My favorite part of Labyrinth is the line at the end where she tells her new, impossible, fantastical, friends that from time to time in her life, for no reason at all, she will still need them, and they all suddenly show up to party in her room, breaking the trope of the child who just had the fantastic magical coming of age adventure and now returns to the mundane world to be a "grown up" , and leaving the "childish" things behind. I'm 45 now and I find it's seldom the "grown up" things that bring me joy and I hope to be able to continue to call up my inner child from time to time for years yet to come.
Erich Käster, is one of my favorite authors ( probably in the states people have seen mostly movie adaptations of his work das doppelte Lottchen, about twin sisters who’s parents got divorced shortly after they were born and each parent goes and is living with one daughter until they meet as older kids in camp and switch ). He has a famous quote: only who becomes an adult but remains part child is truly human.
The whole point of the movie is that Jereth is symbolic of the desire to retreat into fantasy, drop responsibility and be childish because growing up and life in general can suck pretty hard. However, the scene at the end where Hoggle tells her that they'll still be there when she needs them is acknowledging that fantasy is sometimes still needed even in the adult world. Life can get so dark sometimes that fantasy is the only thing helping you to survive.
That's an absolutely spot on interpretation! I'm going to be That Guy and think the fact that the ending shows her room happily filled to the brim with the childish fantasy creatures defeats the purpose of the moral... To me gives the idea that it's more fun to Not grow up, and being mature is act you can put as a strategy to get what you want. But then again, it's interesting to see how different viewpoints can help up learn about our own individual views of life!
True. And these theme really vibes with INFP personality. Sarajh as a character is an INFP, Jim Henson was an INFP and David Bowie was an INFP. While Jared as an ENTP is one type INFPs can desire.
Jareth represents a teen burgeoning into womanhood's fantasy of what a romantic relationship is, but she learns it's more adult than she bargained for (contrast the Jareth in her book she recites from in the beginning with his dangerous and contradictory behavior, exemplified by the song lyrics "Don't tell me truth hurts, little girl 'Cause it hurts like hell.") The other lyrics point to the inner, deeper sense of actualization to be found within oneself in the unconscious/the imagination of self-perception, instead of via a romantic relationship "Down in the underground You'll find someone true Down in the underground A land serene A crystal moon."
What a wonderful film. I’ve always seen it as Sarah transitioning to adulthood, Jareth representing her sexual awakening……accepting Toby is an acceptance and recognition of all aspects of her adult femininity…..and rejecting Jareth is accepting herself as a woman and not a girl. Sarah’s room is a goldmine of Easter eggs and backstory. This film will always be there….when we need it.
Labyrinth has been my favorite movie ever since I first saw it as a little kid. I have it on vhs, dvd, and 4K. I honestly never get tired of it. I hate that Jim Henson didn’t get to see how beloved it became.
Somewhere close to the beginning, Sarah states that "The Goblin King had fallen in love with the girl." Then she asked him to take Toby away, and he did. He did everything she wanted him to do, and became the villain she needed, because he loved her. It actually hurt him that she didn't appreciate any of it. Go look up the lyrics to "Within You".
"Whithin You" really sums up all the things Jared did for her in order for her to forget about the baby, and would only be ruled by him, so that he could make her happy and fulfill all her dreams. He, as THE Golblin King, did not expect her to defy him, let alone defeat him. But Sarah needed him in order to grow up. And somewhere he knew that. And by playing a part in her dreams and fantasies, he sacrificed himself so that she could mature. but still needing her fantasy friends from time to time. Thank you Jared!
He also says during the confrontation scene that he’s “exhausted from living up to her expectations of him” which means he wanted her to know him for him and not be the villain she made him out to be.
One of my favorite movies. I've long felt that Jareth was an unfriendly guide and not a true villain. The stakes were real, and if she'd failed, bad things would've happened to her and to Toby. But that goal was to set her up to resist him, to find her strength, and recognize and accept her responsibility to Toby. The fact that, in the end, she's able to keep her friends while growing up as well, and that Jareth, in the form of the Owl, is looking in and then flies away are all evidence of this. I don't see him as looking in jealously or whatever. I think he's approving, letting her keep some of the magic of childhood (her friends) while she embraces maturity, and he flies away because she doesn't need him anymore.
80s were the peak of film and coincidentally Disney was mostly in a slump at the time. All the breakthrough autor directors from the 70s finally got budgets and the market was booming.
I saw Labyrinth in the cinema back then; my older sister had just died, and I was at a complete loss as to how anything could add up to anything worthwhile; films like Labyrinth gave me some way of reflecting on my own life. This Minty video had a lot of new information, despite me having seen the film many times. Jolly good show!
Where else have you ever seen a dog riding another dog over farting rocks in a fart swamp? There are so many things that have never been done before or since in this movie.
@@NicolasJRedfox I have never seen something so juvenile being done so intelligently and creatively before, nor since for that matter. It literally is the King of all "fart jokes".
I loved his hair in that movie. I wanted that hairstyle so bad. Didn’t know until years later that he had extensions attached to his own short hair. LOL. Then I wanted Debbie Gibson’s hair. 😂
Brian Frouds work is amazing, and like most artists gets nowhere near enough credit. Most people don't even know who he is.. and without him neither Labyrinth or Dark Crystal would exist. Froud+Henson= magic, and it's something that has since been attempted to be recreated and failed because neither of them can be replaced. Froud gave birth to the characters, but Henson brought them to life.
@@jtjames79When he was dancing my six year old says “I can see his wiener!” To which I was only able to grumble, shake my head, and say “yes son, and that's why we don't wear pants like that”
There’s lots of info in the novelisation I love the fan theory that there have been lots of ‘Sarahs’ through time and all the goblins started off as babies. - this comes from some dialogue when Sarah first meets Hoggle and she says I’m Sarah’ and he replies ‘that’s what I thought’ like he has been here before.
This was my favorite childhood movie. Bowie was my man crush till adulthood. My daughter watched this with me and it actually still makes sense now it's not very dated. The style and clothing in the movie is its own. I can watch it a million times even now and not be bored.
It has been a long time since I've seen this. But it feels like the effects of the abandonment take much more CenterStage than the details of it affair and whatever else.
