Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Matthew Broderick | ... | Gaston | |
Rutger Hauer | ... | Navarre | |
Michelle Pfeiffer | ... | Isabeau | |
Leo McKern | ... | Imperius | |
John Wood | ... | Bishop | |
Ken Hutchison | ... | Marquet | |
Alfred Molina | ... | Cezar | |
Giancarlo Prete | ... | Fornac | |
Loris Loddi | ... | Jehan | |
Alex Serra | ... | Mr. Pitou (as Alessandro Serra) | |
Charles Borromel | ... | Insane Prisoner | |
Massimo Sarchielli | ... | Innkeeper | |
![]() |
Nicolina Papetti | ... | Mrs. Pitou |
![]() |
Russel Case | ... | Lieutenant (as Russell Kase) |
![]() |
Donald Hodson | ... | Guard on Cart (as Don Hudson) |
Philippe Gaston (Matthew Broderick), a thief, escapes from the dungeon at Aquila, sparking a manhunt. He is nearly captured when Captain Etienne Navarre (Rutger Hauer) befriends him. Navarre has been hunted by the Bishop's men for two years, ever since he escaped with the Lady Isabeau (Michelle Pfeiffer), after whom the Bishop (John Wood) has lusted. Navarre and Isabeau have a curse that the Bishop has placed on them that causes Navarre to be a wolf during the night and Isabeau to be a hawk during the day. Navarre insists that Philippe help him re-enter the city to help him kill the heavily guarded Bishop. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>
This movie, except for the "over-orchestration," deserves critical acclaim, as most of the comments have illustrated. However, no one seems to have addressed another element par excellence....the horses and equestrianship. Only one commentator made a cursory observation that Navarre's mount was a "farm horse." ... not so! That was a Fresian, one of the oldest breed of horse known and the one which the knights of old used for battle....try to train a "farm horse" to prance! Other breeds included the Lipizans, and it was the antagonists who rode them.
If one were to overlook the fine acting, the excellent storyline, the Romance (literary sense), and the romantic which tugs our heart strings in understatement, the appropriate comedy, the breath-taking camera work utilizing almost no special effects (but surpassing just about everything thrust upon us today), a horse-lover would revel in the production.
However, whoever (not the composers) was in charge of allowing the musical score, should have been barbecued at the stake for ruining an almost flawless classic. Never the less, this movie should not be missed...It will leave you in awe and wonder.
Marvin Cohn