Lautlos und tödlich

Beautiful southwestern scenery is the only redeeming virtue of this by-the-numbers revenge film. The ecological, pro-Native American theme seems more exploitive veneer than imaginative twist, and the direction lacks suspense or even much of a climax. Acting is dull and unconvincing, though William Atherton is on board to lend his trademarked sneer to the chief villain. There is little more to the plot than "heroine framed for parents murder; heroine kills the real murderers." None of the characters are developed at all, even to the limited extent of an action film. That's too bad, because I was prepared to like this movie, and yes, the scenery was nice.

American Indian Shadowfeather (bodybuilding queen Rachel McLish) stops desecration of holy ground by industrial corporation and avenges her family. Similar to Steven Seagal's `On Deadly Ground', `Ravenhawk' is a tough action movie pretending to say something about ecological matters and the rights of minorities. You needn't buy that, but it's tremendous entertainment anyway. Director Pyun always had great landscapes in his movies, I wish I could watch this at the cinema instead of playing a videotape. There are some beautiful shots you won't forget, for example Shadowfeather climbing on the cliff (a tiny human lost on a giant rock), or riding on her horse across the industrial estate (when nature meets technology in stark contrast). Shadowfeather has to face an impressive opponent: William Atherton (`Die Hard 2') plays the bad guy, you'll easily notice that because he wears black and listens to Italian operas instead of country'n'western – now that's what I call suspicious behaviour (just kidding). If you like Norris and Seagal movies, check out Rachel here. She worked hard for it.

I'm no critic, but I know what I like. I am American Indian and this film spoke to me on 2 levels. As a woman, I liked the idea that Ryah Shadowfeather did not need anyone to help rescue her or avenge her parents' murders. I think it also gives the non-Indian a look at some very real problems still faced today on the rez. Rachel McLish may not win an Oscar, but I saw the anger in her face and the rage that lived inside her character. Overall, I like the premise that change will not come from the outside but from within ourselves as a result of inner courage, strength and pride.

Okay, I saw Rachel McLish was in this movie so I had to watch it. I had seen "Pumping Iron II: The Women" and "Aces: Iron Eagle III" on the same merits.

First off, this is a "Die Hard" with a sex change and a different locale. Nothing more or less. The fact that they had to use the American Indians and their plight as a plot point is nothing short of reprehensible.

This is basically a revenge melodrama against the toxin-dumping white men who have killed the family of a young girl who is arrested for their deaths. Years later she grows up to become McLish and exacts her revenge on the guilty members one by one.

Poor McLish; she looks great posing and running, every muscle out proud on display. She looks ESPECIALLY great standing in front of a fire wearing nothing but a loincloth (sigghhhh....). But she is left with just a dull, bored expression most of the time and when she speaks, she sounds like her mind is on other things - Met-RX endorsements, perhaps?

But then there's that business of the Indians. This is a serious problem and it's simply glossed over as the bad guys shoot at McLish as she clings precariously on the side of a mountain, escaping death many a time thanks to Indian luck and good muscle training.

Two stars. Watching McLish is usually enough, but not with such a "Hawk"-ed up plot.

Rachel, as much as it pains me to say this, maybe you should pick better projects. Maybe, say, as a villainess who beats the beans out of Jean-Claude Van Damme?

Lord knows he could use the work, too.

"Ravenhawk" turns out to be far better than one might expect of a TV movie. Rachel McLish is wrongly convicted of killing her parents, to the benefit of a large toxic waste recycling plant. Twelve years later she escapes from confinement and unleashes revenge on the villains who set her up. This comes across like a female version of "Rolling Thunder", with McLish instead of William Devane dishing out the punishment. The desert locations are used to full advantage, and there is a nice assortment of stunts. If you would enjoy a buffed female heroine in place of the usual, usual, then seek this one out. I thoroughly enjoyed "Ravenhawk". - MERK