THE STORY
Lyra’s World
There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart.
But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it.
Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) – a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason.
But Lyra’s world is changing.
Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths – including shutting down Jordan College – to stop him.
At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college – Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler – she sees her best chance to get away.
But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks – the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow – and even change – the future.
At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay).
Banding together an unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), who pledges to serve her in her campaign until she prevails.
A great war is coming – one that threatens not only Lyra’s world but all the parallel worlds waiting just beyond the northern lights. With her band of friends and allies, and the power of the Golden Compass, Lyra will need all her skill and all her courage, to stop it.
New Line Cinema presents The Golden Compass, an epic fantasy adventure starring Oscar® winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours), newcomer Dakota Blue Richards, Sam Elliott (We Were Soldiers), Eva Green (Casino Royale) and Daniel Craig (Casino Royale). Based on Philip Pullman’s best-selling and award-winning first novel in the
His Dark Materials trilogy, the film is adapted and directed by Academy Award® nominee Chris Weitz (About A Boy).
The Golden Compass is produced by Deborah Forte and Bill Carraro, with executive producers Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne. Toby Emmerich, Mark Ordesky, Ileen Maisel, Andrew Miano and Paul Weitz also executive produce.
The distinguished cast also includes Academy Award® nominee Tom Courtenay (The Dresser), Derek Jacobi (Gosford Park), Jack Shepherd (Charlotte Gray), Ben Walker (BBC’s “Sweeney Todd”), Simon McBurney (The Last King of Scotland), Jim Carter (Shakespeare in Love), Clare Higgins (Stage Beauty), Magda Szubanski (Happy Feet) and legendary actor Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings trilogy)
The film also features voices of Oscar® nominee Ian McKellen (Gods and Monsters, The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Oscar® winner Kathy Bates (Misery, Titanic), Oscar® nominee Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient), Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Golden Globe winner Ian McShane (TV’s “Deadwood”).
The creative behind-the-scenes team is led by Emmy-winning director of photography Henry Braham, BSC (Waking Ned Devine, Flyboys); Academy Award®-winning production designer Dennis Gassner (Bugsy, Road to Perdition); editors Peter Honess, A.C.E. (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), Anne V. Coates, A.C.E. (an Oscar® winner for Lawrence of Arabia and four-time Academy Award®-nominee – Becket, The Elephant Man, In the Line of Fire, Out of Sight) and Kevin Tent, A.C.E.; Oscar®-nominated costume designer Ruth Myers (Emma, L.A. Confidential); and Oscar®-nominated senior visual effects supervisor Michael Fink (X-Men 1& 2, Constantine). The score is by Oscar® nominee Alexandre Desplat (The Queen).
The film also features the work of property master Barry Gibbs (Oliver Twist, Hannibal Rising), Oscar®-winning makeup and hair designer Peter King (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) and stunt coordinator Paul Jennings (Batman Begins, Mission: Impossible).
The Golden Compass (rated “PG-13” by the M.P.A.A. for “sequences of fantasy violence”) will be released worldwide by New Line Cinema on December 7th, 2007.
66 COMMENTS:
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Kim Hamilton
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tio
i’ve read those 3 books.they were tatolly great.i’m sure the films are.
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Max Alexandre
Why it’s not december yet? I can’t wait anymore! Words from all fans: Please follow the story line…
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Nazgul634
I read this books when I was about 13-14 and as I finished to read it, I told myself “This must be shoot!!!” I even thought about a music that could be played (”So alone” c.f. Spiderman 2) during the battle.
Like all fans or people who read it(the same^^) follow the story and u’ll may be as the lord of the rings :))) -
Richie D
I’ve read all 3 books and loved them. I have also seen the stage productions which were great. The one thing I don’t understand is why the film is not named after the book.
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Clara J
i read the three books just a while ago and it was the best storyline ive ever heard of. when i was reading it i alway wanted there to be a movie because it was so good i actually wanted to see it not just imagine it. i hope the movie is as good as the book.
