Ratings: ****
Storyline: 7/10
Effects: 9/10
Overall: 8.5/10

Synopsis:
In an epic trilogy that transcends genre, author Philip Pullman invents a world parallel to ours, but with fantastic dimensions on its own. Pulse-pounding action is paired with gorgeous imagery to create a touching story in a world where demons and winged creatures live among ordinary humans, and an elusive entity called Dust has the power to unite the universes. The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass are magical tools used in the battle of good against evil in an imaginative – yet – utterly original – reworking the Garden of Eden and the Fall of Man.

Lyra Belacqua is an orphan who lives happily in Jordan College, Oxford, playing with local boys and terrorising the professors. However, when Lyra overhears scholars discussing a plot against her uncle, Lord Asriel, centering around a mysterious substance called Dust, her curiosity is roused. Soon Lyra is in over her head as she uncovers a frightening plot and a whole new world of possibilities.

Reviews:
The truth is, we are now brought in a world very different from the one we know. Here the North is ruled by Ice Bears, the skies are ruled by Witches, the seas are ruled by Gyptians (a cross between pirates and gypsies) and everything is ruled by the Magisterium. In this world, the soul is not trapped in bodies but roams by their sides as magical creatures called demons. This is definitely not for Christians without strong belief to watch it. However this is kept to a bare minimum and only those who take offence should only comprise of "Harry Potter" and "Narnia" fans.

Having made so many comparisons to "Narnia", I must say that this is not a kiddie movie. Despite having a much younger main character, the movie tackles real life issues like oppression, tyranny and freewill. It defies common belief and typical fantasy movies by creating a world where science, theology and magic are closely intertwined. In short, one might say that "The Golden Compass" does what J.K. Rowling lacks the brains to, what C.S. Lewis lacks the balls to and what Dave McKean (director of "MirrorMask") lacked the budget to. I must say that this is quite the opposite of Narnia. Both has a animal character leading them, a lion and the other is a polar bear as leader. Towards the end has a similar battle scene to Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King where the baddies were defeated with the help of spirits and in this movie are witches. Overall, I would say this did not shake my Christian faith at all and I will definitely watch finish the whole trilogy.

Labels: movie, reviews, synopsis

[x] Shireen signing out at
5:46 PM