Tools for this page
Print

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?

3

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.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.