Willow (1988)

Overview

Willow is a high fantasy adventure from the late 1980s that was part of a larger wave of sword-and-sorcery epics inspired by the massive success of Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. Conceived by George Lucas and brought to life by Ron Howard, Willow occupies an intriguing niche between mythic heroism and light-hearted family entertainment. While it received mixed reviews upon release, it has since gained a loyal cult following and has been re-evaluated for its charm, visual creativity, and earnest spirit.

At its core, Willow is a classical tale of an unlikely hero on a quest to protect a child destined to bring down an evil queen. Packed with monsters, magic, sword fights, and reluctant allies, it’s both a pastiche of and homage to traditional fantasy tropes.

Plot Summary

In a distant magical realm, the tyrannical Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) seeks to destroy an infant prophesied to bring about her downfall. The baby, Elora Danan, is smuggled out of her clutches and eventually ends up in the care of Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis), a Nelwyn (a race of little people akin to Hobbits) and aspiring sorcerer.

Reluctantly thrust into a hero's role, Willow embarks on a quest to return Elora to her people and keep her safe. Along the way, he teams up with the brash, roguish swordsman Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), who reluctantly becomes Elora’s protector and Willow’s companion. They are joined by a colourful cast including the warrior princess Sorsha (Joanne Whalley), brownies Franjean and Rool (comic relief), and other allies.

As Bavmorda’s forces pursue them, the group must navigate treacherous terrain, defeat dark magic, and awaken the true potential within themselves to confront evil and fulfill the prophecy.

Themes and Interpretation

1. The Underdog Hero

Willow follows the classic "hero’s journey" outlined by Joseph Campbell, but what makes it stand out is that the hero is an unassuming farmer and a father. Willow’s humility, perseverance, and self-doubt make him a compelling protagonist, especially in a genre often dominated by mighty warriors or chosen kings.

The idea that greatness can come from the smallest and most overlooked people is not just metaphorical—it’s literal here, giving Willow a powerful and inclusive message.

2. Destiny vs. Choice

The film explores the tension between fate and agency. Elora Danan may be the chosen one, but it’s the choices made by Willow, Madmartigan, and Sorsha that determine the outcome. In contrast to the deterministic feel of some fantasy epics, Willow champions the belief that anyone can be a hero if they choose courage over fear.

3. Redemption and Transformation

Several characters undergo transformation, most notably Madmartigan, who shifts from a cowardly, self-serving mercenary to a true hero. Sorsha also experiences a significant arc, breaking free from her mother Bavmorda’s control to embrace love and justice. These redemptive themes give emotional heft to the film’s second half.

Performances

Warwick Davis (Willow Ufgood): Davis gives a grounded, earnest performance, anchoring the film with sensitivity and sincerity. At just 17 when filming began, he shows remarkable presence and charm. Willow’s struggle to find self-worth and courage is the heart of the story.

Val Kilmer (Madmartigan): Kilmer delivers a scene-stealing performance. Equal parts swashbuckler and comic relief, he brings charisma, sarcasm, and unexpected warmth. His chemistry with Joanne Whalley is palpable (they later married in real life), and his character arc adds humour and depth.

Joanne Whalley (Sorsha): Initially cold and ruthless, Whalley convincingly plays Sorsha’s internal conflict as she transitions from villain’s daughter to romantic heroine and ally.

Jean Marsh (Queen Bavmorda): Marsh chews the scenery as the delightfully evil sorceress. Her performance channels classic fairy-tale villainy with theatrical flair.

Kevin Pollak & Rick Overton (Brownies): Playing tiny, mischievous characters via special effects, they offer slapstick and comedic interludes. While divisive among audiences, they provide levity in an otherwise perilous world.

Direction and Visual Style

Director Ron Howard—fresh off Cocoon—brings an adventurous, fast-paced sensibility to the film. The action is tightly staged, with energetic sword fights, chase scenes, and epic confrontations. Howard balances the darker elements of the story with humour and wonder, creating a family-friendly fantasy with moments of genuine peril.

Visually, Willow combines practical effects, location shooting, and early CGI to create a sprawling fantasy world. The landscapes (filmed in New Zealand and the UK) are lush and evocative, giving a true sense of journey and scale.

Special Effects and Technology

Willow is notable for its pioneering digital effects. It was one of the first films to use morphing technology, particularly in the scene where Willow attempts to transform the sorceress Fin Raziel back into her human form. The Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) effects were cutting-edge for the time and paved the way for future digital advances in cinema.

The creature design—including trolls, the two-headed Eborsisk dragon (a nod to Siskel and Ebert), and various magical transformations—demonstrates a blend of puppetry, prosthetics, and early CGI that still holds up surprisingly well in places.

Music and Score

James Horner’s score is a triumphant and sweeping musical backdrop that amplifies the film’s emotional beats and adventurous tone. With its soaring main theme, choral arrangements, and playful interludes, the soundtrack remains one of the most memorable elements of Willow.

The music helps bind the tonal shifts between comedy, danger, and romance into a cohesive emotional experience.

Criticisms

While beloved by many, Willow does have its detractors and flaws:

Derivative Elements: Critics at the time noted its reliance on established fantasy tropes, drawing heavy comparisons to The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.

Tonally Inconsistent: The film sometimes struggles to balance light hearted comic relief (especially the Brownies) with darker, more serious moments.

Thin Plot: The story is straightforward and occasionally predictable. The middle section can feel like a string of fantasy clichés rather than a tightly plotted narrative.

Underdeveloped World-Building: The universe of Willow is rich in potential, but the film doesn’t delve deeply into its lore or politics. Names and races are introduced but rarely explored in depth.

Reception and Legacy

At the box office, Willow earned modest returns—not a flop, but underwhelming relative to expectations. Critics were mixed: some praised the visuals and performances, others found it too derivative or simplistic.

However, in the decades since, Willow has built a cult following, especially among fantasy fans and those who grew up watching it. It’s considered a nostalgic touchstone and has been praised for its heart, its ground-breaking effects, and its embrace of underdog heroism.

In 2022, Willow received a sequel series on Disney+, further cementing its cultural legacy and introducing its world to a new generation.

Conclusion

Willow is a heartfelt, visually ambitious fantasy adventure that combines the best elements of classical hero tales with 1980s Hollywood magic. Though imperfect, it radiates sincerity, adventure, and charm. Thanks to strong performances—especially from Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer—memorable music, and ground-breaking effects, Willow has endured as a beloved cult classic.

Its message—that bravery, kindness, and perseverance can make anyone a hero—is timeless, and its imaginative spirit continues to inspire.

A flawed but fantastical epic full of heart, humour, and high adventure.