I don't think she did, it's more likely to be the other way around. Sarah is petulant at the start and blames others for inflicting 'harm' on her life, so it's against character that she'd have a scrapbook and photos up and pretend to be an actress. Looks more like she idolizes her mother; I'd say the father kicked her out but Sarah's too immature to see the truth, all she sees is her mother's gone and dad marries again. She dreams of 'running away' like her mother did and having romance instead of misery. The film is a classic coming of age that teaches her she's not ready for ballrooms and bulging tights LOL
This is my most favorite movie of all time. It is so dear to my heart. I am 41 now and still watch it from time to time especially when I feel I need to get things in perspective. The world is a better place now for having had Jim Henson and David Bowie in it. Both were such a huge part of my childhood.❤
Minty, thank you for this one. This is my absolute favorite childhood film. My mom was married to a man in the 80s who was in the US Navy and stationed in San Diego, on the opposite side of the country where I lived with my grandparents with only a few local television stations. About once a month she'd mail me VHS tapes of movies she recorded off HBO, Cinemax, etc. and it was the highlight of each month for me as a 5/6/7 year old. Labyrinth was on one of those tapes and not only became my favorite film but also showed me my first childhood crush in Jennifer Connelly. 😍
She went on to do so many iconic roles after this, Dark City, A Beautiful Mind and Requiem for a Dream where she does some very pornographic things. She still looks good as any other famous actress her age or better, in fact she ages like fine wine. She somehow got even prettier the older she got, how does that happen? Best body in Hollywood in my opinion, you know you've seen the times she has shown it all. She's one of the best actresses around besides all of that, she has it all and she can sing well too. Her talent and natural beauty are beyond compare really.
@@ZacHawkins42 Yeah she still got it going on don't she? It's a shame she wasn't also in the movie "Legend" because she is one, though that Mia Sarah isn't bad herself.
@erikrousu the chilly down song superimposition of the puppets and Sarah together was very obvious in the version we watched a few years ago, the clip Minty showed here was much enhanced. The puppets had off-color rectangles around them that 1980s audiences probably didn’t notice because they were so impressed by the impossibility of the characters together, but a more cynical modern audience picks out easily
My favorite movie. I love the dreaminess of it. Jareth comes off as very sad and lonely throughout the movie. He and Sarah both have a sort of childishness to them
I’m amazed at the symbolism with Jereth being a pop star. It’s such a small but deep detail. It adds a lot more to the storyline. Thanks for this one, Minty
@@Jimmy94411Im high functioning and very literal about following rules and procedures so holding a job isnt a problem. And I literally clock in at the exact same time to the second every day. But I have been single for most of my adult life so connecting with people is harder for sure.
I like to think that Sarah blames Jeremy for taking her mother from her, and that emotion sits in her head. So telling jareth, the avatar of Jeremy, “you have no power over me “ is her releasing that feeling. Jeremy, and consequently her mother’s actions will no longer dictate her future, allowing her to accept her brother
I remember asking Terry Jones about the early scripts way, way back on the old PythOnline forums, and he very kindly explained that not much of his original drafts ended up in the final film, but that's just how the screenwriting process goes.
My friend and I, as young mums, managed to get a night out of the house to see this film. After being totally entranced by Jareth we were happily stood up shouting ' Leave the baby!' at the end. It's the first time we'd got raucous since we left school.... Never be another David...🏴
Some tiny details I'd like to share with other fans who may not have noticed them yet: ° The subtle real world nods to the labyrinth aren't just limited to the toys in Sarah's room. The corners of the headboard on her parents' bed match the corners of the shields held by the riddle guards. The architecture of the park in the opening scene is also reminiscent. There are stone monoliths and a bridge that I take to be a reflection of Sir Didymus's bridge. ° During the goblin city battle you can briefly see a strange bug that looks like a ball covered in legs roll down the side of a house in the foreground. This is one of the things that the Skeksis were eating at their banquet in The Dark Crystal. ° During the scene where Jareth gives Hoggle the peach, there are some crows in a tree behind him. If you watch carefully, the crows go from being real, to clearly fake animatronic ones, and back to real again in the different shots. ° I the scene near the beginning where Jareth and Sarah stand on a hill overlooking the labyrinth, you can clearly see Hoggle already peeing in the pond even from this distance. He must've really needed to go. ° Sarah always goes right when presented with a branching path. When first entering the labyrinth, she starts left and the worm tells her to go right. She then picks the right door after solving the guards riddle and later enters the right door after talking to the knockers. Incidentally, in the novelisation the left knocker door opens into a wood where all the trees and plants are laughing uncontrollably, causing Sarah to fall down laughing where she would evidently remain until she died laughing. Ludo saves her and they then take the right door into the Firey woods.
*Thank You Minty!!* Those closing words of yours was on my mind the ENTIRE time I watched this! This is a masterpiece that never can be better - Thusly: Every attempt or new version of it will be _less._ *LEAVE IT BE!!* ☝️❤️🔥
Totally agree! 👏 I have many favorite movies, from blockbusters and cult favorites alike, and they can make as many sequels or prequels as they want of those, that's fine. BUT. Labyrinth needs to be left alone, forever!!! Not even a Netflix movie or series like the Dark Crystal.
I saw Labyrinth for the first time since childhood a few years ago while recovering from an operation. I thought, 'Wow, this is the most profound movie I've ever seen. I hadn’t seen all these themes in it when I was a kid.' Then I saw it again a few months later and it turned out, no, I'd just been off my face on morphine. But I still love Labyrinth, even without drugs.
@tardisrider25 Ha! I don't take drugs and I was totally unprepared for watching something like Labyrinth while taking something like morphine. But the movie's still good sober. But if you happen ever to be recovering from an op and taking morphine, I'm sure there's a few movies you could have lined up.
I've been a fan of this channel for years. Not gonna lie, this was maybe the best episode so far. Not sure if it is because of my nostalgia for this movie or what, but great job sir.
This episode is so great! I never knew any of the backstory of Sarah, her mom, potentially who Jerith represents , and it makes the story so much more rich and incredible! Thanks again for diving in deep!
I was 12 when I got to see it in theaters & my love for art started around that time & the stair sequence was like an MC Escher come to life! This movie really captivated you like a maze, you didn't know what to expect from minute to minute the uncertainty of what path it was going to lead you to. Also puppets are timeless when done right, unlike CGi. Even if CGi is done right all you have to do is go back & watch it again 10 years later & it will disappoint you. This is not the case for this movie, as Labyrinth doesn't disappoint.
