Ladyhawke
No force in Heaven will release them. No power on Earth can save them.
Overview
Captain Etienne Navarre is a man on whose shoulders lies a cruel curse. Punished for loving each other, Navarre must become a wolf by night whilst his lover, Lady Isabeau, takes the form of a hawk by day. Together, with the thief Philippe Gaston, they must try to overthrow the corrupt Bishop and in doing so break the spell.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released in 1985, 'Ladyhawke' can be seen as a product of the popular 80's fantasy genre that gained momentum with movies like 'The Dark Crystal' (1982) and 'Labyrinth' (1986). It also reflects the increasing acceptance of strong female characters in leading roles.
- Features a captivating love story between the titular Ladyhawke and the outlaw Etienne Navarre, who are cursed to transform into animals during day and night respectively.
- Offers a unique blend of action, adventure, fantasy, and romance that appeals to a wide audience.
- Boasts impressive performances by an ensemble cast including Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
- Features stunning visuals, particularly its depiction of medieval settings and mythical creatures.
Fun Facts
- Michelle Pfeiffer's character, Isabeau, was originally written for Sean Connery but later rewritten as a younger woman to suit her.
- The film's soundtrack features popular songs by bands such as Queen and Bryan Adams, which became hits following the movie's release.
- A scene featuring a flying bat (actually a remote-controlled model) was filmed at the same location where 'Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope' (1977) was shot, providing a connection between these two iconic films.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"No force in Heaven will release them. No power on Earth can save them."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Der Tag des Falken
""
Italiano
IT
Title:
""
Français
FR
Title: Ladyhawke, la femme de la nuit
"Aucune force céleste ne les libérera. Aucun pouvoir sur Terre ne peut les sauver."
Český
CZ
Title: Jestřábí žena
""
Português
PT
Title: A Mulher Falcão
"Uma aventura mágica e mistica."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Matthew Broderick is quite spritely in this mystical adventure. He breaks out from prison, using the sewers ("just like leaving the womb") where he, luckily, encounters "Navarre" (Rutger Hauer) just as he is about to become toast. The man travels with a hawk, and soon we discover that he and the hawk have a distinct synergy - the hawk is "Isabeau" (Michelle Pfieffer) by night; he a terrifying wolf then. How to break the curse? Well, they must face the ruthless bishop (John Wood) in his stronghold of Aquila, and the bishop's men are hunting all of them. It's quite an enjoyable fantasy this. Broderick talks too much (maybe I'd have hanged him too) but there is plenty of swordplay; mischief from Broderick's "Gaston the Mouse"; a little comedy from an on-form Leo McKern and it all looks quite stylish. It is a bit too long, it could probably lose twenty minutes, and there is far too much of the score but the falconry photography is fine and the ending lively. Worth a watch.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
SOUND - 1985
Les Fresholtz, Dick Alexander, Vern Poore, Bud Alper
SOUND EFFECTS EDITING - 1985
Bob Henderson, Alan Murray
Media
Trailer
Official Trailer - LADYHAWKE (1985, Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rutger Hauer)
Trailer
Ladyhawke - Trailer #1