Film version of the first book of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, Northern Lights (using its American title). – Beautifully realized, if rather slow at times, and wonderfully acted with terrific cameos by many of the best actors in the world, Tom Courtney, Christopher Lee, Derek Jacobi, etc.
In a parallel world where people have their souls manifested as external guardian and companion creatures called Demons, the culture is dominated by a religious order called the Magisterium (the Catholic church in all but name).
When an important British ruler, Lord Azriel, (Daniel Craig), becomes involved in a dangerous mission to the arctic circle in search of a portal leading to another dimension using the mysterious glowing elements known as Dust, his daughter, Lyra becomes involved in increasingly levels of intrigue, betrayal; and danger.
Her tomboy antics with local Gyptians (Egyptian-gypsies and river / sailor folks, she learns that some children are being abducted by a sinister group known as the Gobblers. Her own tendency to sneak out and play with the street and wharf children endangers her to such potential kidnapping too.
Later, hiding in a large cupboard, she overhears an attempt to poison her father and she saves his life. She mounts a rescue mission that proves her mother is evil, and takes in the help of superbly realized warrior polar bears and an airship flying cowboy, but the film ends on a happy note, several chapters short of the downbeat ending of the first book.
Arthur Chappell
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