Watch Hawk the Slayer

Hawk the Slayer is a 1980 British fantasy film directed by Terry Marcel. The movie is set in a fictional medieval world and follows the story of a group of heroes led by the titular character, Hawk, as they embark on a quest to rescue his sister from the evil clutches of his brother, Voltan. The film stars John Terry as Hawk, a skilled warrior with a magical sword that he inherited from their father. Jack Palance plays the role of Voltan, the main antagonist and Hawk’s brother, who inherited a dark and sinister power from their father. Bernard Bresslaw portrays the character of Gort, the massive and dumb brute who is loyal to Hawk and aids him on his journey. The film also features notable actors such as Annette Crosbie, Roy Kinnear, and Patricia Quinn.

The movie begins with the abduction of Hawk’s sister by Voltan, who is now the leader of a group of ruthless mercenaries seeking ultimate power. Hawk, along with his companions, embarks on a journey to rescue her. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including fierce battles with Voltan's men, dangerous traps, and treacherous terrain.

Throughout the film, Hawk proves to be a fearless and resourceful leader, even when faced with impossible challenges. His magical sword, which can shoot bolts of energy, helps him defeat Voltan's army and protect his companions. Meanwhile, Voltan's craving for power and control leads him to commit heinous acts, turning him into a formidable villain who will stop at nothing to eliminate his enemies.

One of the film's strengths is its character development. Throughout the journey, we learn more about each of the characters, their skills, their backstories, and how they interact with one another. Hawk is portrayed as a noble and brave hero who is not afraid to take on any challenge. Gort, on the other hand, is depicted as a simple-minded character who is fiercely loyal to Hawk, despite his lack of intelligence. Voltan's character, in contrast, is shown as a complex and multi-layered villain, with his actions motivated by greed, jealousy, and a thirst for power.

The film's setting is also noteworthy, as the medieval world is presented in a vivid and detailed manner. The landscapes and buildings are designed to create a sense of realism and give the impression of being transported to another time and place. Additionally, the special effects, while not groundbreaking, are still impressive for the time and add to the film's sense of adventure.

One of the most memorable aspects of the film is its score, composed by Harry Robinson. The music is sweeping and dramatic, enhancing the film's action and adding to its emotional impact. The main theme, in particular, is still remembered and loved by many fans of the film.

Overall, Hawk the Slayer is an enjoyable and entertaining fantasy film that provides an excellent mix of adventure, action, and drama. The film's engaging characters, stunning setting, and memorable score make it a must-see for fans of the genre. Even after more than four decades, the film continues to have a dedicated fan base, and its impact on the fantasy genre cannot be understated.

Hawk the Slayer is a 1981 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.