There's an MC Escher on the wall behind the bed in Sarah's room - you can see it in the bedroom scene with the junk lady in the middle of the labryinth.
I'm glad you brought up these little known facts about Labyrinth's back story, that never made its way into the final film we know today. I was always under the impression that Sarah's mom died and that was a big reason behind her contempt for her baby brother Toby. However as you pointed out, its left sort of up to interpretation and ambiguity, as it is assumed that Sarah's mother in fact continued her affair with Jeremy. I discover more interesting and cool facts about this film as time goes on and I'm glad newer audiences get to see this film and why we loved it as kids and hope they do as well.
Im so happy that i came across your videos that im now binge watching 🤣🤣 I absolutely love labyrinth,my mum introduced it to me,and my fave scene is the ballroom scene😍😍 its so magical and david bowies voice is beautiful
My all-time funfact is that Dr Crusher (Star Trek Next Generation) was the choreographer. I get a giggle when I surprise ST fans with that fact as the Venn Diagram of ST and Labrynth fans is almost just one circle. 😂 Kevin Clash and Danny John-Jules worked on the Fire Dance scene as well. Could you imagine meeting them and Gates McFadden all in the same place? Whoah...
I don't think Disney could actually do any type of continuation or reboot without botching it up because there really isn't anyone who could do what David Bowie did.
At 36 years old, I can say that I've probably watched this film over 200 times. I used to watch it over and over again for hours on end as a child. Good old VHS! I can now confidently say that I know every single word spoken in this film by every single character. As a child, Jareth Mesmerized me and lured me into the magical world of the Goblins! 🥰 If Disney ever gets the stupid idea to touch this film....I swear to God that I'm leading the petition army! The mouse does not need to touch this masterpiece!
Holy crap! I didnt know the family backstory was that deep and Ive seen this film a dozen times. Jerith is definitely a representation, whether its the owls default appearance or just tailored to her. I always knew it was a film about not being selfish and taking responsibility and become a young adult but the obsession with her moms media coverage I totally missed.
as a fan of this movie, I really appreciate your video. Labyrinth is one of my top ten films. I sometimes sing the songs from it even today. My favorite quote is "I do not. I tell the truth. Oh, what a lie!"
I was 14 when I saw this in theaters. I have been "in love" with Jennifer Connelly since then. Absolutely love this movie. All 3 of my children were raised on this movie. I miss quality movies like this
I love this movie... I first saw it in the theater when I was about 12 (and MANY more times on video). I'm glad it turned out the way it did. There are so many little fun details and lessons. Like, that "stuff" can become a burden if it is more important to you than people. I will still listen to the soundtrack now and then, especially because Bowie's songs are just so good!
I always thought that Jareth was trying to teach Sarah a lesson so I'm pleased to hear that was one of the explanations that was actually considered. 😁
I absolutely love this movie, I grew up with this movie in the 90s (I was born in 85 but I am not sure how old I was when I 1st saw it) n still love it to this day. I ave even introduced this movie to my daughter when she was 9years old n she loves it jus as much as I do.
This movie is a cherished part of my childhood. On the idea that Jareth is actually tryimg to Help Sarah…. There is an almost throwaway scene which supports this. Note at the end during the party, he is looking from outside the window and turns into an owl (a symbol of wisdom). Like he is almost taking a satisfied “my job is done here” attitude.
I was 9yrs old when I saw this in the movie theater. I still cherish and love this movie to this day. It's a must have in my DVD collection. RIP Frank OZ and David Bowie.
He is actually a praised actor but I think he only did special movies. I'm sure he got offered far more than he did. I'm so glad he took this one as without him and his music it wouldn't be the same at all. Great creative geniuses giving eachother space, that would never happen these days with big companies getting involved.
I’d never noticed that stuff with Sarah’s mother before and the affair with a man that looks like Jareth. Shows the movie is a wizard of oz re-imagining, cause I’m pretty sure all her quest friends are toys or referenced throughout her room
"Everything I've done, I've done for you I move the stars for no one You've run so long You've run so far Your eyes can be so cruel Just as I can be so cruel Though I do believe in you..."
Labyrinth is a classic movie still love till this day .all the movies with puppets are amazing like the never ending story keep up the great work Minty just amazing
Amen to that. That opening scene when Bronson gets off the train is an incredible piece of cinema. Such a wonderful setup and Ennios score is spectacular.
I've never paid attention to the scrapbook and her mother with a man who is Bowie, after all these years; so interesting. I also had never noticed until this video of the statue of Jareth right next to her mirror there at the end. Wish we could have seen her seeing herself become the old garbage lady. Good vid.
This movie was my childhood - fascinating to hear about all the different iterations it went through. Still has that magical touch mixed with nostalgia, creativity and imagination at its finest.
when I have seen Jennifer Connelly in this movie in 87 - I thought I have seen an angel. The most beautiful human being ever walked on this earth (I was 13 back then) and she still is a breathtaking women.
The Labyrinth is a piece of art, that highly influenced and inspired me. I still play Roleplaying games, paint miniatures etc. which I started with, partly because of The Labyrinth, I simply wanted more! And I still hold the artistic style of The Labyrinth is still my favourite fantasy world look. I don't think I'm alone in this.
Imagine if Jim Henson was alive today, him and Tim Burton would've made a great collaboration. Together they could have produced a dark, and scary retelling The Wizard of Oz.
@@MasseurDavis Not disputing that, but there were already a number of dark versions of Wizard of Oz, or at least of the Oz series. One was the 1985 Disney movie *Return to Oz,* which was also based on a couple of the original Oz books but taking a much darker and creepier tone than the 1939 classic ever did. Though I do agree that Burton and Henson could have made a much better movie than this one was.
I love Labyrinth. And I still watch it very often. Simple a reason; Jim Henson is one of my top 5 creators. Another very favorite of his for me is Dark Crystal. I just love him. So Labyrinth is great. He's like a new version of Alice in Wonderland. My childhood, along with "The Storyteller".
The last time I saw Labyrinth was when it was in theaters. I enjoyed the film, and remember saying that David Bowie was so good that I thought being a rockstar has been a waste of his talent and that he would have done even _better_ as an actor instead.
