Ladyhawke is an original fantasy film directed by Richard Donner. It tells of two lovers (Rutger Bauer and Michelle Pfeiffer) cursed by a bishop to never meet. The woman living her days as a hawk and her nights as a woman, while the man takes on the form of a wolf as soon as the sun sets. They are joined by a local pickpocket named Mouse (Matthew Broderick) as they travel to confront the bishop.
This film was one of the biggest bombs of the 80s, not even making its money back. This despite the fact that it was nominated for two Academy Awards. It has gathered a minor cult following since then, but is still not a very known film. Which is a shame because there is substance here. This is a film that tries to be its own thing, something new. And that's rarer than you think in film.
The film also largely succeeds. The story is intriguing, the characters are memorable and interesting, the film looks great (though a bit experimental in certain parts) and I'd honestly love to learn more about this world.
Another thing the film is notorious for is the soundtrack. And for a reason. This film has some of the most baffling music choices I've ever encountered in film. There are a few traditional fantasy-ish tracks, but the vast majority of the score is pure synth music. I kept expecting Shaft to bust in any minute or for roller scatters to whiz by boom boxes blasting. That's how bad it is. Although... it is memorable, I'll give it that.
Ladyhawke is not a great film. Largely because of the soundtrack and some other minor hiccups in style and tone. It is however refreshingly new and different. Well worth a watch for all fans of fantasy films.
This film was one of the biggest bombs of the 80s, not even making its money back. This despite the fact that it was nominated for two Academy Awards. It has gathered a minor cult following since then, but is still not a very known film. Which is a shame because there is substance here. This is a film that tries to be its own thing, something new. And that's rarer than you think in film.
The film also largely succeeds. The story is intriguing, the characters are memorable and interesting, the film looks great (though a bit experimental in certain parts) and I'd honestly love to learn more about this world.
Another thing the film is notorious for is the soundtrack. And for a reason. This film has some of the most baffling music choices I've ever encountered in film. There are a few traditional fantasy-ish tracks, but the vast majority of the score is pure synth music. I kept expecting Shaft to bust in any minute or for roller scatters to whiz by boom boxes blasting. That's how bad it is. Although... it is memorable, I'll give it that.
Ladyhawke is not a great film. Largely because of the soundtrack and some other minor hiccups in style and tone. It is however refreshingly new and different. Well worth a watch for all fans of fantasy films.