Willow (1988) is a classic fantasy-adventure film directed by Ron Howard and produced by George Lucas. Over the years, it has grown from a modest box-office performer into a beloved cult fantasy epic, admired for its heart, practical effects, and timeless fairy-tale spirit.
Detailed Summary
A Dark Prophecy and a Cruel Queen
The story begins in the land of Nockmaar, ruled by the ruthless sorceress Queen Bavmorda. A prophecy foretells that a baby girl, born with a special mark, will one day bring about Bavmorda’s downfall. Terrified of losing her power, Bavmorda orders all newborns destroyed. One baby survives and is secretly smuggled out of the castle.
Willow the Farmer Turned Hero
The baby floats downriver and is discovered by Willow Ufgood, a kind-hearted Nelwyn farmer with dreams of becoming a great sorcerer. Despite pressure from his village to get rid of the child, Willow feels morally bound to protect her. Eventually, he is chosen to escort the baby to safety, marking the start of his transformation from reluctant villager to unlikely hero.
Meeting Madmartigan
During his journey, Willow encounters Madmartigan, a roguish swordsman imprisoned in a hanging cage. Madmartigan’s charm, sarcasm, and surprising sense of honor make him one of the film’s most memorable characters. Though initially selfish, he gradually becomes emotionally invested in protecting the child.
Allies, Magic, and Monsters
The group is joined by warriors and sorcerers loyal to the prophecy, including Fin Raziel, a powerful enchantress trapped in animal form by Bavmorda. The heroes face terrifying creatures, including trolls, monstrous hounds, and Bavmorda’s dark magic. Willow begins learning magic, struggling with self-doubt but slowly gaining confidence.
The Growing Bond and Rising Stakes
As danger intensifies, relationships deepen. Madmartigan falls in love with Sorsha, Bavmorda’s daughter, who ultimately turns against her mother after realizing the cruelty of Bavmorda’s rule. Willow’s journey becomes less about survival and more about believing in himself.
Movie Ending
The final act takes place at Nockmaar Castle, where Queen Bavmorda prepares a powerful ritual to destroy the baby once and for all. Willow confronts Bavmorda directly, vastly outmatched in raw magical power. However, instead of relying on strength, Willow uses clever deception and belief.
He pretends to make the baby disappear using magic, while actually hiding her through sleight of hand. Bavmorda panics, losing focus and control. This moment of doubt allows Fin Raziel, now fully restored, to confront Bavmorda directly. Raziel reflects Bavmorda’s own dark magic back at her, ultimately destroying the queen in a spectacular and definitive manner.
With Bavmorda dead, her reign of terror ends. Sorsha fully embraces her new path, standing with Madmartigan. Willow returns the baby—revealed to be Elora Danan, the child of prophecy—to her people. He returns home not as a farmer dreaming of greatness, but as a true sorcerer, respected and transformed. The prophecy remains open-ended, suggesting Elora’s future importance, but peace is restored.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. Willow does not include any post-credits or mid-credits scenes. The story ends definitively with the defeat of Queen Bavmorda and Willow’s return home.
Type of Movie
Willow is a high fantasy adventure blending fairy-tale mythology, heroic quests, magic, and romance. It balances family-friendly storytelling with surprisingly dark themes.
Cast
- Warwick Davis as Willow Ufgood
- Val Kilmer as Madmartigan
- Joanne Whalley as Sorsha
- Jean Marsh as Queen Bavmorda
- Patricia Hayes as Fin Raziel
- Billy Barty as High Aldwin
Film Music and Composer
The film’s sweeping and emotional score was composed by James Horner. His music elevates the film’s sense of wonder and danger, and the main theme has become iconic among fantasy fans.
Filming Locations
- New Zealand – Used for lush landscapes and wide fantasy vistas
- Snowdonia National Park, Wales – Provided dramatic mountain terrain
- Elstree Studios, England – Interior sets and castle scenes
These locations helped ground the fantasy world in real, physical environments, giving the film a tangible, storybook realism.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects
- Saturn Award nominations for Best Fantasy Film and Best Supporting Actor (Val Kilmer)
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Warwick Davis was only 17 years old during filming.
- George Lucas conceived the story as a darker fairy tale inspired by classic myths.
- Val Kilmer improvised many of Madmartigan’s lines, shaping the character’s humor.
- The transformation magic scenes were groundbreaking for their time, using early morphing effects.
Inspirations and References
- European folklore and fairy tales
- Arthurian legend
- The Lord of the Rings (J.R.R. Tolkien)
- Classic mythological hero’s journey narratives
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Early drafts explored a darker ending where the prophecy’s fulfillment was more ambiguous.
- Several character-building scenes involving Madmartigan’s past were removed for pacing.
- Deleted scenes expanded Fin Raziel’s magical background.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The novelization of Willow expands character motivations and internal thoughts, particularly Willow’s fear and self-doubt. The film focuses more on action and visual storytelling, simplifying some political and magical lore.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Willow mastering his first real spell under pressure
- Madmartigan breaking free and choosing to fight
- Fin Raziel’s final confrontation with Bavmorda
- Sorsha turning against her mother
Iconic Quotes
- Willow: “I can’t do it… I’m not ready.”
- Madmartigan: “I don’t love her. She kicked me!”
- Fin Raziel: “You are great… but you must learn to believe it.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The prophecy symbol on Elora mirrors ancient Celtic markings.
- Bavmorda’s spells reference Latin-based incantations.
- The Nelwyn village tools resemble medieval farming artifacts for authenticity.
Trivia
- Warwick Davis later returned to the role in the Willow TV series (2022).
- Val Kilmer considered Madmartigan one of his favorite roles.
- The film’s effects influenced later fantasy films of the 1990s.
Why Watch?
If you enjoy classic fantasy, practical effects, heartfelt storytelling, and characters who grow through courage rather than destiny alone, Willow is absolutely worth your time. It’s sincere, adventurous, and full of soul.
Director’s Other Works (Movies)
- Splash (1984)
- Cocoon (1985)
- Apollo 13 (1995)
- A Beautiful Mind (2001)
- Rush (2013)
