by Garry Keown

Created on: August 06, 2009   Last Updated: August 07, 2009

We all love films from then time we were growing up. Generally, we have warm memories of our childhood and of the films we grew up with. For me, that period was the 1980's. Now, I couldn't possibly tell you what age I was, but there is a particular film from 1986 that I hold very dear.

Now, 1986 was a very good year for films. Crocodile Dundee, Top Gun, Platoon, Aliens, to name but a few. I, however, was much too little for these! The film that I am talking about, was a classic childrens film that was somewhat overlooked. I am of course talking about George Lucas, and Jim Henson's classic 'Labyrinth'.

The film (the last feature by Henson, before his death in 1990.), had the ability to be dark, funny, and emotional all at the same time. I must confess, that I still can be found watching it, as I seek to re-find my youth. And, although it may look flawed in comparison to the more modern films, I see past them to the film that moved me as a child.

...................................... And so it begins ....................................


Sarah is first seen in the park, reading lines from her book 'Labyrinth'. She then rushes home when she remembers that she was supposed to be babysitting her baby brother (well, half-brother to be exact.). When she gets home, her stepmother gives her what for, and storms off leaving Sarah in the house with baby Toby. He squeals, and cries. Sarah takes her anger out on him, and teases him. When she finds that her favourite teddy is missing, only to be found in Toby's room, that is the last straw. She reads more lines from her book, explaining that the Goblin king gave powers to a young woman, when she asked him to take away her brother. In anger, Sarah states that she wishes the Goblin king would take Toby away, right now. As she closes the door, Toby goes silent. On entering the room, she realises he has vanished........

From there, we are transported to a wonderful land. A place that always reminded me of certain parts of Alice in wonderland. Eerie, yet awe inspiring, the world is hard to describe. Vibrantly colourful, yet dark and sinister. Really funny, yet funnily real. What transpires throughout the film obviously came from a wonderful, but definitely twisted mind.

We meet a number of excellent characters in this film. Some are real, and some are puppets (I so hate that word, as they seem real to me.). Although I may not do them justice, I will introduce you to a few of them now....


Sarah Williams.


Played

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