The Golden Compass: a Review

(Caveat: German is definitely the “tri” of Non-Modern’s “trilingualism.” This film was seen in German and some nuances may have therefore been missed.)
This movie was entertaining. Being the first of multiple books it had an incomplete feeling, much like Fellowship of the Ring. That being said, the storyline was not quite as engaging. The climax was decidedly anti-climactic.

There was a gem to be found, however, and that was the Daemon concept. The idea of showing a person’s spirit externally was used effectively for some very interesting and enlightening scenes. An interaction between Nichole Kidman’s character and her spirit was one of the best moments in the film.

The visual technique of showing the Compass in action, on the other hand, was less than satisfactory. If the viewer is not supposed to get a clear idea of what the compass is revealing, why show it visually at all? Or if it is shown, why make it visually non-stimulating?

The reported anti-religious message is thus far inoffensive and in actuality a good take on the danger of governing religious power.