Keep in mind that movie success at the box office or critical acclaim doesn’t always reflect quality. This is evident in the case of the 1985 film Ladyhawke, directed by Richard Donner. The 1980s were a golden era for fantasy films, with productions like Willow, Conan: The Barbarian, and The Dark Crystal being some notable examples. Ladyhawke blends the realms of swordplay, magic, and romance, boasting a star-studded cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Rutger Hauer, Matthew Broderick, and Leo McKern.
It’s surprising that the movie “Ladyhawke” didn’t become a commercial blockbuster like “The Princess Bride” did, given their close release dates. However, “Ladyhawke” remains an endearing piece of 1980s fantasy filmmaking and can now be appreciated by a new audience as it is now available to stream for free on Tubi.
“Always Together But Eternally Apart”
Ladyhawke narrates the tale of two tragic souls, Navarre (portrayed by Rutger Hauer) and Isabeau (Michelle Pfeiffer). Their profound affection for each other is tainted by a supernatural affliction. By day, Navarre assumes human form, but transforms into a wolf at dusk. Conversely, Isabeau takes the form of a hawk during daylight and reverts to her human self at night. With no opportunity for interaction in their human forms, it falls upon an unassuming hero, Pierre Gaston (played by Matthew Broderick), a thief commonly known as “the mouse,” who has managed to escape from a dungeon prison, to bridge the gap between them. This unusual pairing of Navarre and Gaston embarks on a quest to lift the curse that binds their star-crossed love, which was imposed by an evil Bishop (John Wood), symbolizing the corrupted influence of the church in the Middle Ages.
In the movie, Broderick’s acting brings a humorous touch and innocent demeanor, which is characteristic of his roles during that period. As the lead in films like “War Games” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”, Broderick stands as a stark contrast to Hauer’s portrayal of Navarre – a fallen captain of the guard. Since Hauer and Pfeiffer seldom share scenes for a large part of the film, it falls upon Broderick’s character to aid them in lifting the curse and bringing them together.
Beyond merely acting as a messenger for Navarre and Isabeau, Gaston eventually represents the viewers’ response towards the movie. The blend of fantasy and romance offers a captivating avenue for escapism. Just like Gaston, the audience yearns to witness the lovers’ reunion and experience the fairy-tale ending that many tales promise. Ladyhawke is a tale of enduring love and an underdog narrative, as Broderick proves himself to be an unexpected action hero. Naturally, Richard Donner’s direction ensures some thrilling medieval battle scenes to keep the audience engaged.
Style and Presentation of an Age Gone By
In the opinion of many film critics, Director Richard Donner’s unique style and versatile storytelling abilities significantly contributed to the enduring appeal of Ladyhawke. Throughout the late 1970s and much of the 1980s, Donner demonstrated his knack for creating both entertaining and thrilling movies, such as The Goonies, Superman, and The Omen. Notably, the visually stunning cinematography in Ladyhawke was provided by Vittorio Storaro, a renowned cinematographer who has worked on films like The Last Emperor and Apocalypse Now. The film is characterized by broad, panoramic shots that beautifully depict expansive landscapes while immersing viewers in sequences of action and romance.
As a movie lover, I’d say the art of presentation is key to any film that aims to captivate the senses of its audience. Take “Ladyhawke,” for instance – it masterfully weaves together romance, action, and humor, seamlessly transitioning between each tone. A large part of the movie’s playful vibe can be traced back to Matthew Broderick’s captivating performance. Yet, the film’s soundtrack, a collaboration with Alan Parsons, truly shines in setting the overall mood and signaling the tonal shifts that occur throughout the story.
As a movie critic, I must confess that the progressive rock score by Parsons and Broderick’s performance may transport some viewers out of the medieval era portrayed in “Ladyhawke”. However, it seems the creators intended this timeless tale to captivate audiences despite the occasional modern influence, given its setting hundreds of years ago.
To put it simply, the way it looks, sounds, and is presented in Ladyhawke makes it more appealing to modern audiences. By giving old stories a fresh, contemporary feel, it adds to their appeal. It’s important to note that Ladyhawke isn’t meant to be taken too seriously as a historical film. Instead, it’s a timeless story of love, triumph, and standing up for the downtrodden. Charming, magical, and utterly delightful, Ladyhawke is one of the best fantasy films from the 1980s.
Where Can I Watch ‘Ladyhawke’?
Ladyhawke is a charming time capsule of 1980s fantasy cinema. You can catch it on Tubi and Plex.
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2025-05-19 00:36