The Golden Compass (2007) ; fantasy adventure film review

Poster artwork for the fantasy action adventure film The Golden Compass.

In the world of The Golden Compass, the souls of humans live outside their bodies as daemons, and in animal form. The human and daemon pairs are always the opposite sex, bonded by a powerful energy and can communicate telepathically. The powerful and sinister Magisterium rule the order of everyday life and would destroy anything that undermines their authority, hence the Alethiometer or Golden Compass is a dangerous threat to their existence.
The only person who can read the Alethiometer is Lyra Belacqua, who embarks on an heroic journey to save her best friend and solve the mystery of the disappearing children.

The Over-controversialised Compass by Linh

It is said that a book mustn't be judged by its cover, so it seems that a movie shouldn't be judged by the book it's based upon. The Golden Compass is the first book of the trilogy in Philip Pullman's children fantasy His Dark Materials and is better seen as a stand alone film despite being an adaptation of the novel.

Director Chris Weitz and the film's producers have agreed to the film's numerous re-writes and re-casting in order to broaden its appeal and water down the so-called anti-religious or pro-atheist elements prominent in the book.
The result is a magnificently imaginative visualisation of the novel, where tales of love, self-sacrifice, triumph of good over evil, and the empowerment of children are brought to the big screen. Unfortunately, some scenes have been swapped and the ending of the film differs to that of the book, yet the plot remains largely intact.
Newcomer Dakota Blue Richards was chosen from ten thousand young hopefuls who auditioned for the role of Lyra Belacqua in 2006.
In her first acting role, Dakota Blue Richards brings a charming quirkiness to the plucky Lyra, whose presence and curious nature immediately sets her apart from the other child characters.

As the sleek and beautiful Mrs Marisa Coulter, Nicole Kidman is miscast as she purrs her way through some scenes and struggles to turn nasty in others. Despite her fizzled attempts to portray a deeply wicked and heartless monster, Nicole Kidman looks stunning on screen and remains focussed on her character's intentions.

Daniel Craig plays the determined Lord Asriel, Lyra's 'Uncle' and guardian, who believes in the magical 'Dust' which is forbidden and rejected by the Magisterium. Daniel Craig provides some of the great acting moments to lift a few dreary aspects of the film.

Sam Elliott plays Lee Scoresby, the gun-toting, quick witted Texan aeronaut who willingly assists Lyra on her adventure. Sam Elliott looks like he stepped out of a western and into the fantasy world, yet his character is a refreshing contrast to many of the other more darker roles in the film.

The standout performer is not human but a computer generated Polar Ice Bear named Iorek Byrnison and is voiced by Ian McKellen. In a thrilling one on one battle scene, Iorek defeats the King of the Ice Bears, Ragnar Sturlusson (voiced by Ian McShane and named Iorfur Raknison in the book) to rightfully claim the crown.

Other admirable performances include Eva Green's provocative turn as Serafina Pekkala, the Queen of the witches; Tom Courtenay as the wise and caring Farder Coram; Christopher Lee is imposing as the Magisterium's First High Councilor alongside the equally impressive Derek Jacobi playing the Magisterial Emissary; also keep an eye out for Magda Szubanski as the very observant and quiet Mrs Lonsdale.

Some scenes are intensely frightening for younger audiences such as warfare between human and animals and the fight between the Polar Ice Bears. Yet, The Golden Compass is enjoyable and harmless fun concerning a fantasy world of wonderment, free thinking and danger.

BEARABLE: Dakota Blue Richards and Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen) in a scene from The Golden Compass.
Image: New Line Cinema.

Director: Chris Weitz

Writers: Chris Weitz (screenplay), Philip Pullman (book Northern Lights)

Cast: Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Sam Elliott, Ben Walker, Jim Carter,  Clare Higgins, Christopher Lee, Derek Jacobi, Tom Courtenay, Magda Szubanski, Jack Shepherd, Kristin Scott Thomas (voice), Ian McKellen (voice), Ian McShane (voice), Kathy Bates (voice), Freddie Highmore (voice)

Producers: Deborah Forte, Bill Carraro, Toby Emmerich, Andrew Miano, Ileen Maisel, Paul Weitz, Robert Shave, Mark Ordesky, Nikolas Korda

Cinematographer: Henry Brabham

Original Music Composer: Alexandre Desplat 

Film Editors: Anne V. Coates, Peter Honess, Kevin Tent

Production: Dennis Gassner (Production Designer), Richard L. Johnson, Chris Lowe, Andy Nicholson (Art Directors), Anna Pinnock (Set Decorator)

Costume Designer: Ruth Meyers

Running Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes