Hawk the Slayer

source: Hawk the Slayer

Trailer—Hawk the Slayer

Hawk the Slayer

I first saw this movie in 1981 at about 4 o'clock in the morning and I LOVED it. I had some friends staying over at my house for the weekend, we were 12 years old and lived to play D&D. About 2 minutes after the movie ended we all set about creating our own Mindswords and automatic crossbows for our characters. Yes, the acting is truly lame, but in a movie like this, who cares? I've always secretly hoped that there was a sequel made, as they totally left it open for one, but I guess that would be too much to ask for. I have always wanted to find the movie on DVD so I can show it to my nephews, who thanks to me, are also D&D players. The greatest cult fantasy movie ever!

Watched this in 1980 aged 7 as the supporting feature for Saturn 5 and enjoyed it a great deal more. Minscule budget, laughable special effects, terrible acting and astoundingly bad dialogue but it still works and indeed it's brilliant, a great way to pass 90 minutes. Especially love British comedy legend Bernard Breslaw as the giant (a reasonably small giant but when you're accustomed to seeing him as Sid James foil it really is such a different role for him). One scene that really stands out though is the part where Crow, the last Elfin archer speaks to Hawk of his weariness of battle; Crow; "We have waited together like this many times, you and I. Sometimes I grow tired of the fighting and killing. At night I hear my people calling for me from beyond the mountains. One day I will join them and my race will be forgotten" Hawk; "You will never be forgotten" Feels like it comes from a much better film.

I agree that this is one for the "so bad, it's good" shelf. the real fun with this movie though, is playing Spot The Actor. there are many respectable British TV character actors in this Fantasy Farce who probably leave this one off their C.V. (resume) I won't spoil it for you,but go back and have a look! Also, there was a rumour that the story was written up from a "Dungeons and Dragons" campaign. I don't know if it's true, but with dialogue like "Silence, Scum" and "I bring a message, the message of death!" I can believe it. And here's one for trivia buffs, one fight scene in this movie is actually quoted in a fight choreography book as being a good example of how to film sword combat!!!! Worth 8/10 just for being so damned entertaining!

As you watch this film, you will more than likely sit back and say, "This is so silly." Remember this is an 80's film. I remember first watching this film as a teenager and saying it was so cool. Well many moons later, I can see the aweful special effects, and the obvious mistakes made. The interesting things about "B" movies is that if actors know they are in one; it comes through in their acting. With this film, they try to act as seriously as possible, which makes it more believable. For people with a poor budget, they did quite well. The score is still some of the coolest music ever. It sets the tone for the film, and encompasses Hawk's mysterious nature. As a regular film, it is aweful. As a "B" film, it does quite well. Cult classic.