A cinematic masterpiece! An epic fantasy adventure saga for the ages! The storytelling and world-building are absolutely incredible, full of breathtaking detail and vigor! The all-too-human dynamics that clash and unite between the characters resonate with the soul, and leave you with a wonderfully satisfying experience!
As a child, I didn’t understand the original movie from the 1980’s – The Dark Crystal. To be honest, I didn’t even really remember much from the original. However, that didn’t alter my experience at all, with watching the Age of Resistance for the first time. It stands alone on its own merit, and I would argue that it VASTLY surpasses the original, in the same way that gold surpasses copper. (No disrespect to the puppet master Jim Henson – he was a true magician of cinematic art in his time! Also, a lot more can be accomplished in 10 hours as opposed to 1 hr & 30 min.) But after finishing the prequel TV series hosted on Netflix, I re-watched this movie, and most of the questions came full circle with gratifying answers.
Not only that, but the TV series takes on the same style as the 1980’s with advanced puppeteering, though enhanced with modern day technology to bring forth an incredible artistic display – unmatched in realistic visual innovation! It is truly unbelievable the magnitude of crafted physicality from the background sets to the skin textures of the varying races and creatures. The fact that they were able to replicate micro-expressions through advanced puppeteer acting is what truly breathes life into these characters! Not only that, but the voice acting features an all-star cast! After finishing the TV series, I would strongly recommend watching the Making of the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, which is also available on Netflix.
In regards to storytelling, there is never a dull moment, and the pacing is on-point! It’s easy to become deeply invested in the characters, and wonder what’s going to happen to them, to root for their victory despite such overwhelming odds stacked against them. The story has everything you could ask for: intense action sequences, sweet romance, bits of comedy, high-stakes drama, the uncovering of a dark horror, the budding of a revolution, and hope for a new age! I highly doubt this will fade from memory in the years to come. It is truly rare to see so many elements of storytelling come together in a symphony of delightful wonder – I hope to see more of its quality in the entertainment industry in the future!
To give you a taste, the story is set in a world called Thra, where most of its inhabitants were able to live in harmony. Other beings called Skeksis invaded this world, and met with the caretaker of Thra, Mother Aughra. They enticed her with knowledge of the cosmos, luring her into a deep slumber. In return, she relinquished control of the crystal of truth, the source of life and purity in Thra.
However, the Skeksis experimented with the crystal and corrupted it in pursuit of eternal life, thus destroying the harmony and balance of Thra. These overlords wasted no time in gathering power over all the creatures of Thra, namely the Gelfling clans. These clans are deceived into believing that these “Lords of the Crystal” are benevolent overseers, though they are ignorant to the crystal’s condition, as well as the Skeksis true intentions for their people…
The story follows three Gelflings. The first is Rian, the son of a warchief and outcast among his own people.
The second is Brea, the princess of the highest reigning matriarch in all the clans… plagued with insatiable curiosity.
The third is Deet, a humble cave-dweller who is deeply in tune with nature, and her brave little podling Paladin, Hup.
Their stories weave together to fight against the oncoming Darkening, to restore truth to their world, and to ensure justice for the fallen!
In conclusion, this is a must-see for anyone looking for a fresh experience in the fantasy adventure genre! I know I will be purchasing a copy for myself once it is no longer available on Netflix. Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments below, and have a wonderful day! 🙂 ♥
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