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Craig Smithson
Ive only recently just finished reading Northern Lights and i’m voraciously into The Subtle Knife. I have seen the trailer and it looks visually stunning, Iorek Byrnison looking very convincing. But tread carefully fans! I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter septology and have found the more recent films have tore out the soul of the writing. It is a shame but the film companies get it wrong so often, i only hope this is not the case in The Golden Compass. In answer to Richie D’s query about the title to the film, The Golden Compass is the american title to the film, my only question on that is, why not change the title for the countries that know and love the book as Northern Lights? They did so for the first Harry Potter installment so why on earth not for His Dark Matirials? Im sure there are going to be fans of the book in britain who are unaware that The Golden Compass is the adaption of Northern Lights purely on the title. It would have been a small thing to change but we cant have everything. Good luck with the film Pullman fans, lets keep our fingers crossed and hope it is as could as the trailer suggests. it all depends on how true they are to the story. (and whether Lyra’s actress can pull it off) Roll on December! x
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Alicia C.
I read the three books aqbout a hundred times each and I must confess that after Harry potter It the greatest book I ever read and I read a lot. Harry Potter is maybe the best but the most fabulous when we think of the deep of the messages and the values conveyed is without any hesition his dark materials. It’s a story about things that matter: courage, friendship, love and most of all: freedom. If the movie is an half as good as the book, it’ll be one of the greatest fantasy movie that ever has been. I’ll look foward it at the next oscars.
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Will
I read the four books (with Lyra’s Oxford), and they are the best books that I read in my life, but in the film all are so different that I imagine in the books. The zepelines are not red!
I hate when the people think that those, and Harry Potter books are seemed, I read Harry Potter books and I think that they are really worse than His Dark Materials books.
The autor put “Northern Lights” like the title of the book and then other people changed the name for “The Golden Compass” and for me this is not well. -
serafina
my name is from the book,you can see. when i read the books, i knew: these are the biggest and greatest books on the Earth.thats why a choosed this nickname,but down to date people dont know, what my name means. i was sad,when heard about the film. adaptations arent so good,like books. but i already look forward to,and count the weeks to december. i hope: in december we can see a great film and people can know a fascinating story.
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Craig Smithson
hallo serafina … from Serafina Pekkala the witch. great name! yes i agree, adaptations often steal the heart, meaning and over all enjoyment that books give, but fingers crossed, lets hope they’ve done a good job like lord ofb the rings…. not like harry potter grrr! ruining such good stories! bye for now peeps! x
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Tara
Started typing and then realised I was saying the exact same thing as Craig Smithson & Alicia C so….. see above! Im reading Northern Lights for the second time at the moment and thanks to trailers and stills I’ve faces and pictures to go with the story- nothing like I imagined last time round. The artwork, costumes etc looks fantastic( if a bit technicolour) and the casting seems ok too. Really hoping they havent distilled or diluted it too much. Its a shame books like these cant be shown in all their glory on film- so many people miss out because they cent be bothered to read.
Btw— does ’steampunk’ mean anything to anyone??? -
Louise
I finished Northern lights last week and am now almost finished The Subtle Knife. I am beginning to wonder if this is even better than Harry Potter. They are amazing. Roll on December!!!!!!!
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Tara
Of course its better than Harry Potter!!!
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Joy
I LOVE the books…. not quite as much as LotR….. but… hey who knows? If they are even comparing TGC to LotR…. it otta be pretty good.
& I’m there w/ Serafina & Craig. right on! C’mon Dec! 
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Suki
How wonderful…A female heroine…I am on the third book…I LOVE IT….can hardly wait for december and the next and the next…MORE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Ras
I am so looking forward to see the film. Saw the stage play at the National Theatre and love i. The demons and puppets were great. Looking forward to see it been animated into the film. LOVE the books and cant wait…
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Gagandeep Jina
I read the three books last year and they were one the best set of science fiction books I’ve read, and I’ve read quite a few from various authors!
