Overview
A thief's escape leads him to a cursed knight and a beautiful lady, all under the watchful eye of a vengeful bishop.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- romantic
- wistful
- witty
- fantasy movie night
- date night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film beautifully photographed and romantically sweeping, while noting pacing problems and uneven dialogue.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Navarre becomes a wolf at night while Isabeau becomes a hawk by day, preventing the couple from remaining human together.
The Bishop of Aquila uses his authority and men to hunt Navarre and Isabeau after imposing the curse out of lust.
The lovers' curse, the film's moon imagery, and its climactic eclipse make changing light central to the romantic fantasy design.
Philippe Gaston's thief persona and Matthew Broderick's contemporary wisecracks provide levity amid medieval persecution and swordplay.
Films like Ladyhawke, and why
The Princess Bride
Shares sword-and-sorcery adventure, cursed lovers, medieval fantasy romance, and lavishly photographed fairytale atmosphere.
The Brothers Grimm
Shares romantic fantasy, medieval adventure, magical curses, comic relief, and a charismatic ensemble.
Excalibur
Shares heroic swordplay, dark medieval fantasy, doomed romance, and an oppressive supernatural antagonist.
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Donner
- Release Date
- 1985-03-27
- Runtime
- 121 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (1302)
Cast
- Matthew Broderick
- Rutger Hauer
- Michelle Pfeiffer
- Alfred Molina
- John Wood
- Leo McKern
- Ken Hutchison
- Giancarlo Prete
- Loris Loddi
- Charles Borromel
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Ladyhawke about?
- A quick-witted thief joins a cursed warrior and his transformed lover in a perilous medieval quest to overthrow the tyrant who keeps them apart.
- What is Ladyhawke like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ladyhawke as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Ladyhawke violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Ladyhawke as moderate.
- What did critics think of Ladyhawke?
- Critics generally found the film beautifully photographed and romantically sweeping, while noting pacing problems and uneven dialogue.
- Which films are like Ladyhawke?
- Films with a similar feel include The Princess Bride, The Brothers Grimm, and Excalibur.
- How long is Ladyhawke?
- Ladyhawke runs 121 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ladyhawke?
- In United States, Ladyhawke is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