Thanks so much for making this video! I was one who grew up with Jim Henson's works, but strangely didn't know about "Labyrinth" or "The Dark Crystal" until I was an adult, so they were both really neat treats in the respect that it felt like Jim Henson left two huge presents behind for me to find. And I adore and treasure both.
*Minty: **_"And if you want to feel old, this is what he looks like now."_* My daughter was born in October of 1985. Later this month {October of 2023} she turns *_38._* I got the FEELING OLD thing down to a science...🤭
Sarah's bedroom is a big hint to most things in the labyrinth. Other than that final scene where her friends from the labyrinth show up in her bedroom, it's basically a dream instead of a real world thing. Sort of like "The Wizard of Oz" movie where they made it into a dream. It would be better without the final scene tbh. It's an Alice in Wonderland story. I'm guessing that's why you showed The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland books near the beginning.
I'd always seen Jareth as an analog for a young teen Sarah's budding sexuality and her misconceptions of "adulthood", as he is both tempting and terrifying, and confuses the hell out of her. And, in the end, she realizes not only has she always been the one in control, but she needs to take responsibility and actually exert that control. But, even as she's growing up, she still needs the friends and lessons of her childhood, so she has a dance party with Hoggle and the others, while Jareth watches over.
Minty, i hope Disney don’t see this and get any ideas from your outro 😂 i always took her quest to save Toby as her way of living out the dutiful mother role. I reckon this make a little more sense now, given your scrapbook revelation. That was great info. Love your work man.
Just keep in mind that Jim Henson had many instances of very dark story-telling. Dark Crystal and The StoryTeller, for example. His stuff wasn't all the Muppet Show or Sesame Street. That makes the potential dark storylines for Labyrinth pretty plausible.
Yeah and a lot of dark things happened on the Muppet Show too... one of my favorites then and now was Sweetums singing "I've got you under my skin". He was my favorite muppet monster
I absolutely loved Labyrinth as a child and at 44yrs old I STILL do!!💜
It's my birthday 🎉🎉
'79 baby !!
I wasn't allowed to watch it as a child. I had to wait til mom couldn't control what I saw any more. any movie where a kid was kidnapped scared her.
Same here!
@@kamarichristie4346
Happy birthday 🎂 😊
My favorite part of Labyrinth is the line at the end where she tells her new, impossible, fantastical, friends that from time to time in her life, for no reason at all, she will still need them, and they all suddenly show up to party in her room, breaking the trope of the child who just had the fantastic magical coming of age adventure and now returns to the mundane world to be a "grown up" , and leaving the "childish" things behind. I'm 45 now and I find it's seldom the "grown up" things that bring me joy and I hope to be able to continue to call up my inner child from time to time for years yet to come.
Erich Käster, is one of my favorite authors ( probably in the states people have seen mostly movie adaptations of his work das doppelte Lottchen, about twin sisters who’s parents got divorced shortly after they were born and each parent goes and is living with one daughter until they meet as older kids in camp and switch ). He has a famous quote: only who becomes an adult but remains part child is truly human.
I find that as I get older, this moment has started to make me cry.
❤
@@MileinaJuarez "He has a famous quote: only who becomes an adult but remains part child is truly human."
Great !
We are all kids at heart im 43 now. Watched this film with my 3 kids when they where growing up now im watching it with my grandchildren
The whole point of the movie is that Jereth is symbolic of the desire to retreat into fantasy, drop responsibility and be childish because growing up and life in general can suck pretty hard. However, the scene at the end where Hoggle tells her that they'll still be there when she needs them is acknowledging that fantasy is sometimes still needed even in the adult world. Life can get so dark sometimes that fantasy is the only thing helping you to survive.
Yes, love that :)
That's an absolutely spot on interpretation! I'm going to be That Guy and think the fact that the ending shows her room happily filled to the brim with the childish fantasy creatures defeats the purpose of the moral... To me gives the idea that it's more fun to Not grow up, and being mature is act you can put as a strategy to get what you want.
But then again, it's interesting to see how different viewpoints can help up learn about our own individual views of life!
True. And these theme really vibes with INFP personality. Sarajh as a character is an INFP, Jim Henson was an INFP and David Bowie was an INFP. While Jared as an ENTP is one type INFPs can desire.
My mother deems Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal as two fundamental movies in the upbrining of children.
Jareth represents a teen burgeoning into womanhood's fantasy of what a romantic relationship is, but she learns it's more adult than she bargained for (contrast the Jareth in her book she recites from in the beginning with his dangerous and contradictory behavior, exemplified by the song lyrics "Don't tell me truth hurts, little girl
'Cause it hurts like hell.") The other lyrics point to the inner, deeper sense of actualization to be found within oneself in the unconscious/the imagination of self-perception, instead of via a romantic relationship "Down in the underground
You'll find someone true
Down in the underground
A land serene
A crystal moon."
Jennifer Connelly was my first childhood crush in this film. I must have watched it hundreds of times.
Fire starter 84 for me Drew Barrymore lol
David bowie In them tights did something for me although I was too young to know it lol
Was 8 when i watched this! connelly for me all the way ❤ 41 now and still love this film to bits 😂
What a wonderful film. I’ve always seen it as Sarah transitioning to adulthood, Jareth representing her sexual awakening……accepting Toby is an acceptance and recognition of all aspects of her adult femininity…..and rejecting Jareth is accepting herself as a woman and not a girl. Sarah’s room is a goldmine of Easter eggs and backstory. This film will always be there….when we need it.
"Sarah’s room is a goldmine of Easter eggs and backstory."
One toy looks exactly like Jareth
Labyrinth has been my favorite movie ever since I first saw it as a little kid. I have it on vhs, dvd, and 4K. I honestly never get tired of it. I hate that Jim Henson didn’t get to see how beloved it became.
Somewhere close to the beginning, Sarah states that "The Goblin King had fallen in love with the girl." Then she asked him to take Toby away, and he did. He did everything she wanted him to do, and became the villain she needed, because he loved her. It actually hurt him that she didn't appreciate any of it. Go look up the lyrics to "Within You".
"Go look up the lyrics to "Within You"."