Can’t wait for the film to come out, not a problem if you haven’t read the books though, it’s a very simple yet intriguing storyline line to follow… -
Fred
His Dark Materials is one of the finest stories I have ever read, and as is usual with these matters, I have had my reservations about the forthcoming adaptation…but judging by the movie trailer, all signs are that the film will be outstanding! The actors appear to be incredibly well chosen, and the imagery is stunning! My only question still remaining is will the movie maintain the confliction between religion and science, as it is, to me, the vital core of the books…?
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Iorek's Girl
I love these books. I got the Golden Compass a few weeks ago, and it’s already worn out and torn. I’ve read iy so many times! I know this is weird, but Iorek is my favorite character. I love Pan too. I can’t wait for the movie but I’m also afraid it won’t be that great. Oh well. I’m going to see it anyway. Oh and Ras, I didn’t know there was a stage play! That would’ve been awesome to see.
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Val
I’m 13 and I’ve read all three books, Mrs. coulter’s my favorite character, in my opinion they’re WAY better than the seven harry potter I do really hope the movie will be as good as the writting, pullman is great, so yeah lets cross fingers
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kevin anderson
To those wh have said ‘these are the best books I have ever read’ I would like to suggest you look around. These themes have been visited many times before by other equally comeptent authors. I understand your comments are personal and the feelings are your own, but even so, The Eathsea novels by LeGuin and the Dark Is Rising sequence from Susan Cooper also look deeply into many of the same emotions and similar epic territory with at least as much effect. Having said that, the Dark Materials trilogy moves me strongly and I am looking forwards to a rendering on film. I have to echo the feelings of some other commentators - could they not have retitled to European release as Northern Lights?
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Louisa
OMG My favourite character is Mrs coulter too!! I dont like her so much in the third book because shes all nice and everything. oh well. I agree with everyone else… roll on december! These books are by FAR better then anything else ive read. (that encludes harry potter and the dark is rising!)
I CANT WAIT!!! -
harmonica
im 13 years old ive read all the books and i loved it so much also keep on the good work , i really enjoyed it very much
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Taylor
The ‘His Dark Materials’ series are the best books ever. Amazing. I read all 3 in 5 days or so, and they occupied my thoughts every second. The movie looks great! The only think I can comment negatively about is Lord Asriel. I imagined him as more powerful-looking character. As you read the next books you realize just how amazing his character is. But maybe this person will still do a good job.
-crosses fingers- -
lily
does anyone think that the girl playing lyra looks too little and too girly? in my opinion she looks totally wrong for the part!!!!!
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Dana
for anyone that is wandering why the movie doesn’t have the same name as the book, that is because the movie is the american version of THE GOLDEN COMPASS or NORTHERN LIGHTS or whatever you wanna call it. I can’t wait for the movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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natalie lam
one thing that is agreed among all fans of the book: follow the story line. PLEASE. if done so, this movie will surely be wondrous. good luck.
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Lisa
The Dark Materials trilogy is on another level of fiction entirely. Words cannot describe how utterly perfect and sublime a read these books are. Enjoy as kids, re-visit as teenagers, and then again as adults and you will find something different each time you read them, there are just so many levels. From action packed adventure to sophisticated history and theology, you emerge dazed, empowered and enriched. These books have even provided me with a personal, spiritual philosophy to embrace and cherish life (the Heaven scenes from later on in the series are quite haunting.) Anyway - I can’t wait for the film and hope the religious aspect has not offended some Hollywood exec and is not cut from the later films as I found this the best bit.
