Labyrinth Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teenage girl throws a tantrum and accidentally sells her brother to David Bowie, then has to solve a really confusing obstacle course to get him back before he turns into a Muppet.

🍿 Labyrinth: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Sarah’s Wish

Sarah, a teenager engrossed in fantasy, is asked to babysit her baby stepbrother, Toby. Annoyed by Toby’s crying, she impulsively wishes the Goblin King, Jareth, would take him away. To her shock, Jareth appears and grants her wish, whisking Toby away to his kingdom.

The Labyrinth Challenge

Regretting her wish, Sarah pleads with Jareth to return Toby. Jareth offers her a challenge: she has thirteen hours to navigate his treacherous Labyrinth and reach his castle in Goblin City. If she fails, Toby will become a goblin forever. Determined to save her brother, Sarah enters the magical maze.

Allies and Obstacles

Within the Labyrinth, Sarah encounters various creatures, both helpful and dangerous. She befriends Hoggle, a grumpy dwarf; Ludo, a gentle giant; and Sir Didymus, a valiant fox-like knight. Together, they face illusions, puzzles, and Jareth’s constant interference, as he attempts to thwart her progress and tempt her with false realities.

The Goblin City

As time runs short, Sarah and her companions reach Goblin City, facing hordes of goblins and treacherous traps. Despite the chaos, they push forward, driven by Sarah’s unwavering determination to rescue Toby. Ultimately, Sarah decides to confront Jareth alone in his castle, knowing that the final challenge rests solely on her shoulders.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sarah (Jennifer Connelly): A teenage girl who must navigate a magical labyrinth to rescue her baby brother, learning about responsibility and growing up in the process.
• Jareth (David Bowie): The Goblin King who kidnaps Toby and presents Sarah with the challenge of the Labyrinth, testing her desires and resolve.
• Toby (Toby Froud): Sarah’s baby stepbrother whose abduction sets the plot in motion, representing innocence and the responsibilities Sarah initially rejects.
• Hoggle (Shari Weiser/Brian Henson (voice)): A grumpy dwarf who initially serves the Goblin King but ultimately aids Sarah, grappling with his own fears and loyalties.
• Ludo (Ron Mueck/Rob Mills (voice)): A gentle, furry beast with the ability to summon rocks, becoming a loyal and powerful ally to Sarah.
• Sir Didymus (David Alan Barclay/Dave Goelz (voice)): A brave fox-like knight who pledges his allegiance to Sarah, embodying honor and courage on their quest.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jareth: “You remind me of the babe. What babe? The babe with the power. What power? The power of voodoo. Who do? You do.” – This exchange, sung by Jareth, has become iconic and is instantly recognizable by fans.
• Sarah: “It’s not fair!” – Sarah often exclaims this when confronted with the Labyrinth’s unfair challenges, reflecting her immaturity.
• Hoggle: “I’m a coward! Goblins are brave, and I’m not a goblin!” – Hoggle’s line captures his conflicted character as he grapples with his own fears and loyalties.
• Jareth: “Everything that you wanted I have done. I ask nothing of you. Why can’t you love me as I am?” – Jareth’s plea to Sarah reveals his own vulnerability and desire for her affection.
• Sarah: “You have no power over me!” – Sarah’s declaration breaks Jareth’s control, signifying her triumph and coming-of-age.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,723,253
• Worldwide Gross: $14,677,848

💥 Labyrinth Reviews

Personal Review

Labyrinth was a movie that captivated my imagination as a child. I remember being mesmerized by the Goblin King and his world. The ballroom scene with ‘As the World Falls Down’ is still one of my favorite moments in cinema. Watching it now, I appreciate the film’s deeper themes of growing up and finding strength within yourself. It’s a nostalgic trip that always puts a smile on my face, I especially love that I am able to share it with my kids now!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of fantasy films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate Jim Henson’s puppet work”
  • “David Bowie fans”
  • “Those who enjoy coming-of-age stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes may be frightening for very young children”
  • “Fantasy violence”
  • “Suggestive costuming”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Labyrinth is a triumph of imagination! Henson’s puppetry and Bowie’s iconic performance create a world that is both whimsical and slightly menacing. The story, while simple, resonates with themes of growing up and taking responsibility. A must-see for fantasy fans of all ages.
• Roger Ebert: “While the plot is somewhat predictable, the visuals in Labyrinth are stunning. Jim Henson’s creatures are brought to life with incredible detail. Jennifer Connelly holds her own against Bowie’s charismatic Goblin King, creating a memorable cinematic experience.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “The whimsical set design is top-notch. The creatures and puppets are very endearing, and the plot is a journey of self-discovery.

