Movie Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Movie Review:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Production Company: Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media
Director: Andrew Adamson
Cast: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Anna Popplewell, William Moseley, Jim Broadbent,
Tilda Swinton, Rupert Everett, Liam Neeson.
Rating: PG for mild violence
By Gregg Tubbs
“Aslan’s on the move!” That simple, but stirring line from C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of
Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe takes on new meaning to millions this week as
the beloved Christian classic makes its move to the big screen. Aslan may be on the move, but
will audiences be moved by this big budget, computer graphics-heavy realization of a story that
has defied filmmakers’ skills for half a century? The verdict? This film delivers! It is grand
family entertainment that is a feast for the eyes, the heart and
the soul.
For those unfamiliar with the plot, The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe, set during WWII, tells the story of the four Pevensie
children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, who are sent to live with
an eccentric professor to escape the blitz of London. During a game
of hide and seek, they discover that an old wardrobe in the vast
house is a portal to the magical world of Narnia where animals talk,
mythical creatures are real, and the evil White Witch, Jadis, has
seized the throne and plunged the land into eternal winter.
But the arrival of these “sons of Adam” and “daughters of Eve”
foretells the return of the true king, the noble lion Aslan, who will
defeat the witch and restore justice and goodness to Narnia. When
Edmund betrays them while under the influence of Jadis, the ancient
“magic” or law, demands that his life must be forfeit. It is here that
During a game of hide-and-seek, Lucy
(GEORGIE HENLEY) discovers an old Aslan does the most unexpected and emotionally shattering thing:
wardrobe in one of the rooms of Professor He offers his life in place of Edmund, and in so doing, invokes an
Digory’s (JIM BROADBENT) house.
Copyright © 2005 Walt Disney Pictures even “older magic,” thereby defeating Jadis and death itself.
The two most important questions for Narnia devotees are: “How does the film look?” and “How
faithful is it to the book?” The “look” is important because C.S. Lewis himself resisted any live
action films of the book, fearing that film technology of the time (50 years ago) would render the
fantastic creatures of his tale ridiculous. He much preferred the idea of an animated version, so it
is a mystery why Disney, one of the studios behind the new film, never tackled the story before
now. The good news is that CGI (computer graphics imaging) has advanced to meet the
challenge of visualizing a world of fauns, unicorns and a talking lion.Aslan and all the fantastic Narnia characters look
wonderful. That’s not to say they look absolutely real,
but in my opinion, utter realism should never be the goal
when visualizing fantasy. Why saddle magical worlds
with something as mundane as the look of mere reality?
So in my mind, this Aslan looks better than merely real.
He looks right—“not safe, but good” as Lewis described
him—more regal than any real lion, and with a touch of
humanity that reflects actor Liam Neeson, who provides
his majestic voice. Tumnus, the faun, the beavers and all Skeptical about Lucy’s (GEORGIE HENLEY) tales of the
existence of a magic world beyond the wardrobe, Peter
the characters are rendered with enchanting visual flair (WILLIAM MOSELEY), Susan (ANNA POPPLEWELL)
and Tilda Swinton makes an icy White Witch, both and Edmund (SKANDAR KEYNES) pass through the
wardrobe with Lucy and discover the world of Narnia.
seductive and sinister. Copyright © 2005 Walt Disney Pictures
But is the film true to the book? Good news again!
Disney chose Walden Media as their partner on the film, and it was a savvy decision. Walden
Media, makers of last year’s delightful Because of Winn Dixie, is dedicated to making family-
friendly and “faith-friendly” entertainment and pledged to stay true to Lewis’ vision. The
resulting adaptation allows the Christian elements of the fable to immerge intact without being
obtrusive— from the chilling vision of a land plunged into eternal winter by sin and death, to the
mighty king who humbly and willingly dies for the sake of a condemned traitor.
The story was always meant to stand on its own as a
captivating and deeply moving story about courage and
goodness prevailing over cravenness and cruelty. But
veiled just below the surface was what Lewis called
“the story within the story,” bursting with Christian
metaphors and deep spiritual resonance. Christians
immediately recognize the parallels between Aslan and
Jesus, the White Witch and evil, and Edmund’s
temptation and betrayal and our own sinfulness. Even
Edmund (SKANDAR KEYNES) meets the White Witch Peter, destined to become Narnia’s high king,
(TILDA SWINTON), who tempts him with Turkish Delight and
the promise of being a prince if he will bring his brother and resembles the Apostle Peter, upon whom Jesus vowed
sisters to her. Copyright © 2005 Walt Disney Pictures to found his church.
