Must See Movie Monday - Ladyhawke

Film: Ladyhawke
Released: 1985
Rated: PG
Director: Richard Donner
Staring: Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer
 Short Summary (from IMDb): Philipe Gastone, a thief, escapes from the dungeon at Aquila, sparking a manhunt. He is nearly captured when Captain Navarre befriends him. Navarre has been hunted by the Bishop's men for two years, ever since he escaped with the Lady Isabeau who the Bishop has lusted after. Navarre and Isabeau have a curse that the Bishop has placed on them that causes Navarre to be a wolf during the night and Isabeau to be a hawk during the day. Navarre insists that Philipe help him re-enter the city to help him kill the heavily guarded Bishop.

Why It's A Must See Movie

I've picked Ladyhawke this week because I think that not enough people in the world have seen it, and they most definitely should. This movie is a fun fast paced fantasy film with some comedy thrown in for good measure. In fact one of the things I love most about this film is that it balances action, romance, and comedy so well. I think the filmmakers and actors did a good job at creating several great scenes that create suspense. The film makes you care about the characters so much that you feel for them and worry for them. Which to me demonstrates good writing and direction.

I also think that the way they choose to show the transition of the characters from human to animal. It nothing crazy but it doesn't look so low budget that it becomes silly looking.  It's brilliant how the movie relates the tale of a romance where you never see the two people involved are seen together until the last moments to the film. I love how the movie explores how friendship is just as important romance. Strong friendship is what gets all the protagonists through their fight.

I think that the movie is worth watching just for the great performances by the actors. Especially Matthew Broderick as the hilarious pick pocket Philipe. He's just so good at playing that part and he gets the best lines in the film. Lines like: "This is not unlike escaping mother's womb. God, what a memory." It cracks me up every time. Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer are equally excellent at playing the parts. They form the more serious parts of the story along with some pretty wonderful performances by the villainous characters. Ladyhawke has great heros and great villains which make it super exciting.

If you like sword fights, redemption stories, true love with obstacles, witty commentary, and folklore/fairytale fantasy, then Ladyhawke is the movie for you. Give it a try and I hope that you all have fun watching it.