Review: The Golden Compass

Before watching The Golden Compass, I had heard that it is a kids' movie featuring Nicole Kidman as the evil villain, and some people consider it anti-religious.  Normally I'm not really one for kids' movies (unless it's something I watched repeatedly as a child and I'm feeling nostalgic).  Yet something about the film's reputation intrigued me, and when a friend offered to lend it to me I jumped at the chance.

The Golden Compass is a truly beautiful movie, the animated and real life images flowing together in an exquisite manner.  The cold, snowy arctic scenes are particularly pleasing to watch, even for those of us who would prefer it if real life winter were eliminated entirely.  

The film takes place in a parallel universe, in which all humans are constantly accompanied by "daemons", magical animals that represent their souls.  Lyra, the little girl protagonist, is an orphan and ward of Jordan College (Oxford).  Here she accidentally learns that her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), has discovered a substance called "dust".  If further investigated, the dust would discredit the teachings of the Magesterium, the religious governing body.  It soon becomes clear that the Magesterium is also responsible for the disappearance of many children throughout the land; religious officials (including Nicole's character, aptly named Mrs. Coulter) have shipped them up north in order to sever them from their "daemons" and consequently impair their ability to think for themselves.  After Lyra accepts an invitation to travel up north with Mrs. Coulter (who has apparently taken quite a shine to the girl) the college master bestows upon Lyra the golden compass, which gives her the ability to see things as they really are.  Lyra thus learns the truth and, armed with the compass, sets out to find the kidnapped children.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.  Sure it's technically for kids, but the exciting story and gorgeous animation, costumes, cinematography, etc make it delightful to watch.  I can see how very religious people might be offended by the film (the Magesterium is obviously presented in an extremely negative light) but whatever.  Anything that tries to make any sort of statement is bound to offend someone.  And besides, isn't it good to teach kids to think for themselves?