1000 years ago, a race of higher beings called the Urskesks became haughty, and in their arrogance cracked a huge crystal that split them into two separate beings. The Urskeks became the Mystics, great beings of peace, and the Skeksis, retched looking vulture like beings of evil. After a shard broke from the crystal, it became the dark crystal, controlled by the Skeksis. They presumably used the crystal to prophesize that a Gelfing would be able to restore the crystal, so all Gelflings were ordered to be killed. The Skeksis felt that rejoining the crystal would be the death of them.
But one Gelfling (an elf like creature) survives and is raised by the Mystics. As the time of the prophecy’s completion draws near, the Mystic and Skeksis leaders are dying, and Jen, the surviving Gelfling learns that it was his destiny to restore the crystal. Both leaders die and Jen must set out into the world, evading the Skeksis’ beetle like creatures that track him at every turn.
Jen seeks out Aughra, an old, slightly crazy, witchy who he was told knows where the crystal’s shard is. Jen gets the crystal, but Aughra’s cave is attacked and Jen must flee. The attack is fortuitous, though. Jen stumbles into a marshy area where he discovers another Gelfing, Kira. They bond instantly though a “dreamfast” which allows them to psychically share memories. Kira tries to take Jen to her home, but the two are soon in danger and together they must make their way to the Skeksis’ castle in hopes of reuniting the crystal and its shard.
The Dark Crystal is a strange movie. It features no recognizable humans and all the creatures are the creation of Jim Henson. It is visually stimulating, and a rare movie. It’s one that doesn’t dumb itself down for children. It’s not a light and happy fairy tale, it’s more a dark fable. The Skeksis are really vile looking and disgusting, but they are evil. While our 5 year old enjoyed it, I’m hesitant to recommend it for that age group. He has a good understanding that movies aren’t real. But if your little one has trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy, it may be best to wait until your child is older.
Fans of Jim Henson will no doubt find the movie fascinating. It is also extremely popular for its artistic visuals, based on the drawings of fantasy artist Brian Froud.
“The Dark Crystal” is rated PG.
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