Earthsea (NR)

Youthful folly and magic mix in wondrous Earthsea.

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Movie details

Studio: Lions Gate Entertainment
Directed By: Robert Lieberman
Cast: Isabella Rossellini, Shawn Ashmore, Kristin Kreuk
Running Time: 172 minutes
Release Date: 07/14/2005
Video/DVD Release Date: 03/08/2005
Genre: Action/adventure
MPAA Rating: NR

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie mostly steers clear of sex, graphic language, and gruesome and/or realistic violence. It does include various scenes of fantasy violence, a hero in constant peril, and a battle between good and evil. Overall, parents can feel safe allowing their fantasy-obsessed kids to watch this movie.

Families can talk about this movie's connection to other examples of the fantasy genre. If the kids read fantasy novels, discuss the transfer from page to screen? Do the special effects aid in bringing this fantasy world to life, or do the books allow the reader to create a fuller world? Why? This film was made for television. How might it have been better if made for the big screen? Do books, television shows, or films best articulate the fantasy genre.

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

This film does include strong images of friendship, loyalty, and selflessness. It also includes characters (marked as evil) that kill and lie for personal gain.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Just a bit of ale drinking.

Violence

Largely fantasy violence (evil shadow attacks, dragon fight). Also include instances of decapitation, stabbing, murder of a child, neck breaking.

Sex

One post-sex scene.

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Kelly Kessler

This fantasy-adventure follows the adventures of Ged (Shawn Ashmore), the mere son of a blacksmith but born to be the most powerful wizard in the mystical land of Earthsea. In his youthful folly, he squanders his magic and his training while inadvertently releasing one of the evil nameless ones into the world. The wizard must dedicate his life to defeating this evil gebbeth. Simultaneously, the magical rulers of Earthsea must resist the greed and villainy of King Tygath (Sebastian Roché), ruler of the Kargide Kingdom, and his cunning and deadly lover, Kossil (Jennifer Calvert). The nameless ones must remain cloistered, or the whole of Earthsea may see its downfall.

Is it any good?

The Sci-Fi Channel aired EARTHSEA as a two-part original miniseries based on the fantasy novels by award-winning Ursula K. Le Guin. Many fantasy fans may find this tale quite engaging. The effects range from average to goofy, though it was nominated for an Emmy for best effects in a television miniseries, movie, or special.

Those fond of contemporary fantasy television shows such as Xena (1995) or Hercules (1997) may find similarities in aesthetic and dialog. In the style of those shows, one expects that Ged and his loyal friend Vetch (Chris Gauthier) could say "dude, that's a gnarly gebbeth" at any moment. Fans of sci-fi and/or fantasy will also be pleased to see some familiar faces such as Ashmore (X-Men [2000, 2003, 2006]), Roché (Odyssey 5 [2002]), Kristin Kreuk (Smallville [2001]), and Allesandro Juliani (Battlestar Galactica [2003-miniseries, 2005-series]). Earthsea also includes performances by high profile actors Danny Glover and Isabella Rossellini.