Thoughts on watching Ladyhawke again
May. 2nd, 2013 04:41 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
vr_trakowskiSpoilers below...but seriously, the movie’s almost thirty years old. If you haven’t seen it by now, you should have.
Rutger Hauer simply doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. This is one of his best films, though I direct you to Escape from Sobibor and Nighthawks as well. The movie has its flaws, to be sure, but what film doesn’t?
It includes the unmatchable Leo McKern and John Wood, both of whom are sorely missed; the former has the best line in the entire film, and the latter plays cold malicious evil so well that he kind of creeps me out when I see him elsewhere. And, Alfred Molina--bet you didn’t notice that!
The scenery is gorgeous and the composite of Aquila is only jarred once, when Marquet has to duck almost double through a doorway. Seems people have gotten taller since the place was built.
My favorite scene is probably the battle in the sanctuary at the end. I scarcely pay attention to the first half because I’m just watching the horses; Goliath knows he’s the most gorgeous thing around and will accept no rivals to his beauty. Once they’re off the horses, it’s a real fight; as much a mutual beating as a sword battle. It’s great fun to watch the clergy in the background when Marquet gets his. *snerk*
I also adore Isabeau. She’s restricted but never helpless; she’s got a mind of her own and she uses it, and in the end she takes her chance to spit in the Bishop’s eye too.
And lastly, I am so sick of people ragging on the soundtrack. I find it beautiful and appropriate--much more so than the travesty attached to A Knight’s Tale (I couldn’t watch that film) or the total weirdness of Plunkett & Macleane. It’s very Eighties, sure, but it was the Eighties.
How I wish there was a blooper reel!
Rutger Hauer simply doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. This is one of his best films, though I direct you to Escape from Sobibor and Nighthawks as well. The movie has its flaws, to be sure, but what film doesn’t?
It includes the unmatchable Leo McKern and John Wood, both of whom are sorely missed; the former has the best line in the entire film, and the latter plays cold malicious evil so well that he kind of creeps me out when I see him elsewhere. And, Alfred Molina--bet you didn’t notice that!
The scenery is gorgeous and the composite of Aquila is only jarred once, when Marquet has to duck almost double through a doorway. Seems people have gotten taller since the place was built.
My favorite scene is probably the battle in the sanctuary at the end. I scarcely pay attention to the first half because I’m just watching the horses; Goliath knows he’s the most gorgeous thing around and will accept no rivals to his beauty. Once they’re off the horses, it’s a real fight; as much a mutual beating as a sword battle. It’s great fun to watch the clergy in the background when Marquet gets his. *snerk*
I also adore Isabeau. She’s restricted but never helpless; she’s got a mind of her own and she uses it, and in the end she takes her chance to spit in the Bishop’s eye too.
And lastly, I am so sick of people ragging on the soundtrack. I find it beautiful and appropriate--much more so than the travesty attached to A Knight’s Tale (I couldn’t watch that film) or the total weirdness of Plunkett & Macleane. It’s very Eighties, sure, but it was the Eighties.
How I wish there was a blooper reel!
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no subject
Date: 2013-05-02 10:14 pm (UTC)Oh, and I totally agree about A Knight's Tale. I watched it but only because it was on one night and I couldn't find the remote but was too lazy to get up and change channel. ;-)
Hope you're doing okay, m'dear. *hugs*
no subject
Date: 2013-05-04 01:14 am (UTC)I really enjoyed every minute. Sometimes the old-but-goods get worn in spots, but I was savoring this one.
Getting better every day!
no subject
Date: 2013-05-03 01:25 pm (UTC)I totally agree with your entire assessment of the film. Mom and I watched it several times. I think I have the vhs tape of it. I don't think it was on Netflix, but I discovered it at one time on vudu.
On a side note...when I was in Europe in the seventies, I remember being amazed at the fact that people were indeed much smaller than they are today...more so in height than girth. I don't see how anyone could fit into the armor of the past.
no subject
Date: 2013-05-04 01:16 am (UTC)Oh yeah--when we were in Provence a few years ago we were astonished at how short some of the doors were. :P
no subject
Date: 2013-05-04 05:06 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-05-04 09:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-05-04 11:53 am (UTC)