Customer Reviews

Hawks [VHS]

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fans of British comedy will be familiar with Roy Clarke ("Keeping Up Appearances," "Open All Hours," and "The Last of the Summer Wine"), who wrote the screenplay. If you enjoy Clarke's distinctive, zany brand of British humour, you will enjoy this film. The actual storyline (and soundtrack) were written by Barry Gibb (The Bee Gees), but the humour is all Roy Clarke. Lest anyone be shocked or offended, however, I should mention that this is not the family entertainment one normally expects from Clarke. The film is restricted and frequent use is made of the "F" word. Also, there are a few sexual references and about 5 minutes of nudity as the "sights" of Amsterdam's red-light district are explored. It's actually quite tame really; one sees far worse on Masterpiece Theatre (except for the swearing). I did think it worth mentioning, however, just so one knows what to expect.

Briefly, the film is about an English solicitor (Timothy Dalton) and an American footballer (Anthony Edwards) who have terminal cancer and decide to spend their remission in the brothels of Amsterdam. The humour, being typically British, requires an extremely high level of competence in order to carry it off. Dalton and actress Janet McTeer have just such ability and do a superb job portraying their respective characters. McTeer is the real show-stealer--she's just hilarious. I was not, I must confess, impressed with Anthony Edwards' acting (which appeared, unfortunately, to be just that). Nevertheless, the other actors more than compensate, making this an enjoyable film all around.

All in all, the humour and poignancy (which is never mawkish) are skilfully interwoven, and the film is (for the most part) very well acted. The result is a delightful, entertaining film (with a running time of 105 minutes). Recommended to fans of British humour, and especially to fans of Roy Clarke.

This is, as your first editorial reviewer said, an undiscovered gem. The story of two terminally ill men who decide to go on a last fling, it is touching, poignant and hilarious. Dalton gives one of his best performances ever (he can be such a wonderful actor when he wants to be)and Janet McTeer is, as usual, terrific. Their oddessy is one that cannot have a happy ending and yet it does in its own way. I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves discovering diamonds amidst the dross.

This movie is awesome. I too fail to see how so much crap makes it to DVD but good movies like this don't seem to.
I watched it after I had neurosurgery and also a steroid psychosis from the medication I was on during the operation.The message really hit home.
Bancroft may be entertaining, but Decker is very important too.
Although it is a comedy about two terminal patients, it isn't really a black comedy. It has black moments, but it is very positive in the end.

Now that I am on the net I can add to my video collection one of my favorite movies of all-time. A poignant tale of two terminally ill men, who meet and befriend each other during the most difficult of circumstances. As Dalton's character teaches Edward's to deal with his illness, they embark on a final journey; learning to laugh and love again. Don't ask me what happened to this movie when it first came out...but after viewing it in 1993 I knew I wanted a personal copy. One of the best movies ever made. Co-written and music written/produced by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. The music is simply brilliant and the song, "Childhood Days" is uplifting and moving. A winner on all accounts!

A great mind (Horace Walpole) once said, "Life is a comedy to those who think; a tragedy to those who feel". This movie sums up this opinion quite brilliantly. Yes. There is a great message behind the story of this film. Both leads (Dalton and Edwards) are dying, yet aren't we all? Indeed. However, the difference between them and us is that we need to be reminded of that, but THEY are living their life around their death sentence. They know it's coming soon. It's on their mind 24-7. And because of this, they learn valuable lessons about life and love. This movie is a joy from beginning to end. It makes you analyze your own life. So, if you understand the said quote at the beginning of this particular review, then you will understand this movie. As for acting, what can I say? Dalton is a joy, and certainly a most underrated actor. I admire the man. He took up such a challenging role at a time when he could have played much more Hollywood-ish ones, as opposed to this complex black comedy. That Hazel character acted wonderfully too. All in all, a movie not to be missed. P.S. GREAT SCREENPLAY!!!

What a joy seeing Timothy Dalton in this movie! The BOND movies (which he is famous for) certainly do not do him any justice, as this film shows. For in this gem of a movie, he gets the opportunity to talk and talk and talk (unlike Bond movies) and here he shows his human side. He is excellent and at his best. His talents are shown off quite brilliantly. Besides the melting sound of his voice and beautiful overall essence (so handsome that it should be a crime in some parts of the world!), he is first and foremost, simply an excellent and charming actor. And he is funny too!! And as for the movie itself... Very good indeed. Sad and funny at the same time--- very bittersweet. Totally un-hollywoodish, which is a nice change of pace. All in all, this movie really is a hidden treasure. Worth seeing, especially if you are a Timothy Dalton fan!

I saw this movie ages ago and have been searching for a copy ever since. I could write a lengthy review but there are already plenty of those on hand. Simply put, this is an AWESOME movie.

...so then, my one question is this: When's the DVD release?? As much as I'd love to click and order this gem, I know a VHS simply won't withstand my repeated viewings. BRING OUT THE DVD!! For that, I can most definitely wait.

I bought this VHS because it had such good reviews and I was not disappointed. I think all actors perform greatly and the movie is well worth viewing a second time. Dalton gives a fine portrayal of an ill man full of hostility and bitterness towards the world and his illness, this keeping him going in life. Edwards is his counterpart. Well acted, good story, but I can see why this movie would not be appealing to the bigger audiences. It is too close to life, too intimate a story.

I just discovered this gem and I am really glad I did. The show has plenty of laughs and also some tears. I especially enjoyed the performance of Timothy Dalton, as a terminally ill patient, who as a member of the "Hawks" finds the strength needed to help his friend, played by Anthony Edwards, who has the same condition realize his wish to visit the brothels in Amsterdam.
The story comes from the ideas of Barry Gibb and David English and is wonderfully written. And Barry Gibb has again proven his musical ability with the selection of material for the movie score, as well as his vocal ability as he does the vocals for the songs.

Although this film has a head start, (lets face it, no film with such a strong cast and a Bee Gee's soundtrack is going to be a turkey is it?) it never rests on its laurels. Dalton steals the show as the dying solicitor (Thats Attourney to our American friends! ), his cold attitude slowly reveals the heartbreak behind the "mask", his girlfriend has deserted him and he needs to die somewhere exotic. His "Terminal Tours" as he calls them. It's only a pair on English girls that break through, and find the depth of feeling in Daltons charactor. this film is essential viewing, this is a movie that is true class. Dalton again proves himself to be one of Britains finest actors, and James Bond has never recovered from loosing him.