“What? Oh God, is it Lent again already?”

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I used to think that Matthew Broderick was the best and only actor that ever did movies worth watching.  He couldn’t miss.  To this day, because of his little hot streak in the 80s, I will go to any movie that he is in whether it looks interesting to me or not.

Man crush?  Abso-Frakking-Lutely!  He gets to bang Carrie Bradshaw to boot.

This next movie was such a departure for him and his persona at the time, I didn’t know what to make of it at first, then I just let go and enjoyed it.

The film is set in medieval times and opens with Broderick playing a thief that is in the middle of escaping from a dungeon through the sewers of what is later found out to be Aquila.  Being that Philipe Gastone is the first to ever escape, a man hunt ensues.  After fleeing from the grasp of the Captain of the guard, Marquet, Philipe is later rescued by Navarre, played by the extremely underrated Rutger Hauer.

This film soon becomes a road movie…erm uh, a medieval road picture that Gastone, Navarre, Navarre’s amazing,beautiful horse, and a well trained hawk start out on.  Their first night away, Gastone is left alone by Navarre and he meets the most beautiful woman from the 80s (Michelle “Oh my effing GOD” Pfeifer) who apparently has appeared from out of nowhere and has taken over the barn that they are allowed to stay in for the night. If we weren’t intrigued by the adventure and the quiet and stern Navarre helping this meaningless thief out, we now have our full attention on the naked lady in the room–did I forget to mention she was naked?

YEAH, SHE’S NAKED!!!

Now, they’re very classy with the nudity, which is why my mom let me watch it, but a 9 year old’s imagination is crazy awesome.  I was totally content.

Not only was this tale an entertaining medieval action/adventure, it developed into an intriguing story with eclectic fantasy elements for which I will not divulge as I would never take these “reveals” from a viewer’s first watch.

This film also has a unique score. I watched this film with a few of my friends and they found the music distracting.  You decide.  I like it.  Give it 3 minutes and if you don’t think it’s catchy, call me crazy in the comments.

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Regarding Rutger Hauer.  He is the only person that does not speak with an English accent throughout the entirety of the film, and I did not find it distracting.  He is such a part of his character, and delivers his lines (and he does not have a lot in this picture) so articulately that the lack of accent goes unnoticed.

Has Rutger Hauer made some bad movie choices? Yes.  Has he ever not put everything he has as an actor into every role that he portrays?  I don’t believe so.  A film that he is in can be bad, but I am always happy to see him show up on film (damn–maybe I have two man-crushes in this film–see how I just worked that out).

Recently I saw him on a couple of episodes of ABC’s”Galavant” and I was disappointed that they didn’t use him enough.  He is one of the hardest working men in Hollywood.  He has been a journeyman character actor for the majority of his life and no one can portray evil the way he can when asked.  Because of that persona, he can play a role like this in which he is the strong silent man that is flawed, but can slay 100 villains all for love…..

…and we buy it.

***

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28 thoughts on ““What? Oh God, is it Lent again already?””

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  3. The entrance of Isabeau turning into the light of the moon, shrouded in a black cloak is the memorable moment from Ladyhawke that I’ve never been able to shake. It’s completely burned into my cinematic brain and it marked my introduction to the woman who would become my favourite actress.
    I do agree with your thoughts on Rutger Hauer’s accent and the soundtrack, but honestly, the first time I saw Ladyhawke I was so hypnotized I completely understood the Bishop’s obsession and Etienne Navarre’s unshakeable romantic devotion.

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    1. That is what I’m talking about! I LOVE hearing about other people’s reactions to movies. That is great stuff. I also agree with your response to Isabeau. Pfeifer sometimes is written off as just a pretty face and that pisses me off. Her body of work has shown that she puts ALL that she has into every role. What more can you ask for?

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  10. I happened to be looking at a clip on youtube recently and one of the clips in the sidebar was from Ladyhawke. I clicked on it and became re-hooked, after years since I watched it last. I was sure I had it on DVD but apparently I don’t! First chance I get I’m going to rectify that. Not that I need to. I can still recite it.

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    1. That is awesome! Such a great story, mood, and well crafted acting. Love the cast, landscape, sets, music, cinematography, and score. Underrated masterpiece. I love that you experienced that.

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  11. The first time I watched this movie, I loved it. I watched it last year with my sister, due to a random nastalgia attack, and found it really disappointing. I think I love the movie for what it could be.

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    1. I could see that. At the end of the day, movies do age and we are always exposed to bigger and better ways to tell a story all the time. Still, for me when I did watch it back then…I remembering loving it. 😃

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  12. I am rather late to the game, but someone tweeted this and I just had to comment. Ladyhawke has got to be one of the best fantasy movies ever. Humor, love, passion, loyalty, sacrifice. It has it all. And I certainly can’t say enough about the music. I find it a great soundtrack to write to. Thanks for posting about this.

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  13. Ah, Ladyhawk! My favorite film, ever. Besides “Somewhere In Time,” of course. I agree, Rutger Hauer is completely underrated as an actor. I love narrated movies and Matthew nails it! The friendship and loyalty between Phillippe (and the disgraced Father) and Capt. Navarre and etheral Isabeau is acted so well in this movie as they pursue their goal to break the evil curse. Love, love, love this film. Thank you for sharing.

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  14. My she’s yummy Rh still think his best movie is blade runner easy as important as HF both actors made this film well along with the awesome director.

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  15. Phillipe:
    “Maybe I’m dreaming. My eyes are open, which means maybe I’m awake dreaming that I’m asleep. Or, or more likely, I’m asleep dreaming that I’m awake wondering if I’m dreaming.”
    This is one of my top five romance movies which is funny since you didn’t mention the true love portion of the movie in your article. You’re forgiven since you were nine. Phillipe:
    “You must save this Hawk” he said, “For she is my life, my last and best reason for living.” And then he said, “One day, we will know such happinesss as two people dream of, but never do.”

    Isabeau:
    “He said that?”

    Phillipe:
    “I swear it on my life.” Also good for some laughs. I agree with your friends the music did not fit the film and I wish they would re-release the movie with a new music track then it would be perfect. I also agree with you because the music didn’t change how much I loved the movie.

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