'Ladyhawke' (1985)

Any trip through the 'Sword and Sorcery' films of my childhood would not be complete without looking at 'Ladyhawke'. Technically speaking, it's not actually a 'childhood movie' as I didn't know it even was a film back then, I only found out about it a few years ago. As a kid, I loved the book though, used to read and re-read it (the book is still on my shelf), so it counts ;o)

It's been several years since I last watched the movie and the only real memory I had, of it, is that the soundtrack was just awful... With that, and only that, in mind then, I decided that last night was the night to get reacquainted with 'Ladyhawke'. And...

On the run from the dungeons of the medieval city of Aquila, thief Philippe Gaston is helped by Etienne Navarre, a mysterious knight who carries a precious hawk on his arm and is also pursued by the soldiers of Aquila. Two years ago, Navarre and his lover Lady Isabeau were banished from the city and placed under a spell which turns him into a wolf by night and her into a hawk by day, leaving them only a few brief moments to spend together at dawn and sunset. Now, Navarre tries to persuade Philippe to help him and Isabeau re-enter the city and confront the evil Bishop who, out of his lust for Isabeau, cast the jealous spell which keeps the two lovers apart. Philippe agrees, but the path to the Bishop is a heavily guarded one, and it will take great courage to follow this mission through to the end.

First things first (and only because I've been going on about it up the post)... The soundtrack is still awful, just not suited to the content of the movie at all. I called it 'disco' in a review (of the book) that I wrote over Here; it's not disco at all (just strangely easy to dance to...) and I'd be hard pressed to say exactly what it is. What I do know is that it can really jar with bits of the film that are trying to be violent and a little bit harsh in tone. While you're trying to reconcile the movie and it's soundtrack, the movie moves on and you're left trying to catch up. Nope, someone needs to give this movie a more suitable soundtrack, 'Ladyhawke' deserves it as it is actually not a bad movie at all.

'Ladyhawke' has all the ingredients for a decent 'Sword and Sorcery' tale; namely a quest, thievery, a dashing hero and an evil villain. And we mustn't forget the beautiful heroine, even though Michelle Pfeiffer isn't in enough to really shine (Pfeiffer is briliant when she is in it though, don't get me wrong). Not only does the movie have it all, it's also not afraid to throw all these ingredients together and let them bounce off each other. The end result is a movie where not a lot happens that is new but the concept of the curse itself is more than enough to keep things moving along from fight to fight with occasional stops so that Phillippe can help Isabeau out fighting those threats that arrive in the night. The movie is set against some absolutely gorgeous backdrops as well, if you appreciate a nice bit of scenery then 'Ladyhawke' more than has you covered. It's a very easy movie to keep watching, an exciting story set against some lovely countryside. Can't ask for a lot more than that, can you?

The cast do a good job, with the story, as well. Rutger Hauer may be a little too taciturn (for us to really get a feel for his character) but is more than believable as a coldhearted killer on a mission (he couldn't be anything else though, could he...?) Matt Broderick's move to put all of his energy into character, rather than accent, really pays off and my soft spot for drunken monks is more than satisfied by Leo McKern's Imperious. John Woods' Bishop is a little too aloof for my liking but still carries enough menace to make for a villain that you want to hate. And was that Alfred Molina as Cezar? He gets everywhere :o)

I'm a bit of a fan of book and film, so do bear that in mind, but 'Ladyhawke' was a lot of fun to watch and is a 'keeper' for my DVD collection. It's just a shame about that soundtrack...