Legend (1985)

Legend Poster

Set in a timeless mythical forest inhabited by fairies, goblins, unicorns and mortals, this fantastic story follows a mystical forest dweller, chosen by fate, to undertake a heroic quest. He must save the beautiful Princess Lili and defeat the demonic Lord of Darkness, or the world will be plunged into a never-ending ice age.

Film Overview
"Legend" is a 1985 American dark fantasy film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry. The film showcases an amalgamation of myth, magic, and adventure in a creative fairy-tale landscape. The movie's story, driven by the eternal fight between darkness and light, represents the dichotomy between great and wicked throughout its fairy-tale narrative.

Plot Summary
The story follows Jack (Tom Cruise), a whimsical forest occupant, and Princess Lili (Mia Sara), a pure and innocent young maiden. Jack, being well-informed of the forest's secrets, takes Lili to see a set of unicorns that he regards as symbols of purity and goodness. Unknown to them, Darkness (Tim Curry), the demonic personification of evil, prompts his goblins to kill the unicorns and take their horns to plunge the world into everlasting night.

Lili, driven by interest, touches one of the unicorns, sidetracking it and making it an easy target for the goblins who handle to remove its horn. This immediately sets the world into a harsh winter. Simultaneously, Lili is captured by Darkness's minions who plan to marry her to their master. Jack, sensation accountable for the occasions, start a daring mission to rescue both Lili and the staying unicorn.

Key Characters and Performances
Cruise's performance as Jack presents him as a genuine and determined hero seeking redemption, while Sara's representation of Lili brings a fragile innocence to the movie. Curry, with his commanding efficiency as Darkness, offers the audience a memorable villain. The enormous yet interesting character of Darkness combined with Curry's intimidating on-screen presence produces engaging viewing.

Visual Effects and Aesthetic
The film is noted for its fantastic visual effects, using audiences a richly detailed and enchanting cinematic world. The cinematography further enhances the mystical setting through the use of climatic and dream-like visuals. Additionally, the production style, with its capricious forest and spacious underworld, paints an awe-inspiring background for the unfolding fairy tale story.

Themes and Reception
"Legend", albeit being a fairy-tale, addresses darker, sophisticated styles of corruption, innocence, and the eternal battle in between excellent and evil. In spite of its imaginative storytelling and excellent visuals, the movie initially had a combined reception, with some critics discovering the plot convoluted and the characters underdeveloped. Nonetheless, it has given that amassed a cult following owing to its unique technique to the fantasy genre, Curry's representation of Darkness, and its charmingly mystical ambiance.

Conclusion
"Legend" represents a clearly realized fairy tale world of light and darkness, where love and innocence fight in the face of pure evil. While the film saw a somewhat controlled response upon its release, it has more than time, found its place as a precious piece within the dark dream category. Filled with legendary characters, moral fables, and an enormous antagonist, the motion picture, set in its magnificently surreal setting, generates an immersive experience that is both picturesque and significantly compelling.

Top Cast

  • Tom Cruise (small)
    Tom Cruise
    Jack
  • Mia Sara (small)
    Mia Sara
    Princess Lili
  • Tim Curry (small)
    Tim Curry
    Lord of "Darkness"
  • David Bennent (small)
    David Bennent
    Honeythorn Gump
  • Alice Playten (small)
    Alice Playten
    Blix
  • Billy Barty (small)
    Billy Barty
    Screwball
  • Cork Hubbert (small)
    Cork Hubbert
    Brown Tom
  • Peter O'Farrell (small)
    Peter O'Farrell
    Pox
  • Kiran Shah (small)
    Kiran Shah
    Blunder
  • Annabelle Lanyon (small)
    Annabelle Lanyon
    Oona
  • Robert Picardo (small)
    Robert Picardo
    Meg Mucklebones