Released in 1986, Labyrinth is an off-beat fantasy musical that has since become a cult classic. It stars David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly and is directed by Jim Henson, with a screenplay by George Lucas. The movie makes use of complicated animatronics and live action. David Bowie wrote lyrics for the five songs in the movie and performed all of them, with the exception of "Chilly Down." I watched Labyrinth for the first time at 14 only because David Bowie was in it. Not only did David Bowie deliver in his role as Jareth, the Goblin King, but I also found the movie touching, humorous, and meaningful.
So without further ado, here is why I love Labyrinth.
The Plot: The plot is unusual, that's for sure, but it's exciting from the get-go. The main character is a 15-year-old girl named Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly. Sarah is sick of taking care of her 1-year-old brother, Toby. One day, Sarah can bear Toby's crying no longer, so she says, "I wish the goblins would come and take you away, right now," hoping to scare him into being quiet. Little does she know that the goblins are real, and to her horror, they arrive at her house and kidnap her brother. They take him to the Goblin King's castle, which is located at the center of a labyrinth. Sarah has to make her way through the dangerous maze to get her brother back. If she can't complete the maze in less than 13 hours, Toby will belong to the Goblin King forever. You can't help but root for Sarah, even though she is the reason her brother's in this mess in the first place.
The Characters: What I like about Labyrinth’s main characters is they’re not two-dimensional. They have complex personalities and motivations. For example, Sarah grows a lot over the course of the story. She comes off as bratty and annoying in the beginning, but as the movie progresses, the viewer learns she is courageous, has a kind heart and will do anything to save her brother.
The first character Sarah meets is a dwarf named Hoggle. He struggles between his desire to help Sarah and previous obligations to the Goblin King. His dilemma makes him much more realistic and also provides for an intense and exciting storyline.
The Goblin King, himself, is also extremely conflicted. I still don't know if he loves Sarah or hates her. David Bowie does a great job in the role, really giving it his all. I love his hair and outfits, and I both like and dislike his character at the same time. (But I mostly love him.) Fun fact: in the movie, all the sounds the baby makes are him!
I watched Labyrinth recently, a short while before David Bowie's passing. I was very surprised and saddened to hear the news of his death, but I am glad he was able to share his incredible talent with the world and leave us with his last album: Blackstar. Rest in peace, David Bowie!
Though some of the characters Sarah meets don't have much screen time, I have trouble imagining the movie without them.
One of these characters is Sir Didymus, a fox terrier who thinks of himself as a brave knight. His loyal steed is an easily frightened Bearded Collie named Ambrosius. These two are incredibly amusing to watch.
And then there is Ludo, a gentle beast that Sarah bravely saves. Who could say no to this adorable face?
The Music: There are not many songs in the movie, but each one has a different theme and tone and is special and unique in its own way. "Within You" is an eerie, serious song set to the most striking scene in the movie. This scene's special effects and its M.C. Escher influenced set design are astonishingly creative.
Then there's "As The World Falls Down," a slow and beautiful romantic ballad. And of course, everyone's favorite: "Magic Dance." It's a funny, catchy song that is preceded by the movie's most famous quote: "You remind me of the babe! What babe? The babe with the powr..."
The Messages: I took away many messages from this movie. First off, in the face of great conflict, Sarah is brave, which is incredibly inspiring to see in a young girl. Also, many times, she gets sidetracked, and at one point, literally forgets what she is supposed to be doing. However, Sarah always perseveres.
We have all had times where we have taken the wrong path. Life can occasionally feel like a confusing labyrinth with twists and turns and monsters at every bend. But Labyrinth
tells us that we can succeed. We just have to wake up and focus on our mission, whatever it may be.