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Em Jaye
Just reading 1st book. Can’t believe people would say it’s better than Harry Potter…but I’m only 50 pages in. More to come…
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dotskie
I’ve read this book last year due to its genre as a fantasy novel,just like the lord of the rings. It was a great a book and Im very much surprised that its now a movie. I would want to see on how the cinematic effects can handle the daemons. The cast are superb. With the Lord of the Rings finally over and Harry Potter is about to graduate from Hogwarts, this new tale will definitely revive the hearts of all fantasy stories lovers again.
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Pan's Fan
Can’t wait to December to see Northern Lights (refuse to call it The G***** C****** as it’s NOT a compass). In fact I only recently realised that the first of the His Dark Materials trilogy was being released because of the confusion with the change of title. What was wrong with “Northern Lights” as an American title? Do the publishers think Americans haven’t heard of the Northern Lights or is it the allure of gold? I’m wondering how they’re going to explain the importance of the daemons on film so they don’t end up just looking like the characters’ exotic pets. Of the 3 books in the trilogy, I think of Northern Lights as a scene-setter for the more complex 2nd and 3rd novels. I agree with others above that the trailers look stunning: a creditable mix of the familiar and the other-worldly. Seemslike they have a well-thought out cast too. Dakota Blue Richards is a match for how I imagined Lyra to look: a bit of a rascal and a little untidy. Not sure that she sounds right though - seemed a bit too posh and clipped but then we don’t hear her much in the trailers. Philip Pullman stated that the success of Northern Lights will determine whether the other 2 in the trilogy will be filmed so spread the word - Northern Lights / His Dark Materials part 1 is being released under a different name and go WATCH THIS MOVIE!!
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Alyssa
ive read the Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. i loved every single one. i think ive read them three times already. im deffinately going to see the movie.
what im wondering is, is there going to be a movie about the other books to?
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Aubrey
I read all three books nine years ago when I was 12 and thought they were wonderful. I hope that the movie will follow the storyline. If so, this movie will be a great production for people of all ages and also make some cash in the process.
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Shannon Parris
I Loved these books when I was younger. I would adore to see Hollywood follow the storyline however. This hasn’t happened with any movie, however. Not with Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, or The Lord of the Rings. My husband believes the producers of this movie will do hte same as well. Please prove him wrong and follow the book, it would be such a moving thing to see Hollywood do.
p.s. Way to go in picking Nicole Kidman, she is such a beautiful, smart, charming woman and will make an incredible performance.
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trysta
so all of the hype about boycotting this movie has led me to read the trilogy. right now i’m on the golden compass/the northern lights and i loooove it. it is such a great book. i only have about 100 pages to go and i can’t wait to see how it ends! i can’t wait until december to see the movie either!
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chevilia (deamon name)
I think its dumb they changed the name to the golden compass, even though I just recentally found out that it is changed, I mean there isn’t even a golden compass in the book, it’s an alitheometer, not a compass
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Chris
The book Northern Lights is without doubt one of the cleverest and most intellectually challenging Fantsy Book I have ever read. I can only echio the comments already posted in my hope that the film lives up to the book. I have not been to the cinema for years, always preferring to wait until the video or dvd nowadays comes out; but I am most certainly going to make an exception this time and go and see the film.
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Pantalaimon
Hi, my name is from the book (dah), and ive read them all and ive think it is something the best i have ever read. it is a realy cool book serie and you cant put it down when you first have started to read, but the one thing i didnt like whit the third book was its ending:-( ive realy enyoed reading them but i was disipointed about the ending. but its realy cool books and I gott to see the movie:-) this books is complitly a competition to bout the lotr and harry potter books. i finished reading them in one week and I should realy got anoter one.
And accully I wonderd about the same thing as Alyssa, is there going to be a second and thierd movie??? hop so:P
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Lovisa
I’ve read all the books and I’m so totaly in love! I am really exited about the movie and hopes to get a ticket to the première! This is a story who caught my heart at the same moment I started reading.. I love it and it doesn’t goes one day without imaginations about being one of them and living in their world! It’s so much better than Harry Potter for example!
