Thursday, June 23, 2016

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe



The Chronicles of Narnia are beloved fantasy classics penned by noted Christian author C.S. Lewis.  The first published book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is the best-known and was first to be made into a movie of the same name, the subject of today's review.

When the four Pevensie children (Peter, Edmund, Susan, Lucy) are sent to a country manor to escape the WWII London bombings, they fear they're in for a dreadfully dull time.  Initially, their fears are reinforced by the reclusive lord and stern housekeeper; however, an innocent game of hide-and-seek ends up revealing another world- Narnia- that can be accessed (on occasion) through a wardrobe.  As the kids explore this magical place- where it's always winter but never Christmas- they soon realize they're in the middle of a great battle between the usurping white witch and Aslan, the rightful ruler (who happens to be a lion).  They will learn a great deal about themselves and the world as they participate in the battle, and it will take the ultimate sacrifice to prevail.

As Lewis' story is a clear allegory about Jesus, news of this film's production was greeted with both enthusiasm and anxiety by the Christian community.  Would such a film, produced by a secular company, be faithful to the book?  The answer, in my opinion, is 'mostly.'  There are differences (chronicled here), but aren't there always?  The important thing: does the movie convey the love, sacrifice, kingship, goodness, and ultimate triumph of Aslan?  I think so, and that alone makes this a film worth watching.  It is certainly a[n older] kids movie- the PG rating should suggest that- so don't expect an epic like Lord of the Rings, but there are some scary scenes, so be mindful when the little ones are around. 

Rating: A-

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