[7]

Two lovers are bewitched by a jealous Bishop — the man (Rutger Hauer) is transformed into a wolf by night, the woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) is a hawk by day. They only see each other in human form for a fleeting second at sunrise and sunset. With the help of a pick-pocket (Matthew Broderick) and a drunken friar (Leo McKern), they journey to the Bishop’s castle to end the curse… or die.

This poignant high-concept fantasy is anchored by Richard Donner’s sure-handed direction and a charismatic leading performance from Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off). Michelle Pfeiffer has never looked more beautiful. It helps that she was photographed by three-time Oscar winning cinematographer Vittorio Storaro. The rock-infused score by Andrew Powell catches a lot of flak, but I find the anachronistic approach bold and refreshing. Ladyhawke is light on memorable action, which is surprising when you consider the director’s other work (The Omen, Superman, Lethal Weapon), but it’s got enough character and good old-fasioned fairy tale romance to compensate.

Oscar nominations: Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing