Released: 1986
Rated: PG
Director: Jim Henson
Starring: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly
Short Summary: Fifteen-year-old Sarah wishes her half brother Toby away to Jareth The Goblin King. To get her brother back she has thirteen hours to solve the labyrinth or Toby will have to remain with The Goblin King forever.
Why It's A Must See Movie
I just can't seem to get away from the family films lately. I figure it is always good to check and see if you still enjoy the films you enjoyed as a child once and awhile. I still love watching Labyrinth. Despite the fact that it is a decidedly weird film. I admit that the movie does have a certain level of vintage cheese going on for it. However, I still think it is a must see film, because it is one of the classic 80's children's escapism films.
Labyrinth is basically what would happen if you merged Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and Where The Wild Things Are into one story. The product is something truly original with just enough craziness to keep you bewildered. Yet, not so much insanity that you lose the inadvertent message the story is trying to get across to you. Like many adventure stories this a film that shows you should be careful what you wish for, things are rarely as they seem, there are consequences to your actions, and that things are not always fair. I like that the movie also shows that is okay to use your imagination. As long as you use it to help you work out your problems in your mind, and not to hide away from your true issues. The movie is a little bit dark for a children's film, but not too dark. It doesn't scare you silly, it just makes you think a about the stakes the characters are up against. It's not a shallow kid's movie which make it enjoyable for both adults and young people.
I truly enjoy the movie's soundtrack. Not just the songs written by David Bowie for the film but also the instrumental synth based tracks composed by Trevor Jones. Both of these add to the energy of the story are scenes in the film. Of course I could just enjoy the music because I love David Bowie and synth music. Who knows?
I think what I love the most about Labyrinth is the world building element. The world of the movie has such a wonderful texture. It is not only full of a assortment of creative puppet characters, but it also has eye catching sets. Every time I watch the movie I see something new in the way the world is constructed. I also notice more little sly tidbits that foreshadow later events in the story that were slipped in. For example if you really look at the contents of Sarah's room at the beginning of the film you'll notice many representations of the characters you'll see later in the movie. I think things like that are quite a nice touch.
If you are not opposed to strange puppets and want an adventure to escape into, Labyrinth is the movie for you. It's weird and a little creepy, but in an endearing way that makes one smile.
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