Ladyhawke
Performance & Direction: Ladyhawke Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ladyhawke features a noteworthy lineup led by Matthew Broderick . Supported by the likes of Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
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
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Richard Donner, Ladyhawke resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to adventure resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Matthew Broderick, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ladyhawke reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
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
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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.
