when i was a kid and even now i love this movie and i would suggest it to kids getting into fantasy books and movies. There is not allot of violence but there are some disturbing images when the protagonists (the skeksis) suck the life out of the podlings. they do the samething to Kira but never successfully take it. even we high schoolers need a break from all those horror movies and junk. But the best thing about this movie is that there is no political message the director is trying to convey.
The Dark Crystal
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Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A fantastic, but more intense Muppet adventure.
updated 08.31.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
The good stuff
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Dark Crystal was written by Charles Cassady Jr.
Parents need to know that this movie is quite dark. This Henson puppet creature feature is no Muppets Take Manhattan. Instead, it's a dangerous otherworld where dark forces have taken over and human-like beings called gelflings are rounded up, strapped to chairs with big needles, and drained of their "essence" for decrepit, dinosaur-like skeksis (pretty scary creatures, but also big buffoons). This movie isn't for everyone, and surely not for sensitive little ones under 7, but for the right kid just getting into fantasy books, this will rock their world.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how Jen accomplished his goals with the help of others, including Kira. How hard or easy is it for each family member to accept help? What would they have done in Jen's place?
- How is this story a hero's journey? What other stories follow the same formula?
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More on The Dark Crystal
What’s the Story?
On a faraway planet, a handful of decrepit, dinosaur-like creatures called Skeksis rule, thanks to the power and longevity granted them by a large, cracked gem -- the Dark Crystal. Long ago the Skeksis massacred a peaceful race called Gelflings because of a prophecy that warned about a Gelfing being able to "heal" the crystal and end the Skeksis' reign. Jen, a lone Gelfling raised by gentle monster mystics, is sent by his dying master to find the missing piece of the Dark Crystal and fulfill the prophecy. On the way, Jen discovers that he's not the last of his kind -- he finds Kira in a community of fun-loving "Podlings." But the Skeksis know of the Gelflings, and send warriors to intercept the heroes. With her village destroyed, Kira joins Jen on his quest for the Skeksis' castle.
Is It Any Good?
Though some viewers (especially small children) may be tempted to close their eyes during the onslaught of the horrible garthim or the gruesome scene of podlings being drained of their "life essence," the sumptuous design will dare them not to look away. The team behind THE DARK CRYSTAL (including one of the original Star Wars producers, Gary Kurtz) supposedly researched the lore of numerous different cultures to help conceive their fantasy world.
Though predictable -- you know the quest right up front -- it's also a wonderful fantasy movie to get wrapped up in. Chanting, gentle mystics; long-legged Landstriders; a pushy she-ogre; and a roly-poly pet Fizzgig will keep fantasy-loving adults and kids old enough for the scary parts engaged.
Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar, Director: Frank Oz
Run time: 93 minutes
Theatrical release: 12/17/1982, DVD release: 8/14/2007
MPAA Rating: PG
Run time: 93 minutes
Theatrical release: 12/17/1982, DVD release: 8/14/2007
MPAA Rating: PG
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
one of the best
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I rate this title off for age 0 and give it
I HATE the Dark Cristal!
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