I wan’t it to be decembre Now!! -
Debbie
I do not want to wish time away, however, I hope Dec 7th comes soon! For years I have hoped for this film to be made (for the whole trilogy to be adapted for the big screen). Before Harry Potter and LOTR, this series grabbed me and kept me thoroughly entertained. I could not put the books down, I did not want the story to end! Phillip Pullman is amazing and I would encourage everyone to see this movie! I know this was billed as a young reader book (trilogy) but I am a middle aged adult and enjoyed this story emmensely! I would recommend reading the Golden Compass (prior to seeing the movie) or if you dont have time to read the book first, then I guarantee that you will want to read the book once you see the movie! You will not stop with Golden Compass, but will be rushing to read the next book The Subtle Knife and then the Amber Spyglass! (Those movies, when made, will also be spectacular! I have also read Lyra’s Oxford, and was sooo hoping for a continuation on that, but alas I am still waiting! Happy Holidays!
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Thomas
I’ve read the first two books: Northen Lights and the Subtle Knife. They’re fabolous, I’m waiting with excitment for the Amber Spyglass to arrive to the Lion bookshop here in Rome.
I agree that the name Golden Compass is totaly wrong, and I have a doubt: Why does Lyra call the Oblation Board the Magisterium? Are they going to change other names in the film?
Can’t wait to see it! -
Marina
I read all three books a couple of years ago and when I found out it was a play I was upset I didn’t live in England.But now that its a movie I’m so excited for them to come out!!
I thought of Lyra as older but there are still two other movies to be made..
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Yvonne Stratton
I read all 3 books back to back about 2 years ago and they were totally amazing. Unbelievable fantasy world and in a class of their own - I preferred them to Harry Potter by miles. I just hope the film we be as good if not better - anyone not read the books I suggest you do so first - just incase the film is not as good.
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Cary Stoute
Looking at all of these comments, I am really excited about seeing the movie, Dec 7th. Then I’ll read the book…..
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agnes
I am really looking forward to this movie.
I just bought the trilogy in englisch and started reading a couple of days ago.
I didn’t read all the comments here. So maybe someone allready asked or said it.
My question: is the film based on the 3 books? Or just on the first one? -
Janno
I love the virtual enviroment and the way the daemons are made.
LOVE IT -
Treasa Begley
Hi All, I read all three books roughly 12 years ago when I was just a wee young’in of 12.. and I loved it sooo much!! So much so that I bought The Amber Spyglass even BEFORE I read it! (I stupidly lent it to a mate….. he still has it and I have no idea where he is
). However I must admit, the advertisment for the movie is cleverly done. In New Zealand we called the first novel by the original name.. yes… “Northern Lights”. When I saw some of the posters for this movie I was really hoping that it was based on the trillogy, and much to my satisfaction and squeals of delight it is Nicole Kidman is perfect for her role, but I too thought that Lyra was more of a little rascle/tom-boy kind of girl. And the combination of science and religion and the delimma between the two is also fascinating to add to this book.
I am so so so happy that they have finally made a movie of this! But for all of your who cannot wait til Dec 7th, think of the poor lil countries that has its first screening on the 26th of Decmeber!!!!
So all New Zealanders….. I can’t wait for the 26th of December :D -
sofia
this book is very very good !i love it
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joe davis
i have read the books and i liked them very much i think the movie is going to be great i want to go see it
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joe davis
the golden compass coming this dicember 7
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Mario
i love these books they are my most favourite books of all tym im reading thm nw before the films for about the millionth time
i reckon they should of stuck to the original plot for the book theres a fair bit thats different but im sure it’ll be great still looking forward to it so much -
YAY
OMG! its tomorrowwwww! can’t wait! DECEMBER 7 IS TOMMOROW!!!!
