Hawken's Breed Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: Hawken's Breed
| Movie | Hawken's Breed |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Charles B. Pierce |
| Genre | Adventure / Western / Drama |
| Runtime | 89 minutes (1h 29m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Hawken's Breed (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.0/10. 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 Hawken's Breed are led by Peter Fonda . The supporting cast, including Jack Elam and Serene Hedin , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Hawken's Breed does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Adventure films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Hawken's Breed 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: Hawken's Breed
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Hawken's Breed is a Adventure, Western, Drama film directed by Charles B. Pierce, written by Charles B. Pierce. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Peter Fonda as Hawken.
Ending Explained: Hawken's Breed
Hawken's Breed Ending Explained: Hawken is a rugged drifter and loner who meets and comes to rescue a young Shawnee woman, named Spirit in 1840s Tennessee, whom he leaves after saving her from a rouge group of Shawnee Indians. Directed by Charles B. Pierce, this 1987 adventure film stars Peter Fonda (Hawken), alongside Jack Elam as Tackett, Serene Hedin as Spirit, Chuck Pierce Jr. as Noel Hickman. Rated 4/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Hawken's Breed?
Hawken is a rugged drifter and loner who meets and comes to rescue a young Shawnee woman, named Spirit in 1840s Tennessee, whom he leaves after saving her from a rouge group of Shawnee Indians. After taking up residence with an old fur trapper and old friend named Jeb Kline, Hawken later meets Spirit again whom runs away from a local fur trader named Tackett, whom she is sold to. Soon, Hawken is up against Tackett and a posse of hired killers, as well as a greedy and racist land owner, named Hickman, who's long abused son Noel whom narrates the entire story, comes to his and Spirit's aid to help them survive.
Charles B. Pierce's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Peter Fonda (Hawken)'s journey. After taking up residence with an old fur trapper and old friend named Jeb Kline, Hawken later meets Spirit again whom runs away from a local fur trader named Tackett, whom she is sold to.
How Does Peter Fonda (Hawken)'s Story End?
- Peter Fonda: Peter Fonda's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jack Elam (Tackett): Jack Elam's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Serene Hedin (Spirit): Serene Hedin's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Hawken's Breed Mean?
The ending of Hawken's Breed brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Peter Fonda's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Hawken's Breed Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Hawken's Breed Based on a True Story?
No, Hawken's Breed is a work of fiction. While the adventure, western, drama film directed by Charles B. Pierce and starring Peter Fonda may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Hawken's Breed?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Adventure films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 89 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch Hawken's Breed Online?
Streaming HubHawken's Breed Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Hawken's Breed age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Hawken's Breed (1987) is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Directed by Charles B. Pierce, the film runs for 89 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.0/10, and global performance metrics, Hawken's Breed is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawken's Breed worth watching?
Hawken's Breed is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 4/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Hawken's Breed parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Hawken's Breed identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Hawken's Breed (1987)?
The runtime of Hawken's Breed (1987) is 89 minutes (approximately 1h 29m).
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.