Thanks
"Whithin You" really sums up all the things Jared did for her in order for her to forget about the baby, and would only be ruled by him, so that he could make her happy and fulfill all her dreams. He, as THE Golblin King, did not expect her to defy him, let alone defeat him. But Sarah needed him in order to grow up. And somewhere he knew that. And by playing a part in her dreams and fantasies, he sacrificed himself so that she could mature. but still needing her fantasy friends from time to time. Thank you Jared!
He also says during the confrontation scene that he’s “exhausted from living up to her expectations of him” which means he wanted her to know him for him and not be the villain she made him out to be.
One of my favorite movies. I've long felt that Jareth was an unfriendly guide and not a true villain. The stakes were real, and if she'd failed, bad things would've happened to her and to Toby. But that goal was to set her up to resist him, to find her strength, and recognize and accept her responsibility to Toby. The fact that, in the end, she's able to keep her friends while growing up as well, and that Jareth, in the form of the Owl, is looking in and then flies away are all evidence of this. I don't see him as looking in jealously or whatever. I think he's approving, letting her keep some of the magic of childhood (her friends) while she embraces maturity, and he flies away because she doesn't need him anymore.
Well said
Oh, that's a nice way of looking at it!
This how I've also always experienced it. Even as a small child I felt like Jareth was in truth trying to help her.
antagonist is the word
I had such a crush on Jareth and would have happily stayed in his world with him. I'm not sure I ever really got over it.
Same! Jareth was my first major crush and I became obsessed with David Bowie from then on.
Me too
Absolutely loved this movie! Now 65 still love watching it. I couldn’t wait to show our grandkids,recently loved sharing it with them 💗
This movie is more magical than any recent Disney movies ever made.
100% for sure. Disney movies these days are a complete joke. As a matter of fact, most movies these days are 😂
80s were the peak of film and coincidentally Disney was mostly in a slump at the time. All the breakthrough autor directors from the 70s finally got budgets and the market was booming.
A moldy turd also is, so that's not much of an achievement.
Disney has become that drunk and touchy uncle you don’t like coming to family events.
@@hansgraichen8051 that downplays the fact that they're one of the worst crime rings in the country. They're way beyond the level of bad uncle.
I saw Labyrinth in the cinema back then; my older sister had just died, and I was at a complete loss as to how anything could add up to anything worthwhile; films like Labyrinth gave me some way of reflecting on my own life.
This Minty video had a lot of new information, despite me having seen the film many times. Jolly good show!
Labyrinth is such a visually imaginative film, I loved the hands that formed faces in the pit.
Where else have you ever seen a dog riding another dog over farting rocks in a fart swamp? There are so many things that have never been done before or since in this movie.
the farting swamp is the best fart joke, nothing else comes close to it.
@@NicolasJRedfox I have never seen something so juvenile being done so intelligently and creatively before, nor since for that matter. It literally is the King of all "fart jokes".
Which way do you want to go?!
She chose down!?
Nothing is more 80s than David Bowie wearing tights with a Tina Turner wig!
Lol 😂😂
Surrounded by Muppets.
He never wore a wig it was his own hair attached with extension. Glue hair
I always thought that Axel Rose in Welcome to the Jungle reminded me of Jereth 😂
I loved his hair in that movie. I wanted that hairstyle so bad. Didn’t know until years later that he had extensions attached to his own short hair. LOL. Then I wanted Debbie Gibson’s hair. 😂
Brian Frouds work is amazing, and like most artists gets nowhere near enough credit. Most people don't even know who he is.. and without him neither Labyrinth or Dark Crystal would exist. Froud+Henson= magic, and it's something that has since been attempted to be recreated and failed because neither of them can be replaced. Froud gave birth to the characters, but Henson brought them to life.
One of my favorites, Jim Henson's special effects expertise is flawless. The puppets are very realistic, unique, fun and frightening.
And if done today would be CGI and 💩
David Bowie was perfect for this role!
My mother deems Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal as two fundamental movies in the upbrining of children.
And his magic pants.
@@jtjames79When he was dancing my six year old says “I can see his wiener!” To which I was only able to grumble, shake my head, and say “yes son, and that's why we don't wear pants like that”
@@metalheadisme8389 😂 a great story for his grandkids one day 🤣
@metalheadisme8389 that made me giggle. Thank you! 😂
Such a wonderful, magical movie. I hope there’s never ever a terrible CGI remake!
we should ask Kathleen Kennedy to do it
she'll do justice to it
@@zimrielYour tongue better be firmly planted in your cheek, dammit!
HAAH! Nice one.@@zimriel
@@zimriel o.O
There’s lots of info in the novelisation
I love the fan theory that there have been lots of ‘Sarahs’ through time and all the goblins started off as babies. - this comes from some dialogue when Sarah first meets Hoggle and she says I’m Sarah’ and he replies ‘that’s what I thought’ like he has been here before.
I read the novels for this and Dark Crystal recently, great books.
We know that the goblins must have been human babies . Jareth says in so and so hours the baby will be one of them and become like them.
@@MileinaJuarez I don’t think all of them are, there must be a goblin species, but I think the babies get added to them when the ‘Sarah’s’ fail
@@mmecharlotte oh I like That! I never heard that. Makes sense
@@mmecharlotteThe changeling that became a king... Now THAT revisitation I would be interested in seeing as a new movie. A prequel to Labyrinth.
This was my favorite childhood movie. Bowie was my man crush till adulthood. My daughter watched this with me and it actually still makes sense now it's not very dated. The style and clothing in the movie is its own. I can watch it a million times even now and not be bored.
The mother abandoning the family is a very unique angle to the Labyrinth story.
Explains the unique sadness/darkness this movie has looming in it
It has been a long time since I've seen this. But it feels like the effects of the abandonment take much more CenterStage than the details of it affair and whatever else.
I don't think she did, it's more likely to be the other way around. Sarah is petulant at the start and blames others for inflicting 'harm' on her life, so it's against character that she'd have a scrapbook and photos up and pretend to be an actress. Looks more like she idolizes her mother; I'd say the father kicked her out but Sarah's too immature to see the truth, all she sees is her mother's gone and dad marries again. She dreams of 'running away' like her mother did and having romance instead of misery. The film is a classic coming of age that teaches her she's not ready for ballrooms and bulging tights LOL
I seem to remember the novelization talking about her mother dating and leaving the family.
