A liquid crystal device, comprising, at least, a pair of polarizing elements being disposed so that the transmission axes thereof are perpendicular to each other; a liquid crystal element disposed between the pair of polarizing elements; and voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal element is such that it enables high-speed optical response, and the optical axis azimuth thereof is rotatable in response to the strength and/or direction of an electric field to be applied thereto. The voltage applying means is capable of controlling a voltage to be applied from the voltage applying means to the liquid crystal element, in response to the liquid crystal molecular alignment in the liquid crystal material. There is provided a liquid crystal device having a temperature-compensating function so as to achieve a good light-dark ratio.