The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass

Year: 2007

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Chris Weitz

AdventureFantasyFamily

In Philip Pullman's acclaimed adaptation, The Golden Compass embarks on a thrilling fantasy journey through parallel worlds where souls take the form of creatures and ancient conflicts unfold. Amidst this mystical realm, 12-year-old Lyra's quest to rescue her friend from the enigmatic Gobblers evolves into a perilous odyssey that spans universes and threatens the very fabric of existence.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Golden Compass yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Golden Compass (2007)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Golden Compass (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in a fantastical realm that blends elements of Victorian England with speculative fiction. This world exhibits a rich tapestry of magical and scientific exploration, coupled with intense political intrigue as characters navigate their allegiances amidst impending doom.

Location

Oxford, Svalbard, Bolvangar

Oxford is an esteemed city known for its prestigious university, where the story begins in Jordan College. Svalbard is an icy, remote land, characterized by its harsh, unforgiving climate, a setting that presents many dangers for Lyra and her friends. Bolvangar serves as an ominous experimental station, symbolizing the dark deeds carried out by the Magisterium.

🏰 Oxford ❄️ Svalbard 🌌 Bolvangar

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:32

Main Characters – The Golden Compass (2007)
Meet the key characters of The Golden Compass (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lyra Belacqua

Lyra is a courageous and intelligent orphan with a fierce spirit and a strong sense of justice. She is deeply connected to her dæmon, Pantalaimon, which reflects her thoughts and emotions. As the story progresses, she evolves from a naive girl into a determined leader striving to protect her friends and uncover the truth about her origins.

👧 Hero 🦸‍♀️ Leader 🐾 Brave

Lord Asriel

Lord Asriel is a determined and ambitious figure whose explorations into Dust set the narrative into motion. His complex relationship with Lyra reveals layers of his character, blending parental affection with cold ambition. His willingness to defy authority highlights his role as both a shield for Lyra and a potential threat to innocence.

🧑‍🏫 Scholar ⚔️ Defiant 🌌 Explorer

Mrs. Coulter

Mrs. Coulter initially presents herself as a charming and supportive figure but is ultimately revealed to harbor dark intentions tied to the Magisterium. Her duplicity and manipulation pose a significant threat to Lyra and her friends. This duality in her character adds depth to her motivations, reflecting the complexities of loyalty and betrayal.

👩‍⚖️ Manipulative 🩸 Antagonist 🎭 Deceptive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:32

Major Themes – The Golden Compass (2007)
Explore the central themes of The Golden Compass (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦄 Identity

The quest for identity resonates throughout the film as Lyra discovers her lineage and the true nature of her existence. The relationship between humans and their dæmons symbolizes the struggle of understanding oneself in a world filled with external expectations and influences. This theme deepens as Lyra confronts her past and embraces her role as a leader.

🗝️ Courage

Courage is a central theme as Lyra faces overwhelming odds and unravels the mysteries around her. From battling fierce antagonists to confronting emotional truths, her journey underscores the importance of bravery in the pursuit of justice and freedom. Lyra’s determination to rescue her friends highlights the transformative power of courage in challenging circumstances.

🦋 Choice

The theme of choice pervades the narrative as characters grapple with moral dilemmas that affect their futures. Lyra's choices influence not only her destiny but also the fate of those around her. The film explores the consequences of one's decisions, especially in a world rife with manipulation and deception.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:32