Based on author Philip Pullman's novel, 'The Golden Compass' is an exciting fantasy adventure, set in an alternative world where people's souls manifest themselves as animals, talking bears fight wars, and Gyptians and witches co-exist. At the center of the story is Lyra (played by newcomer Dakota Blue Richards), a 12-year-old girl who starts out trying to rescue a friend who's been kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as the Gobblers - and winds up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well. The cast includes Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, and Ian McShane.

Also Known As: His Dark Materials 1: The Golden Compass

Northern Lights

Production Status: Released

Logline: Centers on two children who live in parallel worlds surrounded by a huge cast of shape-shifting creatures.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hr. 58 min.

Release Date: December 7th, 2007 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence.

Distributors: New Line Cinema

Production Co.: Depth of Field, Ingenious Film Partners, Scholastic Media

Studios: New Line Cinema

U.S. Box Office: $48,413,000

Filming Locations: United Kingdom

Produced in: United States