40 Years of 'Labyrinth': Henson's Puppets and Bowie's Magic Still Enchant

The 1980s saw a boom in fantasy cinema, with many films blurring the boundaries between child and adult worlds. One of the most memorable examples is 'Labyrinth' (1986), a collaboration between Jim Henson and Terry Jones that has now reached its 40th anniversary.

The film follows teenager Sarah, played by a 14-year-old Jennifer Connelly, who carelessly wishes for goblins to take her baby brother Toby and then must journey to the Goblin King's castle to rescue him. The King is portrayed by legendary musician David Bowie.

Unlike typical Disney productions or Steven Spielberg's 'E.T.' of the time, 'Labyrinth' stands out with its surreal aesthetic and intricate puppetry crafted by Henson's Creature Shop. Although intended as entertainment for children and adolescents, its tone and message are darker and more complex.

Notably, Henson's earlier fantasy 'The Dark Crystal' (1982) remains relatively unknown in this part of the world, even though its success spurred Henson to take on his next major project. Over time, 'Labyrinth' has become a cult classic, still appreciated by audiences of all ages.