The Dark Crystal [G]

In another time the Dark Crystal, a source of balance and truth in the universe, was shattered and the world was divided into two factions: the twisted and evil Skeksis and the gentle and wise Mystics. Now as the convergence of thee suns approaches, the Crystal must be healed or evil will rule forever. The task falls upon Jen, the last remaining Gelfling, to find the missing shard and heal the Crystal, thereby destroying the Skeksis evil empire. But can Jen’s courage prepare him for what terrors and challenges lie ahead? 

Another masterpiece from the Jim Henson Company, The Dark Crystal is a visual treat filled with amazing creatures and backed by a wonderful story. I grew up watching this film taped off the TV, needless to say you can imagine how excited I was when I finally found it on DVD. It’s a truly amazing film and one that I can easily come back to and watch again and again and again. 

In another time, in another land, the Dark Crystal, a source of balance and truth in the universe, was shattered and the world was split apart. With the shattering of the Crystal, two new races of creatures appeared: the twisted and evil Skeksis and the gentle and wise Mystics. For over a thousand years, the Skeksis have ruled, but now the world must undergo a time of testing. As the convergence of three suns approaches, the Dark Crystal must be healed or else the Skeksis will rule forever and plunge the world into darkness. The task falls upon Jen, a Gelfling and the only remaining one of his kind, to recover the missing shard of the Crystal and destroy the Skeksis evil empire by restoring the true power of the Crystal. But will young Jen’s courage prepare him for the dangerous challenges and terrors that await him? 

What makes this film so absolutely amazing is the wonderfully beautiful and terrible creatures that have come straight from the imagination of Jim Henson. The Skeksis are these amazing creatures with hardened and twisted bodies, beaks and talons, they’re almost like birds, minus the feathers and they move just as humans do. Then there are the beautiful Mystics who are aged and gentle creatures with long tails and four arms. Jen the Gelfling is the closest to looking like a human, but with pointed ears, he’s more like some sort of wood elf. 

All the characters are puppets, there are no humans featured at all, which makes the film even more amazing to behold. 

Filled with memorable characters, action, romance, sinister plots, and incredible creatures (some of which may frighten young children), The Dark Crystal is a definite favourite of mine. Its wonderful story and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by Trevor Jones makes it a complete work of art and possibly Jim Henson’s masterpiece. I absolutely love it!