Growing up is a difficult journey rife with confusion, danger, and wonder. Few films capture the magic, mystery, and mayhem that define the coming of age experience with the originality and allure of 1986's Labyrinth. The film blends real life struggles with fantastic adventure to relate a dark fairytale that has cast a spell over audiences for a generation. Lose yourself in the mystique, magic, and adventure of the Labyrinth.
The story begins with teenage Sarah rehearsing for a play. when her rehearsal is interrupted by a thunderstorm she is forced to return home to the reality of responsibility and family discord that awaits her. Upon her return home she immediately clashes with her stepmother and is infuriated to learn that her parents expect her to spend the night in babysitting her infant half-brother, Toby. When the baby starts crying inconsolably she is unable to contain her resentment towards her family any longer. She then says an incantation, begging the Goblin King from her play to take her brother away to his kingdom. To her horror the incantation works and Goblin King Jareth arrives with his minions in tow and kidnaps Toby. Sarah begs for her brother's safe return and Jareth agrees to release Toby if she can solve his Labyrinth in thirteen hours. If she fails to solve the labyrinth Toby will be doomed to become a goblin. So begins Sarah's fantastic journey in which she will learn about friendship, responsibility, and the true meaning of growing up.
Even as it follows in the tradition of such classics as The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland Labyrinth remains one of the most original and unforgettable fantasies in modern cinema. The film showcases a world of wonders that could only come from the boundless imagination of Jim Henson. Through its use of equal parts bizarre and endearing characters the film immerses viewers in the characters' world and ensures that they become invested in the story. Similarly, the dazzling set designs transport viewers to another world from which they will be hard pressed to return. The deceptively simple story acts as an apt allegory for growing up. Over the course of her journey, Sarah is forced to learn such difficult lessons as the need to accept responsibility and the importance of self-sacrifice. She also comes to terms with her changing family and her own budding sexuality. Most poignantly she learns to reconcile her childhood imagination with her increasingly adult reality in a way that allows her to grow up without growing old.
The film brings its wonderful world to life thanks to the stellar work of its stars and the expert team of puppeteers at Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Jennifer Connolly perfectly captures Sarah's adolescent angst while displaying the maturity and charm that would define her adult acting career. David Bowie proves that he is a born performer whether on stage or on screen as he turn in a performance that is seductive, sinister, and never less than iconic as magnetic Jareth. The film's team of puppeteers and voice actors offer a masterclass in world building and story telling as they bring an array of colorful characters to vibrant life.
At once a modern fantasy and a timeless coming of age story Labyrinth takes viewers on an unforgettable journey with all of the twists and turns that its name would suggest. The film's inventive script offers an adventure through the perils of adolescence that continues to thrill. The performances still rock just as hard now as they did upon the film's release. Fall under the spell of Jareth and his Labyrinth.
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