The actors are extravagantly good: Hauer, as always, with a sense of intelligence behind his physical exploits; Pfeiffer, strong and exquisite, and Broderick, embroidering on his role as go-between, is irresistible, comic and wistful by turns.

| Oct 13, 2023

Here is the kind of elaborate, gothic tragedy that fuels Germanic operas and Heavy Metal ballads — the lovers who can remain together but forever be apart.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 13, 2023

Richard Donner has made Ladyhawke an uncontroversial fairy tale for young children, as the film's blandness and stereotype performances...offers nothing interesting, let alone new.

| Jul 22, 2022

A thoroughly delightful fantasy romance that holds up remarkably well and deserves to be rediscovered by today's younger audiences.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 9, 2021

A competent fantasy with likeable heroes and dastardly villains, though the running time is slightly overlong.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Sep 6, 2020

Concerning the removal of a certain diabolical curse which keeps two lovers always together, yet always apart, Ladyhawke is a successful, unpretentious little film that uses strong characterization rather than special effects to achieve its goals.

| Mar 25, 2020

The film is gorgeous to watch, especially since the quality of light is so central to the plot: Is it afternoon or sunset?

| Dec 4, 2018

Unfortunately, director Richard Donner never quite gets the tone right, and the pace is positively stuporous. The horses gallop, but the film barely canters.

| Jan 4, 2018

Messy, dated romantic fantasy is dull and violent.

| Original Score: 1/5 | Sep 8, 2015

It's a likable-enough adventure that feels much smaller than the widescreen landscapes in which it takes place.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 2, 2015

Though simple, the saga moves amidst beautiful surroundings (filmed in Italy), and is worthwhile for its extremely authentic look alone.

| Oct 18, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 1, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 19, 2007

We need more fantasy like this: high adventure, brilliant swordplay, convincing magic, three-dimensional characters, arresting cinematography, and best of all, a good story.

Full Review | Original Score: A | Jan 15, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 15, 2004

lovely scenery, silly story

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 8, 2004

Ultra-romantic drama-adventure

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 23, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 13, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 22, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 8, 2003