but ultimately possessing a hidden nobility. His banter with Willow is a highlight, providing much of the film's humour and energy. And the sparks flying between Madmartigan and the fierce warrior princess Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) felt incredibly real – perhaps because they were! Kilmer and Whalley famously fell in love on set and married shortly after the film's release, adding a layer of real-world romance to their on-screen chemistry.
### Crafting a Fantastical Realm
Ron Howard, transitioning from comedies like Splash (1984) and heartfelt dramas like Cocoon (1985), proved adept at handling the scale and spectacle of fantasy. Working from a screenplay by Bob Dolman based on Lucas's story, Howard balances the epic scope with intimate character moments. The landscapes, filmed largely in Wales and New Zealand, feel appropriately mythic – rugged, beautiful, and imposing. You get a real sense of journey and distance.
And the effects! Oh, the glorious late-80s practical effects mixed with groundbreaking digital work. Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Lucas's own effects powerhouse, truly pushed boundaries here. While some effects naturally show their age, others remain impressive. The terrifying Death Dogs, the chaotic Brownies (played hilariously by Kevin Pollak and Rick Overton), and the climactic battle sequences showcase a wonderful blend of puppetry, miniatures, and optical effects. But the real showstopper, the effect that had everyone talking, was the revolutionary 'morphing' sequence where the sorceress Fin Raziel (the wonderful Patricia Hayes) transforms between various animals. It was the first prominent use of this digital technique in a feature film, paving the way for countless visual wonders (and perhaps a few nightmares, thanks Terminator 2!) to come. Paired with James Horner's sweeping, heroic score, the film felt big, even on our fuzzy CRT screens.
### Retro Fun Facts & Box Office Magic
Willow wasn't cheap, costing around $35 million back in '88 (roughly $85 million today). While it performed respectably at the box office, pulling in about $57.3 million domestically and over $137 million worldwide, it wasn't the Star Wars-level phenomenon some perhaps anticipated from a Lucas production. Critics at the time were somewhat divided, with some praising its heart and visuals while others found it derivative of Tolkien or other fantasy staples. Yet, like so many films from this era, Willow found its true, enduring audience on home video and television. It became a staple rental, a film families watched together, solidifying its status as a beloved cult classic. Lucas himself held onto the world, eventually revisiting it decades later with the 2022 Disney+ series, which serves as a direct sequel continuing the adventures in Andowyne. Interestingly, Lucas originally conceived the idea way back in 1972, long before he could realize the visual effects he envisioned.
### The Verdict
Revisiting Willow is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of nostalgia. It’s earnest, adventurous, and possesses a genuine charm that transcends some of its more dated elements or familiar fantasy beats. The central performances, especially Warwick Davis's heartfelt turn, remain compelling. The practical effects evoke a wonderful sense of tactile reality, while the early digital magic still holds a certain historical fascination. It might not have reinvented the fantasy genre, but it delivered a rousing, family-friendly adventure with memorable characters and iconic moments. Does it hold up? Absolutely, particularly if you approach it with the same wide-eyed wonder you might have had pressing 'play' on that worn VHS tape all those years ago.
Rating: 8/10 - A truly endearing 80s fantasy adventure with immense heart, career-defining performances, and groundbreaking effects for its time. It might follow a familiar path, but the journey is filled with enough charm, excitement, and genuine warmth to make it a treasured part of any retro film collection.
So, dust off that imaginary tape – Willow remains a testament to the magic of unlikely heroes and the enduring power of a good old-fashioned quest. Now, who wants to try turning a goat back into a sorceress?