 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Dark Crystal
- Review Date: March 9, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Fantasy
- 1982
Common Sense Media says
A fantastic, but more intense Muppet adventure.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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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Teen, 16 years old
December 28, 2009
AGE
one of the best
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.
What other families should know:
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Adult
May 13, 2011
AGE
Good for adults and kids to watch together
If you are religious and don't like other religious messages reaching your children, you may want to steer clear of this puppet-filled movie. One might say that it is about a different spirituality, though I doubt kids will pick up on this.
I watched it first as an adult, and it is full of dark images. The movie keeps your mind active, and you have to solve a bit of a puzzle (figuring out how different characters are related). It is actually a very thoughtful movie, and I enjoyed it.
The only concern is that if your child is too young, the movie may scare them. I have heard this comment from two of my friends. For me, it was watching "Land of the Lost" on Saturday mornings. Although I can laugh about it now, the dreaded Sleestak gave me nightmares when I was a child. Some of my friends have similar feelings about this movie.
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Teen, 15 years old
January 12, 2011
AGE
good show
i love the movie! nothing too bad in it
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Kid, 9 years old
March 7, 2011
AGE
Awesome!
This was my favorite movie ever! I loved how the good guys and the bad guys were really just 2 of the same life forms. They just look different. Also I think the puppetry is super cool. Also, you ought to see the behind the scenes extra.
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Teen, 14 years old
January 17, 2011
AGE
Go Out and Watch This
I recently watched this movie for the first time in seven years. I remembered liking it as a kid, but then forgetting how well it was made over the years. After re-watching it, I had to revise my top five movie list to make room for this film. Although it may be considered a child's movie, it is absolutely phenomenal. Visually stunning and with an excellent plot, 'The Dark Crystal' is sure to please. I notice that Ela Chavez said that she hated this movie, but she will end up loving it later on in life. My friend also watched it for the first time in many years reluctantly, as he used to be terrified of it. After it ended, I asked what he thought of it, and he looked at me with a shocked face and said: "Oh my G-d! How could I have hated such a wonderful film." Some parents out there seem to love how it has no romance, but I feel that even if it did show romance, they should not be worried. Chances are, your children are going to start being more interested in the opposite sex in a relatively short amount of time, so why not let nature take its course. Brilliant film brought to us by the greatest of them all, Jim Henson.
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Parent of 11 year old
February 27, 2010
AGE
i think as long as your kids aren't scared of it it fine for everyone over seven
i love the fact that theres no romance to kids in this they can't see the relationship between jen and kira
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Teen, 13 years old
June 21, 2010
AGE
Not for lovers of cute Muppets, but still recommended
this was a great fantasy adventure. There was a little bit of violence: (Spoilers) One of the main characters is murdered at the end. A flashback shows Kira's mother get killed. There is an intence feeling in the movie for youngsters. Crab monsters try to harm the main characters, and the Skeksis duel is scary for some. But the ending is happy. I reccommend this film highly
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Kid, 8 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
I HATE the Dark Cristal!
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Teen, 14 years old
January 10, 2012
AGE
Could have been better.
It'll be much more impressive if it was animated. The first time I saw Jen on screen, I could already tell he was a poppet as anything else. I have to admit though, the story and art work were great, absolutely incredible. But if you using poppets for a movie, there has got to be some live people like the muppets use. With this movie I see no point in making them poppets. I also like that character that smiles a lot and stalks the heroes. Although I have a problem with that voice, it sounds like the griffen's from the Storyteller. Really high pitched, it can easily hurt someone's ears.
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Parent of 5 year old
February 19, 2012
AGE
A wonderful movie
My 5 year old daughter LOVES this movie. She finds some of the areas scary, but it is more "thrilling scary" than "nightmare scary." She first watched it when she was 4, but I don't know if all 4 year olds should watch it, if only because they will drive you nuts with questions.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures |
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Frank Oz |
| Cast: | Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, Jim Henson |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Run time: | 93 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 17, 1982 |
| DVD release date: | August 14, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
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