Der Tag des Falken (1985)
6KDer Tag des Falken: Directed by Richard Donner. With Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leo McKern. The thief Gaston escapes the dungeon of medieval Aquila through the latrine. Soldiers are about to kill him when Navarre saves him. Navarre, traveling with his spirited hawk, plans to kill the bishop of Aquila with help from Gaston.
“Richard Donneru0026#39;s u0026#39;Ladyhawkeu0026#39; tells a fascinating tale of cursed love that separates two lovers like day and night (quite literally). What I loved about this film is that even though itu0026#39;s a wonderful mixture of action, adventure, romance and comedy, it is a simple film. The execution is solid and it shows that Donner and his cast and crew have put a lot of heart in the making of the film.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe score is kind of funny. At times thereu0026#39;s a beautiful symphony that expresses the beauty of the settings and then, during the action scenes, thereu0026#39;s the typical 80u0026#39;s hip track which brings a smile as it nostalgically reminds me of that wild decade. u0026#39;Ladyhawkeu0026#39; is indeed very beautiful to look at. The cinematography is superb as it gives a very spacious view and the composition of the shots are very well arranged.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNo CGI has been used and that marvelously stands out as it gives the film a purer look and only reminds one of the days before CGI was overused, when cinema looked pure and authentic. u0026#39;Ladyhawkeu0026#39; is a fine example of movies that can look great and sometimes even better and more effective without CGI (other examples being the Star Wars trilogy (80u0026#39;s version), Indiana Jones etc).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe performances are topnotch. A radiant Michelle Pfeiffer completely owns the title role. Her understated performance and quiet yet strong presence (like a hawk) brilliantly contrasts Rutger Haueru0026#39;s wolfish character. Hauer too does a fine job. An evil Alfred Molino is barely recognizable and Leo McKern wears the menacing look very well. John Wood provides some great comic relief. However, it is Matthew Broderick who stands out. He performs naturally as the vivacious, energetic, deceitful thief who loses his heart to Ladyhawke and at the same time he is determined to reunite the lovers and rescue them from the wrath of the curse.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOverall, u0026#39;Ladyhawkeu0026#39; is a beautiful movie that satisfied my filmviewing experience. It gives that nostalgic feel, it amuses, it fascinates and it feels enchanting. No wonder it still feels fresh after more than two decades.”