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Kristen Gorospe
I’ve read all three books in His Dark Materials series, and I loved them. I can’t wait to see the movies! But they’d better be just as great as the books
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LINDA KOENIG
I saw a sneak preview on December 1 and I thought the movie was great. I was a little disappointed in where they ended the movie. I’ve read all three books several times and I was expecting one ending and got another. No matter………..the move is well worth seeing and Daniel Craig is perfect as Lord Asriel.
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Pantalaimon
I wanted to say one more thing.. the film premiere has been and I didnt get a tikket:-( but any way: I still hope it come a film about the secound and thierd movie:-) but I should just say that here in norway the name of the book where THE GOLDEN COMPASS.. and I think its complitly STUPID to change the original name… and when tried looking for the book in english.. ?? I was todelly confused becouse I couldent find THE GOLDEN COMPASS but after a while I asked about the book and she said the name on english is NORTAHN LIGHT??
Its todelly stupid.. but I realy hope the film is as good as the book if not…. xX
I hope its not a tragedy as the ERAGON film was.. it was the most Idiotic film I ever have seen.. it was like the script wrigthers only had heard the summery of the book?? whats that ?? They should have read the book before they started at the movie..
well .. LONG LIVE PULLMAN!!!!1 -
Nicole
I read the books when I was about 9-10 years old and I loved them. I just can’t wati to see the movie. I sat down for 4 hours telling my parents the story since they don’t have time to read it themselves and they loved it by just hearing it. They even want to see it now. especially DAD.My favorite character is pantalaimon. I wish I had a daemon!!!!!
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beatrice
i live in italy; i’m beatrice…i don’t see the golden compass but i know it is beautiful film. i love nicole kidman and the story with magican animals…i believe it’s the most beautiful film in winter 2007. i read the book: it’s was fantasic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!beatrice94 italy
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Jesse Lugo
I’ve read all the book in a two month period and im only 16. As you can tell I have quite a ways to go. Reading these books has widened my perspective on fantasy books and now it is a main genre of books that I read. I loved the storyline, the magistarium is trying to cut free will from everyone while Lyra and others try to stop them. These books are jammed packed with a ton of action and i strongly advise teenagers to adults of all ages to read them
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Kerry
I absolutely cannot wait!!!
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Vienni
I really love The Golden Compass. I read the books and I begin to fall in love with the story and the characters.. Awesome ! When I read the synopsis of the 1st book, at that time, I decided to buy it and read it as soon as possible. Because, I really want to know Lyra’s adventure and how she face it. The daemon is so cool ! I wish I have a daemon. I’m so passionate with the movie and I hope I can watch this movie at the local cinema in my city. I’ve seen the poster in my local cinema some months ago and I really want to watch this movie. Can’t hardly wait to see !
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Emily
I am going with my school tomorow to see the golden compass and I can’t wait, it looks beautiful and yet scary at the same time!
em x -
Jesika
I saw the movie but i want to read the books too. i am such a mystery luver that i always try to solve who-dun-it in CSI! all of them but i luv doing it more with books cuz you can take ur time to solve it
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?
ive just finshed northen lights its soooooooo cool can’t wait to read the other books hope as good as 1st boook.the daemons are so cool i wish i had one if i did it would be nice to have a friend always with you. its wrong they used the amaican name way not english it sounds better then golden compass enyway theres no compass.
p.s does enybody know the name of the other books?
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HDMLover
I have a question…Why do they cut the end???????????? The book don’t end like the movie!!! WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????????????????????????????????:(
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priscilla leal
i love to read and play videogames. do u? i really like the golden compass the subtile knife and the amberspyglass. they re really great. i hope u reply. oh and Rom says hi( my daemon a dog Romulus)
I read this book quite a few years ago, I found this to be the best fantasy book I have ever read-period. Since I am 58 years old , I can say that I have read quite a few books and that reading is a major part of my life. I so lookforward to seeing the film, it looks like the art design is what I imagined it to be…please follow the story line and this will be a GREAT film…….