This is my most favorite movie of all time. It is so dear to my heart. I am 41 now and still watch it from time to time especially when I feel I need to get things in perspective. The world is a better place now for having had Jim Henson and David Bowie in it. Both were such a huge part of my childhood.❤
Minty, thank you for this one. This is my absolute favorite childhood film. My mom was married to a man in the 80s who was in the US Navy and stationed in San Diego, on the opposite side of the country where I lived with my grandparents with only a few local television stations. About once a month she'd mail me VHS tapes of movies she recorded off HBO, Cinemax, etc. and it was the highlight of each month for me as a 5/6/7 year old. Labyrinth was on one of those tapes and not only became my favorite film but also showed me my first childhood crush in Jennifer Connelly. 😍
She went on to do so many iconic roles after this, Dark City, A Beautiful Mind and Requiem for a Dream where she does some very pornographic things. She still looks good as any other famous actress her age or better, in fact she ages like fine wine. She somehow got even prettier the older she got, how does that happen? Best body in Hollywood in my opinion, you know you've seen the times she has shown it all. She's one of the best actresses around besides all of that, she has it all and she can sing well too. Her talent and natural beauty are beyond compare really.
@@DeathBYDesign666 Hey, now, that's my future ex-wife you've been ogling!
I'm going to bet there were many, many boys ages 10-18 that had crushes on Jennifer back when this movie was released. I certainly did at age 11.
@@ZacHawkins42 Yeah she still got it going on don't she? It's a shame she wasn't also in the movie "Legend" because she is one, though that Mia Sarah isn't bad herself.
@@DeathBYDesign666 You make some good points there 👍
I've tried watching many movies with my 5 year old son. Labyrinth is still the only film that's held his attention for the entire runtime
Maybe try Time Bandits too then!
Have you tried other singing films? It may be the music that holds his attention and the puppets.
The special effects do not hold up at all, but it was so outlandish that my kids liked it anyway
@erikrousu the chilly down song superimposition of the puppets and Sarah together was very obvious in the version we watched a few years ago, the clip Minty showed here was much enhanced. The puppets had off-color rectangles around them that 1980s audiences probably didn’t notice because they were so impressed by the impossibility of the characters together, but a more cynical modern audience picks out easily
😆 me too when I was a child
Who just loves and binges this amazing channel, Minty comediec art production . I love it so much ❤
Jim was a true genius and was so creative.
My favorite movie. I love the dreaminess of it. Jareth comes off as very sad and lonely throughout the movie. He and Sarah both have a sort of childishness to them
I’m amazed at the symbolism with Jereth being a pop star. It’s such a small but deep detail. It adds a lot more to the storyline. Thanks for this one, Minty
I dont know why I love your videos so much. But as an Autistic person I find them very calming. I watch one almost every morning.
How are you handling it? Is it hard to keep a job or connect with people?
@@Jimmy94411Im high functioning and very literal about following rules and procedures so holding a job isnt a problem. And I literally clock in at the exact same time to the second every day. But I have been single for most of my adult life so connecting with people is harder for sure.
I like to think that Sarah blames Jeremy for taking her mother from her, and that emotion sits in her head. So telling jareth, the avatar of Jeremy, “you have no power over me “ is her releasing that feeling. Jeremy, and consequently her mother’s actions will no longer dictate her future, allowing her to accept her brother
I remember asking Terry Jones about the early scripts way, way back on the old PythOnline forums, and he very kindly explained that not much of his original drafts ended up in the final film, but that's just how the screenwriting process goes.
Terry Jones is such a legend!
My friend and I, as young mums, managed to get a night out of the house to see this film. After being totally entranced by Jareth we were happily stood up shouting ' Leave the baby!' at the end.
It's the first time we'd got raucous since we left school....
Never be another David...🏴
Some tiny details I'd like to share with other fans who may not have noticed them yet:
° The subtle real world nods to the labyrinth aren't just limited to the toys in Sarah's room. The corners of the headboard on her parents' bed match the corners of the shields held by the riddle guards. The architecture of the park in the opening scene is also reminiscent. There are stone monoliths and a bridge that I take to be a reflection of Sir Didymus's bridge.
° During the goblin city battle you can briefly see a strange bug that looks like a ball covered in legs roll down the side of a house in the foreground. This is one of the things that the Skeksis were eating at their banquet in The Dark Crystal.
° During the scene where Jareth gives Hoggle the peach, there are some crows in a tree behind him. If you watch carefully, the crows go from being real, to clearly fake animatronic ones, and back to real again in the different shots.
° I the scene near the beginning where Jareth and Sarah stand on a hill overlooking the labyrinth, you can clearly see Hoggle already peeing in the pond even from this distance. He must've really needed to go.
° Sarah always goes right when presented with a branching path. When first entering the labyrinth, she starts left and the worm tells her to go right. She then picks the right door after solving the guards riddle and later enters the right door after talking to the knockers. Incidentally, in the novelisation the left knocker door opens into a wood where all the trees and plants are laughing uncontrollably, causing Sarah to fall down laughing where she would evidently remain until she died laughing. Ludo saves her and they then take the right door into the Firey woods.
Great video, Minty. The Labrityth is definitely a cult classic from my childhood.
*Thank You Minty!!*
Those closing words of yours was on my mind the ENTIRE time I watched this! This is a masterpiece that never can be better - Thusly: Every attempt or new version of it will be _less._
*LEAVE IT BE!!* ☝️❤️🔥
Totally agree! 👏
I have many favorite movies, from blockbusters and cult favorites alike, and they can make as many sequels or prequels as they want of those, that's fine.
BUT.
Labyrinth needs to be left alone, forever!!! Not even a Netflix movie or series like the Dark Crystal.
100% agree.
I saw Labyrinth for the first time since childhood a few years ago while recovering from an operation. I thought, 'Wow, this is the most profound movie I've ever seen. I hadn’t seen all these themes in it when I was a kid.' Then I saw it again a few months later and it turned out, no, I'd just been off my face on morphine. But I still love Labyrinth, even without drugs.
😂my favorite comment here. Naw I was just stoned.
@tardisrider25 Ha! I don't take drugs and I was totally unprepared for watching something like Labyrinth while taking something like morphine. But the movie's still good sober. But if you happen ever to be recovering from an op and taking morphine, I'm sure there's a few movies you could have lined up.
