THE DARK CRYSTAL

THE DARK CRYSTAL - Based on a 25-page story written by Jim Henson entitled The Crystal, The Dark Crystal (1982) is a puppet animated dark fantasy film. A young Gelfling goes on a quest to heal the crystal, before Thra’s three suns align, to prevent the Skeksis from ruling Gelflings forever. Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, The Dark Crystal relied on groundbreaking animatronic puppets instead of human actors. The most recent installment in the franchise is entitled The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019), available to stream now on Netflix. Development on the new series was based on rich notes, archival puppets and set designs, that were developed for the original feature film. In keeping with the original, actual puppets and sets are used, instead of CGI. 

TOP DARK FANTASY FILMS

TOP DARK FANTASY FILMS - This is a subjective collection of best films: with overtones of medievalism, magic and myths. I am particularly fond of those featuring sword and sorcery elements. But originality and action are prized above all else. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, or are awaiting the upcoming Wheel of Time, do yourself a favor and check out these Top Dark Fantasy Films.

The Seventh Seal (1957)

A knight plays chess with the embodiment of death who is coming for his life.

Marketa Lazarová (1967)

Knights kidnap a lord’s daughter, forcing her to become a mistress to one of them, against her will.

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Jason embarks on a quest in search of the Golden Fleece assisted by Hercules and Acastus.

Wizards  (1977)

In a post-apocalyptic world, two opposing wizards battle, pitted between magic and technology.

Hawk the Slayer (1980)

A warrior wields a magic sword he can control with his mind, on a quest to avenge his father’s death.

Clash of the Titans (1981)

Perseus, son of Zeus, is destined to marry Andromeda. But as long as the satyr is alive, no one will wed her.

Excalibur (1981)

King Arthur assembles Merlin and the Knights of the Roundtable in Camelot around his magic sword.

Dragonslayer (1981)

A wizard’s apprentice faces danger as he tries to defeat a dragon terrorizing a medieval kingdom.

Dark Crystal (1982)

The last survivor of his race seeks the Dark Crystal, a powerful gem capable of balancing the universe.

Conan The Barbarian (1982)

When an enslaved orphan’s village is destroyed, he is forced to push The Wheel of Pain.

The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982)

A mercenary with a three-bladed sword helps a princess foil a tyrant.

Krull (1983)

A prince goes on a quest to save his betrothed from evil aliens, in this sci-fi/ fantasy mashup.

Conquest (1983)

A hero and barbarian must defeat a witch in this horror/fantasy hybrid.

The Neverending Story (1984)

A land of fantasy is threated by a destroying darkness which can only be stopped by a human child.

The 13th Warrior (1999)

An exiled noble joins a group of Vikings, becoming the 13th warrior, in this original flick with overtones of horror.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

The daughter of a murdering sadist is drawn into a magical world of mythical beings.

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OUTLAW KING

OUTLAW KING - Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, wages war against his rival king in the English occupation of Scotland.  Written, directed and produced by David Mackenzie for Netflix. This epic fantasy stars Chris Pine and Florence Pugh. Fans of historic fantasy such as Gladiator, Outlander, Game of Thrones and Braveheart will appreciate action and period details. Early reviews compliment the efforts of Pine and Pugh, and will recognize her from her role in the movie Lady McBeth.

RAY HARRYHAUSEN’S JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS

Ray Harryhausen’s Jason and the Argonauts - Directed by Don Chaffey, produced by Charles H. Schneer, based on a myth by Apollonios Rhodios, a 3^rd century Greek author. With music by Oscar winning Bernard Herrmann, Jason and the Argonauts is a cultural compass. This independent film was made with material by stop motion animation master Ray Harryhausen. The skeleton fight scene and battle are pure fantasy. He made many other mythical creatures famous, along with himself. Such as, The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, The Three Worlds of Gulliver, and Mysterious Island. The film score was composed by Hermann, who also worked with Harryhausen on the fantasy films.

IN THE REIGN OF HARAD IV SHORT STORY REVIEW

IN THE REIGN OF HARAD IV  SHORT STORY REVIEW - A miniature maker--honored with a fur coat to attend court—creates doll house furniture with incredible detail. He loses himself in his own ambitions, ever creating things that are smaller and smaller, that his apprentices check on him one day. He has made a doll house so small, that it is invisible, even under powerful magnification. In The Reign of Harad IV by Steven Millhauser the author explores themes common to his other works, small moments, replicating reality, small models and exploration of the literary fantastic. This Pulitzer prizewinning writer has authored Dangerous Laughter, A Precursor of the Cinema and The Other Town.

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MEDIEVAL FIGHT BOOK

MEDIEVAL FIGHT BOOK - The leather covered book dates to over 5 centuries ago, written in Old German, illustrating war technology in middle aged Europe. It’s an enigma, not so much for what it leaves in, but for what it leaves out. What is known? It was authored by master of arms Hans Talhoffer in the year 1459. Few facts are known about his life, other than the Lion of St. Mark in his coat of arms, a possible sign of him being the founder of an early fencing guild. The volume portrays footwork, weapon-handling, defensive moves, wrestling and horseback fighting. One of the key images is said to be of Talhoffer himself, displayed as a blonde knight, shown holding a broken chain. It appears that medieval times were more advanced than previously recognized. Trebuchets, diving suits, siege machines, tanks, strange shields and elaborate blade designs are depicted therein. While the inventions are incredible, the exact functions of many apparatus are obscured. Presumably only Talhoffer has the key to the puzzle. What do you think? Can you unlock the enigma?