Earthsea
Scenes from Earthsea
Television Movie Review
"Earthsea", released in 2004 by the Science Fiction Channel, is a beautiful movie-saga about a young rebellious young man named Ged (played by Shawn Ashmore) who is unhappily living with his blacksmith father in a small country town. Unexpected turn of local events cause Ged to have his unique talents recognized by Magus Ogion (portrayed by Danny Glover), a Wizard, who offers him a choice, learn from Magus Ogion or stay as the blacksmith's son. Being impetuous by nature, Ged, jumps at the opportunity Magus Ogion offers which opens Ged's life to a series of adventures filled with many bad choices and decisions, but teaches Ged the necessary lessons that prepare him for his destiny; to become a great Wizard who is destined to rescue his world known as Earthsea from the tyrannical clenches of King Tygath (Sebastian Roche).
"Earthsea" is filled with intrigue, great subplots, and excellent special effects. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire 2 hours 52 minutes rooting for the main character. A delightful surprise about this movie was seeing many well known actors who normally do other types of roles. Danny Glover (from the "Lethal Weapon" movies) was excellent as the very patient teacher and wizard, Magus Ogion, who mostly helped people and did animal husbandry. Kristin Kreuk (from the television series "Smallville" as Lana Lang) surprised me by her expert acting and ability to be competent as a completely different type of character from Lana Lang. Kristin Kruek in her portrayal of Tenar, the successor to the Reverend Mother Thar (Isabella Rossellini) of the Priestesshood, was impeccable. Amanda Tapping (as Lady Elifarren) actually wore a long dress with headrail in "Earthsea"! A complete change from "Stargate SG-1", "Stargate Atlantis", and "Sanctuary" television series. Excellent performance, Miss Tapping! Hat's off to the entire cast and crew of "Earthsea" for their expertise! They made the world created by Ursula K. Le Guin in the Earthsea Trilogy come alive! Could not have done better.
Other primary cast members included: Christopher Gauthier (Vetch, Ged's faithful friend), Jennifer Calvert (Kossil, King Tygath's lover and a Priestess close to Reverend Mother Thar), Emily Hampshire (Rosa, maid servant to Reverend Mother Thar), Mark Hildreth (Jaspar, the bully at the Wizard's school who aspired to become the Arch Magus), Alan Scarfe (Arch Magus), Mark Acheson (the Gebbeth, one of the nameless evil ones that hunts Ged down throughout the mini-series), and John Tench (General Doar of the Kings army).
Peter Kent was the fabulous voice for the Dragon who matched wits with Ged, my favorite part of the movie. Well done!
"Earthsea" is on DVD and rated NR, primarily for the swashbuckling and murder scenes. If you enjoy stories brimming with epic type of adventures then "Earthsea" is a must see! Highly recommend.
Enjoy!
