10 Obscure Films You Must See
9. Ladyhawke (dir. Richard Donner, 1985)
There are three kinds of fantasy films: those that balance substance and silliness perfectly (Flesh & Blood), those who take themselves so seriously that theyre dull (Excalibur), and those which are so silly that you cant help but enjoy them. Ladyhawke belongs in the latter category, combining an epic storyline with rather dodgy effects and a jarring electronic soundtrack. A pre-Ferris Bueller Matthew Broderick plays Philippe the Mouse Gaston, a thief who escapes from the city of Aquila and comes across the exiled captain of the guard (Rutger Hauer). Hauer is love with Michelle Pfeiffer, but through an evil curse she is a hawk by day and he is a wolf by night, so they can never be together.Directed by Richard Donner just before he struck gold with Lethal Weapon, and shot by the same man who shot Apocalypse Now, Ladyhawke is a film with moments of grandeur in amongst whole sections that could have escaped from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The effects have their shortcomings but the central relationship is really heart-breaking, and the film has a number of really great jokes. Most of these involve the two real stars of the film a scenery-chewing Bishop played by John Wood, and a cranky, guilt-ridden monk played by the late great Leo McKern. Three Men on a Blog review - The Movie Hour podcast: #49