CLASSIC MOVIE CORNER: 'The Dark Crystal' (1982)

“The Dark Crystal” (1982)

MPAA Rating: PG
Directed by: Jim Henson
Voices by: Stephen Garlick, Lisa Maxwell, Billie Whitelaw, Percy Edwards, Sean Barrett

The Gist: Welcome to the planet Thra. You’re a long way from Sesame Street.

The Story: On a distant planet, two powerful species are dying out. The evil Skeksis control the Dark Crystal, a source of enormous power. The Skeksis are at war with the Mystics, but only 10 of each species survives. Jen (Garlick) is a young Gelfling boy, raised by the Mystics after the Skeksis murdered his parents. The Mystics believe Jen is their only chance for survival. They send him on a quest to “heal” the Dark Crystal by rejoining a broken shard from it with the whole. On his way to the Skeksis’ castle, Jen meets another Gelfling, Kira (Maxwell). She and Jen join forces on a quest to restore harmony and balance to their world.

The Review: Before 1979, Jim Henson was best known for creating the “Sesame Street” characters and the Muppets. Then, he was called on to help bring the Jedi Master Yoda to life for “The Empire Strikes Back.” The experience might have inspired him to broaden his scope. “The Dark Crystal” was his next film project, a darker and more visually dense creation than his much-beloved Muppets. Drawing on mythic archetypes and Arthurian legend, Henson and his collaborators created a world of timeless wonder. The surreal sets and landscapes possess an eerie beauty, and the skillful puppet and animatronic work brings the characters, creatures and even plants to convincing life. Henson died in 1990, but his enchanting vision lives on.

The Classic Quote: Jen: “Where are we?” Kira: “Safe.” Jen: “I don't think anywhere is safe anymore.”

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)