There are worlds beyond our own – the compass will show the way.|Dec. 04, 2007|United Kingdom | United States|113 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Adventure;Fantasy
Description: In an alternate version of Earth, a powerful institution known as the Magisterium strictly governs the beliefs and teachings of the population. In this world, every individual’s inner spirit partially exists outside their body, taking the form of an animal companion called a dæmon. The dæmon communicates with its human and must remain close to them. However, witches possess bird-shaped dæmons that can travel great distances from their bodies.
Lyra Belacqua, an orphan raised at Jordan College in Oxford, has a dæmon named Pantalaimon, or “Pan.” Her uncle, Lord Asriel, a renowned explorer and scholar, has been absent while searching for Dust, a mysterious particle forbidden by the Magisterium. Upon his return, Lyra saves her uncle’s life after witnessing a Magisterium agent poisoning his wine. Later, Asriel presents his findings to scholars, revealing that Dust at the North Pole connects infinite worlds. This discovery could challenge the Magisterium’s authority.
Lyra meets Mrs. Coulter, a wealthy woman connected to the college, who invites her to stay in retrofuturistic London. Before leaving, the Master of the college entrusts Lyra with her uncle’s alethiometer, a golden compass-like artifact that reveals the truth. Only a few can interpret its symbols, and Lyra is warned to keep it hidden from the Magisterium.
As Lyra begins her journey, she notices the alethiometer consistently points to symbols of a lady, a lightning bolt, and an infant, though their meaning remains unclear. Mrs. Coulter’s initially friendly demeanor soon reveals her allegiance to the Magisterium. When Lyra mentions Dust, Mrs. Coulter sternly warns her to never speak of it again.
Cast director: Chris Weitz
Cast actor: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Dakota Blue Richards, Ben Walker, Freddie Highmore, Ian McKellen, Eva Green, Jim Carter, Tom Courtenay, Ian McShane
Original name: The Golden Compass