“Ladyhawke” is a fantasy film from 1985 directed by Richard Donner. The story follows a young thief named Philippe Gaston, played by Matthew Broderick, who escapes from a prison and encounters a former knight, Navarre (Rutger Hauer), and his lover, Isabeau (Michelle Pfeiffer).

The tale begins with Philippe Gaston (known as “Mouse”), a witty and resourceful thief, escaping the dungeons of Aquila. His freedom is short-lived when soldiers pursue him. Just as they corner him, he is saved by a mysterious knight, Captain Etienne Navarre, and his strikingly majestic black horse. Navarre travels with a hawk that rarely leaves his side.

Navarre reveals that he has a personal vendetta against the tyrannical Bishop of Aquila, who is obsessed with the beautiful Lady Isabeau d’Anjou. Years ago, the bishop cursed Navarre and Isabeau when he discovered their forbidden love. By day, Isabeau is transformed into a hawk, and by night, Navarre becomes a wolf. They are forever apart, unable to meet in human form.

Philippe reluctantly becomes Navarre’s ally after realizing the depth of their plight. Together, they embark on a journey to confront the bishop and break the curse. Along the way, they encounter obstacles, including mercenaries, treacherous terrain, and the bishop’s loyal but ruthless guards. They also meet Father Imperius, a monk exiled for his role in revealing their love to the bishop. Wracked with guilt, Imperius seeks redemption by helping Navarre and Isabeau break the curse.

The key to lifting the curse lies in a celestial event—a solar eclipse. During the “day without a night and the night without a day,” Navarre and Isabeau must confront the bishop together in their human forms. However, Navarre, blinded by anger and the desire for revenge, plans to kill the bishop regardless of the eclipse, potentially dooming them both forever.

Philippe, now loyal to the couple, devises a plan to infiltrate the bishop’s cathedral during the eclipse. In a climactic battle, Navarre faces the bishop, while Philippe ensures the hawk (Isabeau) is brought to safety. At the crucial moment, as the eclipse darkens the sky, Navarre and Isabeau appear together in human form. The bishop, realizing his doom, tries to strike Isabeau but is stopped by Navarre, who kills him.

With the bishop’s death, the curse is lifted. Navarre and Isabeau are finally reunited as humans, embracing under the light of the restored sun. Philippe, watching from a distance, smiles and quietly departs, leaving the lovers to their well-earned happiness.