Audience Reactions

The imaginative creature designs and practical effects are stunning and timeless.: Viewers consistently praise the creativity of Jim Henson’s puppets and the film’s unique visual style.

David Bowie’s performance as the Goblin King is iconic and unforgettable.: Bowie’s charisma and presence are frequently cited as a highlight, with his songs adding to the film’s charm.

Overall Consensus: Labyrinth is a beloved fantasy film celebrated for its imaginative visuals, memorable characters, and David Bowie’s iconic performance. While the plot is simple, the film’s charm and creativity have made it a lasting classic.

Awards

1. BAFTA Film Award (Best Special Visual Effects)- 1987

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The owl in the opening title sequence was one of the first attempts at a photo-realistic CGI animal character in a feature film.”
• “Terry Jones of Monty Python wrote the screenplay, adding much of the film’s humor and wit.”
• “The film’s visual style was heavily influenced by the artwork of Brian Froud, who served as the conceptual designer.”

🖥️ How to Watch Labyrinth?

Labyrinth is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing. It is often available for rent or purchase on DVD and Blu-ray as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Labyrinth, you might like these similar films:

• The NeverEnding Story (1984): Features a young protagonist drawn into a fantastical world on a quest, similar themes of imagination and self-discovery.
• Alice in Wonderland (2010): Features a coming-of-age story set in a surreal world with dangerous creatures. Thematic exploration of identity and courage.
• Legend (1985): Another visually stunning 80s dark fantasy film with a teenage protagonist battling supernatural forces in a mythical realm.
• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): Blends dark fantasy with a young girl escaping into a magical world to cope with harsh realities, similar coming-of-age themes.
• The Dark Crystal (1982): Jim Henson’s other fantasy film that created a fully realized world of fantasy, using elaborate puppets and set designs.

🛒 Labyrinth Related Products

• Labyrinth Board Game: Navigate the ever-shifting Labyrinth in this cooperative board game! Work together to overcome challenges and reach the Goblin King’s castle before time runs out. A must-have for fans of the film!
• The Dark Crystal/Labyrinth Blu-ray 4K UHD: Experience Jim Henson’s classics like never before in stunning 4K resolution. The ultimate collector’s edition with bonus features.
• Labyrinth: The Novelization: Revisit the enchanting tale in this beautifully written novelization of the movie. Perfect for those who want to delve deeper into the story and characters.
• Labyrinth – Hoggle Plush: Bring home your very own Hoggle! This soft and cuddly plush is perfect for fans of all ages. He’s grumpy but lovable, just like in the movie!

🎧 Soundtrack

Labyrinth features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Magic Dance” – performed by David Bowie
• “As The World Falls Down” – performed by David Bowie
• “Chilly Down” – performed by David Alan Barclay, Karen Prell, and Rob Mills

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Honest Trailers – Labyrinth

Get ready for a laugh as Screen Junkies takes on Labyrinth, highlighting its quirky flaws with a dash of humor. It’s a fun way to appreciate the movie’s iconic moments while seeing it in a new light.

Everything Wrong With Labyrinth In 7 Minutes Or Less

Join CinemaSins on a hilarious journey through the Labyrinth, as they point out all the plot holes and inconsistencies that make the movie so entertaining. It’s a fun way to rewatch the movie and laugh at its quirks.

Why Labyrinth is Disturbingly Dirty

Get ready to dive deep into the hidden meanings of Labyrinth with this insightful analysis. It explores the darker themes and subtext that make the movie so much more than a whimsical fairy tale.

✨ Rate