@@petebyrdie4799 Lol I bet Labyrinth has got to be one of the best for that though.
@@petebyrdie4799 2001
😅😂😅😂
Labyrinth is my all time #1 favorite movie. It's still captivating after all these years no matter how many times I have watched it.
I've been a fan of this channel for years. Not gonna lie, this was maybe the best episode so far. Not sure if it is because of my nostalgia for this movie or what, but great job sir.
This episode is so great! I never knew any of the backstory of Sarah, her mom, potentially who Jerith represents , and it makes the story so much more rich and incredible! Thanks again for diving in deep!
I was 12 when I got to see it in theaters & my love for art started around that time & the stair sequence was like an MC Escher come to life! This movie really captivated you like a maze, you didn't know what to expect from minute to minute the uncertainty of what path it was going to lead you to. Also puppets are timeless when done right, unlike CGi. Even if CGi is done right all you have to do is go back & watch it again 10 years later & it will disappoint you. This is not the case for this movie, as Labyrinth doesn't disappoint.
There's an MC Escher on the wall behind the bed in Sarah's room - you can see it in the bedroom scene with the junk lady in the middle of the labryinth.
I'm glad you brought up these little known facts about Labyrinth's back story, that never made its way into the final film we know today. I was always under the impression that Sarah's mom died and that was a big reason behind her contempt for her baby brother Toby. However as you pointed out, its left sort of up to interpretation and ambiguity, as it is assumed that Sarah's mother in fact continued her affair with Jeremy. I discover more interesting and cool facts about this film as time goes on and I'm glad newer audiences get to see this film and why we loved it as kids and hope they do as well.
Im so happy that i came across your videos that im now binge watching 🤣🤣
I absolutely love labyrinth,my mum introduced it to me,and my fave scene is the ballroom scene😍😍 its so magical and david bowies voice is beautiful
I am 46 and still love this movie, along with dozens of others from my childhood!
My all-time funfact is that Dr Crusher (Star Trek Next Generation) was the choreographer. I get a giggle when I surprise ST fans with that fact as the Venn Diagram of ST and Labrynth fans is almost just one circle. 😂
Kevin Clash and Danny John-Jules worked on the Fire Dance scene as well. Could you imagine meeting them and Gates McFadden all in the same place? Whoah...
Gates McFadden started as a choreographer and was talking into her role in TNG.
You see her at 6:53
I don't think Disney could actually do any type of continuation or reboot without botching it up because there really isn't anyone who could do what David Bowie did.
At 36 years old, I can say that I've probably watched this film over 200 times. I used to watch it over and over again for hours on end as a child. Good old VHS! I can now confidently say that I know every single word spoken in this film by every single character. As a child, Jareth Mesmerized me and lured me into the magical world of the Goblins! 🥰
If Disney ever gets the stupid idea to touch this film....I swear to God that I'm leading the petition army! The mouse does not need to touch this masterpiece!
Holy crap! I didnt know the family backstory was that deep and Ive seen this film a dozen times. Jerith is definitely a representation, whether its the owls default appearance or just tailored to her. I always knew it was a film about not being selfish and taking responsibility and become a young adult but the obsession with her moms media coverage I totally missed.
Thanks, Minty, for making this video! I love Bowie, and this movie was fantastic.
Always loved this film and still use quotes from it all the time. Bowie was amazing in this, so glad he got the part. Most used quote: Smell bad!
as a fan of this movie, I really appreciate your video. Labyrinth is one of my top ten films. I sometimes sing the songs from it even today. My favorite quote is "I do not. I tell the truth. Oh, what a lie!"
I was 14 when I saw this in theaters. I have been "in love" with Jennifer Connelly since then. Absolutely love this movie. All 3 of my children were raised on this movie. I miss quality movies like this
You must love the ending of Requiem for a Dream lol
Same
It always been my favourite I 41 and still watch it a classic David amazing loved the sound track for it
I love this movie... I first saw it in the theater when I was about 12 (and MANY more times on video). I'm glad it turned out the way it did. There are so many little fun details and lessons. Like, that "stuff" can become a burden if it is more important to you than people. I will still listen to the soundtrack now and then, especially because Bowie's songs are just so good!
Classic film.
watched it over and over sometimes back to back
I always thought that Jareth was trying to teach Sarah a lesson so I'm pleased to hear that was one of the explanations that was actually considered. 😁
I absolutely love this movie, I grew up with this movie in the 90s (I was born in 85 but I am not sure how old I was when I 1st saw it) n still love it to this day. I ave even introduced this movie to my daughter when she was 9years old n she loves it jus as much as I do.
This movie is a cherished part of my childhood.
On the idea that Jareth is actually tryimg to
Help Sarah…. There is an almost throwaway scene which supports this. Note at the end during the party, he is looking from outside the window and turns into an owl (a symbol of wisdom). Like he is almost taking a satisfied “my job is done here” attitude.
I was 9yrs old when I saw this in the movie theater. I still cherish and love this movie to this day. It's a must have in my DVD collection. RIP Frank OZ and David Bowie.
When in the ballroomscene, Jennifer Connely looks absolutely stunning!
Love this movie, 49 years old and I still watch it at least once annually.
David Bowie is so good in this movie that I can't believe he didn't have a more prolific movie career.
He did a few movies
He is actually a praised actor but I think he only did special movies. I'm sure he got offered far more than he did. I'm so glad he took this one as without him and his music it wouldn't be the same at all. Great creative geniuses giving eachother space, that would never happen these days with big companies getting involved.
He practically steals every scene he's in on the movie Into the Night.
great in Yellowbeard
Best one yet. I love how you dove into some of the symbolism. Thanks for your content, guy.
I’d never noticed that stuff with Sarah’s mother before and the affair with a man that looks like Jareth. Shows the movie is a wizard of oz re-imagining, cause I’m pretty sure all her quest friends are toys or referenced throughout her room
7:45 - the guy on the right in the green and black top is Charles Augins, who is Danny John-Jules' Dance teacher, and also played Queeg in Red Dwarf 2
"Everything I've done, I've done for you
I move the stars for no one
You've run so long
You've run so far
Your eyes can be so cruel
Just as I can be so cruel
Though I do believe in you..."
Labyrinth is a classic movie still love till this day .all the movies with puppets are amazing like the never ending story keep up the great work Minty just amazing
Minty! love your channel! Maybe do an edition about 'once upon a time in the west'? Maybe the best western ever...
