Ladyhawke
Ladyhawke Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Ladyhawke
| Movie | Ladyhawke |
| Release Year | 1985 |
| Director | Richard Donner |
| Genre | Adventure / Comedy / Fantasy |
| Runtime | 121 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Ladyhawke (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Ladyhawke are led by Matthew Broderick . The supporting cast, including Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Ladyhawke stands out as a strong entry in the Adventure genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Adventure narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Ladyhawke has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Adventure fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Ladyhawke
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, Ladyhawke is a Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy film directed by Richard Donner. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Matthew Broderick.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Captain Etienne Navarre is a man on whose shoulders lies a cruel curse. Punished for loving each other, Navarre must become a wolf by night whilst his lover, Lady Isabeau, takes the form of a hawk by day. Together, with the thief Philippe Gaston, they must try to overthrow the corrupt Bishop and in doing so break the spell. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Matthew Broderick's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Ladyhawke
Ladyhawke Ending Explained: Directed by Richard Donner, Ladyhawke resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core adventure themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Matthew Broderick. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the adventure themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Ladyhawke reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Ladyhawke?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Matthew Broderick or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Ladyhawke
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $18.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Ladyhawke Budget
The estimated production budget for Ladyhawke is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Ladyhawke
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Ladyhawke Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeLadyhawke Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about Ladyhawke age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Ladyhawke is 121 minutes (2h 1m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Ladyhawke is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ladyhawke worth watching?
Ladyhawke is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Ladyhawke parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Ladyhawke identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Ladyhawke?
The total duration of Ladyhawke is 121 minutes, which is approximately 2h 1m long.
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Critic Reviews for Ladyhawke
Matthew Broderick is quite spritely in this mystical adventure. He breaks out from prison, using the sewers ("just like leaving the womb") where he, luckily, encounters "Navarre" (Rutger Hauer) just as he is about to become toast. The man travels with a hawk, and soon we discover that he and the hawk have a distinct synergy - the hawk is "Isabeau" (Michelle Pfieffer) by night; he a terrifying wolf then. How to break the curse? Well, they must face the ruthless bishop (John Wood) in his stronghold of Aquila, and the bishop's men are hunting all of them. It's quite an enjoyable fantasy this. Broderick talks too much (maybe I'd have hanged him too) but there is plenty of swordplay; mischief from Broderick's "Gaston the Mouse"; a little comedy from an on-form Leo McKern and it all looks quite stylish. It is a bit too long, it could probably lose twenty minutes, and there is far too much of the score but the falconry photography is fine and the ending lively. Worth a watch.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
