What I liked most beyond the gorgeous animation was the idea of the daemon, the soul living outside the body in the shape of an animal that could talk. These daemons are completely connected to the physical human body, not being able to travel more than a few feet way. If the human body was damaged, the soul would also feel the pain. And if the soul was hurt, the human body also was hurt.

In the final battle of the movie, many people were killed. Unlike other films where blood would fly, you’d see the soul reduced to dust. The effect was chilling. Dust was flying everywhere. Sometimes the metaphor is stronger than the actual thing; I think that this is the case here. The dust was shinny and made a grand exit while the human body just fell to the ground. I like this a lot.

Lee Scoresby by Sam Elliott. However, the role was not really a stretch for him, he can play Wild West in any movie and I will be happy.

Also, the movie seemed to loose its focus. I realize that it was trying to setup at least two more future movies, but come on. It should have picked a plot thread and went for it. Instead, the movie ended on a sour note. All of a sudden we’re off to see her father and deliver him the golden compass. It seemed too abrupt and out of who knows where. The movie could have ended much like the Fellowship of the Rings, where they are off to save the Hobbits kidnapped by the goblins; it was a natural break. 

Anyway, this is a good movie and despite my ranting, I have to recommend it. I think you if you like big epic movies then this one is for you. 

The Soulless Machine