In medieval times, a youthful pickpocket befriends a strange knight who is on a mysterious quest. This unlikely duo, accompanied by a watchful hawk, are enveloped in a magical adventure. Matthew Broderick ("The Freshman," "Glory"), Academy Award-nominee Michelle Pfeiffer ("Batman Returns," "Dangerous Minds") and Rutger Hauer ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Blade Runner") star in this medieval romantic adventure, nominated for two Academy Awards. Co-starring John Wood ("Sabrina"). Produced and directed by Richard Donner ("Maverick," "Superman"), Siskel & Ebert call this "fabulous... a magically wonderful movie... a real classic!" The Los Angeles Times says it "soars... it's enchanted, enthralling, marvelous; a bold, beautiful vision" and Gene Shalit calls it "amazing... a double popcorn picture that casts a spell, which is why 'Ladyhawke' spells pleasure."

In medieval times, a youthful pickpocket befriends a strange knight who is on a mysterious quest.

In medieval France, knight Rutger Hauer and lady fair Michelle Pfeiffer both run afoul of evil-bishop John Wood. Through the auspices of bishop's confessor Leo McKern, Hauer and Pfeiffer are placed under a curse. During the night, Hauer takes the form of a wolf, while Pfeiffer assumes the form of a hawk by day. The two lovers can only meet one another as humans at dawn and dusk. The only mortal in a position to rescue Hauer and Pfeiffer from their fate is nebbishy pickpocket Matthew Broderick, who acts as liaison between the lovers. With the help of the guilt-ridden McKern--and a convenient solar eclipse--Broderick endeavors to set things aright. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide.