The Dark Crystal

1982 • 93 minutes

About this movie

When Jen, a member of the Gelfling tribe, sets out to find the crystal's missing shard, his dangerous journey to restore peace to their planet brings him face to face with monsters at every turn. This masterpiece of animation recounts the timeless tale of good vs. evil and has become a cult favorite of children and grown-ups alike!

Ratings and reviews

Some people fail to understand that this is a movie made for children. In some ways it lacks complexity for us adults. For me it conjures up the nostalgic feelings of wonder and awe it gave me as a child. Jim Henson wished to channel the emotions of old fairy tales that would frighten children. He felt children weren't being scared enough and that it was important to their development that they were. This film did scare me as a kid a little, but when I look back, I remember it fondly. It has lodged itself into my mind's eye, and it's puppets have visited my dreams, more than any other film I have ever seen. I feel this was one of the most impressive feats of performance art brought forward by Hollywood.

That is the extent of the value of this film. As a fantasy it is extremely slow-moving and expressionless. Flat might be the appropriate term for it. There appears to be a story, but it is overwhelmed by the puppetry which is technically amazing. Unfortunately, I did not have a puppeteer to watch the film with me to point out all of the amazing and so I was left to wander in the depths of my ignorance.

If you like movies like Star Wars, the retro live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies, and amazing built set design and cute creatures you will love this movie. This is my first time watching Dark Crystal. I love it, there are a few creepy parts but I think the movie is awesome overall; I defiantly consider this movie a classic.😊