Amen to that. That opening scene when Bronson gets off the train is an incredible piece of cinema. Such a wonderful setup and Ennios score is spectacular.
I love and appreciate how you have been switching things up. Well done.
Yeah! Go Minty! Hi from Athens, Greece!
I've never paid attention to the scrapbook and her mother with a man who is Bowie, after all these years; so interesting. I also had never noticed until this video of the statue of Jareth right next to her mirror there at the end. Wish we could have seen her seeing herself become the old garbage lady. Good vid.
Just as a side note: THe ballroom dance was done by Beverly McFadden, aka the doctor from Star Trek:The Next Generation.
This movie was my childhood - fascinating to hear about all the different iterations it went through.
Still has that magical touch mixed with nostalgia, creativity and imagination at its finest.
when I have seen Jennifer Connelly in this movie in 87 - I thought I have seen an angel. The most beautiful human being ever walked on this earth (I was 13 back then) and she still is a breathtaking women.
I love Labyrinth, always ave n always will do, I even introduced this to my daughter n she loved it jus as much as I do
The Labyrinth is a piece of art, that highly influenced and inspired me. I still play Roleplaying games, paint miniatures etc. which I started with, partly because of The Labyrinth, I simply wanted more! And I still hold the artistic style of The Labyrinth is still my favourite fantasy world look.
I don't think I'm alone in this.
What a truly interesting video Minty. I always liked the film but seeing this different take on it was fantastic. Thanks so much.
Imagine if Jim Henson was alive today, him and Tim Burton would've made a great collaboration. Together they could have produced a dark, and scary retelling The Wizard of Oz.
Like there aren't enough of those already?
@@jasontoddman7265 They have a similar style, so it would have been a great team.
If you want a dark Wizard of OZ film. Try Return to OZ from the 80s
@@MasseurDavis Not disputing that, but there were already a number of dark versions of Wizard of Oz, or at least of the Oz series. One was the 1985 Disney movie *Return to Oz,* which was also based on a couple of the original Oz books but taking a much darker and creepier tone than the 1939 classic ever did. Though I do agree that Burton and Henson could have made a much better movie than this one was.
@@krs4976 Hehe. I had the same thought and suggested the same thing before i saw your comment. Great minds do think alike.
Deep Minty!
Watched this at the cinema for a mates birthday when we were 5/6. Will always be a classic to me and my kids love it!
🎶 "You remind me of the Minty (what Minty?)
Minty with the power (what power?)
Power of voodoo (who do?)"
You do! (Do what?!)
Remind of Mintyyy!
Quiet! A goblin Minty!❤🎉😂
I showed this to my granddaughter (6)at the time . She loves it. She calls it “The scary singing one” lol we watch it at least once a month.
All that info about the mother has really changed this film for me now. All these years I just thought her mum passed.
Wonderful vid!!!i love labyrinth and now i get to watch it in a new light❤ thank u!
I love Labyrinth. And I still watch it very often. Simple a reason; Jim Henson is one of my top 5 creators. Another very favorite of his for me is Dark Crystal. I just love him.
So Labyrinth is great. He's like a new version of Alice in Wonderland. My childhood, along with "The Storyteller".
Mine too
Wow! Thanks for the insights. Always loved this movie & now will appreciate it even more.
The last time I saw Labyrinth was when it was in theaters.
I enjoyed the film, and remember saying that David Bowie was so good that I thought being a rockstar has been a waste of his talent and that he would have done even _better_ as an actor instead.
Thanks so much for making this video! I was one who grew up with Jim Henson's works, but strangely didn't know about "Labyrinth" or "The Dark Crystal" until I was an adult, so they were both really neat treats in the respect that it felt like Jim Henson left two huge presents behind for me to find. And I adore and treasure both.
*Minty: **_"And if you want to feel old, this is what he looks like now."_*
My daughter was born in October of 1985. Later this month {October of 2023} she turns *_38._*
I got the FEELING OLD thing down to a science...🤭
Well done, Minty! I NEVER picked up on much of this! Love your content!
Yesss another great video thanks minty
I have the illustrated book & I remember finding the VHS in a Bargain Harold's store in the 80s & being so excited.
Sarah's bedroom is a big hint to most things in the labyrinth. Other than that final scene where her friends from the labyrinth show up in her bedroom, it's basically a dream instead of a real world thing. Sort of like "The Wizard of Oz" movie where they made it into a dream. It would be better without the final scene tbh. It's an Alice in Wonderland story. I'm guessing that's why you showed The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland books near the beginning.
Still one of my absolute favourites. I love everything about this movie. 😍😍
I'd always seen Jareth as an analog for a young teen Sarah's budding sexuality and her misconceptions of "adulthood", as he is both tempting and terrifying, and confuses the hell out of her. And, in the end, she realizes not only has she always been the one in control, but she needs to take responsibility and actually exert that control. But, even as she's growing up, she still needs the friends and lessons of her childhood, so she has a dance party with Hoggle and the others, while Jareth watches over.
This guy gets it.
@@thefonzkiss hey, thanks :)
Minty, i hope Disney don’t see this and get any ideas from your outro 😂 i always took her quest to save Toby as her way of living out the dutiful mother role. I reckon this make a little more sense now, given your scrapbook revelation. That was great info. Love your work man.
Im starting to think Minty hasn't seen Ice Pirates. But thanks for this gem it hasn't aged at all. RIP to our goblin king a world legend.
This movie reminds me of my childhood. And now it reminds my kids of their childhood too. It's such a great, magical movie.
80s movies were always timeless classic especially labyrinth
Thanks Minty! Labyrinth is in my top 3 favorite movies ❤. Love finding out things I didn't know.
Just keep in mind that Jim Henson had many instances of very dark story-telling. Dark Crystal and The StoryTeller, for example. His stuff wasn't all the Muppet Show or Sesame Street.
That makes the potential dark storylines for Labyrinth pretty plausible.
Yeah and a lot of dark things happened on the Muppet Show too... one of my favorites then and now was Sweetums singing "I've got you under my skin". He was my favorite muppet monster
Loved the analysis,I dig it!
Such a great movie,it’s often one I watch when I’m in bed sick with the flu.Cheers me up