Hawks (1988)

Hawks Poster

Two terminally ill patients in a hospital yearn for relief from their predicament. With little or no friends, they form an uneasy alliance and plot an escape for one last wild time.

Film Background
"Hawks" is a 1988 British comedic drama directed by Robert Ellis Miller, based on a movie script by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees and David English. It includes an ensemble cast including Timothy Dalton, Anthony Edwards, Janet McTeer, and Camille Coduri. The film uses a funny, yet, poignant exploration of life, death, and the indomitable human spirit.

Plot Summary
The film revolves around the unusual relationship in between 2 terminally ill clients, Bancroft (Timothy Dalton) and Deckermensky (Anthony Edwards), both fighting cancer. Bancroft is a British surgeon, a male filled with professionalism however lacking heat. On the other hand, Deckermensky, nicknamed 'Decker,' is a wise-cracking, jolly American. The 2 men fulfill in a London medical facility where they bond over their shared fate and a mutual ridicule for the sterilized healthcare facility environment.

The Journey
Choosing to break devoid of the confines of the medical facility, Bancroft and Decker steal an ambulance and embark on a life-affirming escapade throughout Europe. Their schedule targets a well-known euthanasia center in Amsterdam, where they plan to bring their lives to an end at a moment of their picking, a choice driven by a desire to preserve control over their destiny. Their actions aim to assert their freedom and confront the inevitability of their death on their terms.

Fulfilling Hazel and Maureen
in their adventure, they cross paths with two British girls, Hazel (Janet McTeer) and Maureen (Camille Coduri). The encounter occurs at a French roadside café, ending up being a significant juncture in their journey. Romantic involvement between these characters adds a layer of paradox and enjoyable to the story. While the passing away men's intent remained focused on ending life, newly found love made them experience incredible minutes of living.

Conclusion
As their lives weaves along their journey, Bancroft and Decker discover to live strongly, accepting moments of delight and unhappiness alike. As a result, they get to value life again, acknowledging the worth of valuing each minute and desiring to savor every breath they have. It's here the film handles a poignant yet comedic note providing an ironic twist as love and relationship make their lives far more important than their imminent death.

Crucial Reception
"Hawks" offers a blend of comedy and drama, carrying an impactful message about mortality, life, and human connections. Dalton and Edwards delivered engaging performances, highlighting the human spirit triumphantly at the face of death. Nevertheless, the film's unusual plot and a non-traditional mix of humor and heavy subject matter wasn't thoroughly valued by the critics at the release, however with time, it has acquired a cult following for its distinct take on living and passing away.

In summary, "Hawks" is a story of accepting life in the middle of somber environments, providing a funny and touching representation of two men's extraordinary journey looking for control over their fate. The movie's humor and poignant message, woven masterfully into a daring narrative, acts as an appealing take on a weighty subject matter.

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