I've found myself reflecting on the unique magic of the movies I grew up watching. My parents were movie-watchers so I was exposed to all sorts of films as I grew up. I enjoyed the stop motion mastery of Ray Harryhausen, the height of the stories of sword and sorcery, the industry's first steps into digital special effects and the first fully computer-rendered scenes put to film. I ventured into the legendary libraries of Steven Spielberg, John Hughes, and James Cameron. I was
blessed to experience Bill and Ted, Jurassic Park, the Lord of the Rings, and the Star Wars prequals in theaters. But, as many in my generation have long since noticed, Hollywood has lost it's spark. In a sea of reboots, decades-late sequels, and the ever worsening infection by political activism, I have to return to my roots to find that pure joy and escapism that I crave. In this search for my childhood joys, I've run across a great many movies from my younger years that I've proudly shared with my children...and have been thrilled to see the same look of wonder and joy in their eyes that I once felt when I was their age. That being said, let's take a walk back to 1985 and revisit the beautiful story Ladyhawke.
Ladyhawke takes place in medieval France staring legendary actors Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Broderick. The story is simple but nuanced, following the thief Phillipe "Mouse" Gaston (Matthew Broderick) as he becomes intertwined in the love story of former captain Etienne Navarre (Rutger Hauer) and the beautiful Lady Isabeau d'Anjou (Michelle Pfeiffer). The couple are deeply in love, but are forced to remain forever separated by a powerful curse. By day, Isabeau takes the form of a hawk. By night, Captain Navarre takes the form of a wolf. The
two are always together, but can only catch a brief glimpse of each other at sunrise and sunset. The curse was placed on the couple by the jealous Bishop of Aquilla (John Wood).Captain Navarre, Isabeau, and Phillipe embark on an emotional journey of revenge and love trying to find a way to break the curse. Ladyhawke is a simple story of good defeating evil and true love overcoming all adversity. A treat for anyone that is a fan of 80s movies, medieval fantasy, or a good ol' love story.
As I sat in my front room, remembering watching Ladyhawke with my parents when I was young, the nostalgia of the VERY 80's soundtrack washed over me. Electronic percussion, synthesizers, and the undeniable 80's style brought smiles and jokes from both of my children. I urged them to hold their jokes and give the movie a chance. As soon as the story started, and the baby-faced Matthew Broderick took the screen, they were quickly pulled in. We immersed ourselves in the story like a familiar old blanket. The story was comforting, and real. No hidden messages, no cliché jokes or fourth wall breaks. Just an honest, authentic love story set in the
medieval French countryside. We laughed as Phillipe regularly talked to God, making bargains and sarcastic jokes. We tensed up as Captain Navarre fought the Bishop's guard, being careful to not take any of their lives. We gasped when the hawk was injured, because we knew that at sunset she would transform back into Isabeau. And most of all, we all celebrated when the curse was finally broken, the Bishop was defeated, and Navarre and Isabeau were finally reunited. It was a pure and joyful experience to watch Ladyhawke with my family. To make sure the old movies are remembered a little while longer. And to help this next generation remember what a good story looks like, since they're getting fewer and farther between these days.
As a father, it brings my heart so much joy to share the memories that I made with my parents with my children and with you. Today's world seems to be overrun with negativity and needless drama. Growing up, movies and video games were my escape from the real world. That escape has only become more important to me the older I get. I need to have a way to unplug from the dumpster fire our world is turning into. That is why I embrace my nostalgic drive and refuse to let go of the joys of the 80s and 90s. It was a simpler time for entertainment. And, truth be told, it
was refreshing to watch a magical love story with my children without being bombarded with foul language, nudity, political undertones, gender/identity messages, and real world parallels. We got to sit and enjoy a simple story of good defeating evil, and love conquering all. It doesn't get
much more pure than that. So, if you love a good ol' fashioned love story or happen to be a medieval fantasy fan like my family and I are, check out Ladyhawke. We think you'll enjoy it quite a bit....in spite of the VERY 80s soundtrack. Give it a chance and let us know what you think. Let's keep the magic of these childhood favorites alive and pass them down to the next generation. They're special and don't come along very often anymore, so let's not let them disappear into our memories. Keep the magic alive and, as always, game on!
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