When the film does vary from the book, the changes by
the filmmakers are understandable, and in most cases welcome. The four young actors playing
the Pevensie children are given more time to develop their characters, and they do an outstanding
job exploring the dynamics of a very believable set of siblings. Several elements that Lewis left
sketchy are expanded in the film, such as the blitz of London and the children’s tearful
separation from their mother, which adds to the emotional resonance. Her command to Peter to
watch out for his younger siblings adds to the weight of the responsibility that Peter bravely
bears throughout the film. The battle scenes, barely described in the book, are played out in
exciting detail. But parents can rest easy knowing that the violence is not graphic. The final
battle, following Aslan’s triumphant resurrection, is the highlight of the film, not just because of
the dazzling physical action, but also because it shows the full effect Aslan’s presence has had onthe character of each of the children. Edmund’s redemption, also explored more deeply, is
particularly satisfying.
For Lewis, a famous Christian lecturer, writer and
apologist, his deepest hope was that his story would
strike a chord in the hearts of unbelievers—that in
knowing Aslan, his goodness, his suffering and
resurrection, they would want to learn more about the
real Lord who died for our sins. He hoped that they
would be moved by the repentance of Mr. Tumnus,
pained by the betrayal of Edmund, and stirred by the
faith of Lucy. This film resonates with the same deep
spirituality of the book and will likely lead new
generations to begin to explore their own beliefs. Just Aslan, the great lion who is "both good and terrible at the same
time," has returned to Narnia from across the sea, breaking the
like the magical wardrobe, this film could be the White Witch’s spell and bringing Spring back to the land.
Copyright © 2005 Walt Disney Pictures
doorway that leads many to the unfamiliar world of
Christianity.
Lewis once received a letter from a little girl, asking by what other name Aslan might be known.
He wrote back:
“As to Aslan's other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never been anyone in this world
who 1.) Arrived at the same time as Father Christmas; 2.) Said he was the son of the great
Emperor; 3.) Gave himself up for someone else's fault to be jeered at and killed by wicked
people; 4.) Came to life again; 5.) Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb....Don't you really know
His name in this world? Think it over and let me know your answer!”
With the release of this visually stunning, delightfully told and spiritually rich film, many will
again ask about the true name of the noble king lion. With help, they will learn that he is the one
called Jesus, the real Lion of Judah. What could be better at this season than a magical film that
combines Christmas, Easter, and messages from the whole Gospel into one beautiful,
heartwarming, soul-filling gift? Take your family, your friends, and those you care about to see
this film.
Gregg Tubbs is a freelance writer living in Columbia, Md.
This review was developed by UMC.org, the official online ministry of The United Methodist
Church.
Study Questions
As a child, did you read you read The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe? If so, do you
remember recognizing its Christian parallels? Discuss what some of these are.
To what extent does the film stay true to its source?
Both Mr. Tumnus and Edmund fall under the influence of the White Witch, who asks
them to bring her the children. Why are each of them tempted or convinced to do so? Do
Tumnus and Edmund understand that what the White Witch has asked them to do is
wrong? What, if any, internal struggle do they experience about betraying the children? Under the spell of the White Witch, Narnia is a place where it’s “always winter, but never
Christmas.” What does Lewis mean by this? What kind of places in our world can you
think of that are “always winter but never Christmas”?
What tempts Edmund most? The Turkish Delight or the thought of being a king? How
would you describe his greatest weakness? What tempts you to do wrong?
What do you think about a lion as a symbol for Jesus? Would you have made a different
choice? Did the film do Aslan justice?
Aslan is described by the beavers as “good” but not “tame.” What does it mean for God
to be both terrible and good at the same time? Should we fear God? Does the White
Witch fear Aslan? What did she do when he roared? (See James 2:19.)
In what way are Mr. and Mrs. Beaver like John the Baptist?
The fox was a new addition to the story. What role did he serve, if any?
In the story, who do you think Edmund represents, Judas or all humanity? Remember,
Aslan died to save Edmund.
What role do repentance and forgiveness play in the film? How does receiving
forgiveness enable this person to live a renewed life?
What role does faith play? How do the children express their faith in something? What
impact does Aslan have on their faith? When? Which of the children seems to have the
most faith? Which one the least?
Father Christmas (Santa Claus) makes a surprise appearance. ? What role does he play in
the story?
What does Aslan’s defeat of Jadis in battle suggest about his character, as well as the
character of Christ?
Which character do you identify with the most? Are you Tumnus? Mrs. Beaver? Peter?
Aslan? Why? Who do you wish you could be like?
The image of the stone table evokes some rich biblical imagery and and deep concepts
such as sacrifice, sin offering and atonement. Discuss the parallels between these biblical
concepts and the White Witch’s insistence on exacting payment for Edmund’s treachery,
Aslan’s self-offering to die in Edmund’s stead, and the “Deeper Magic” that brings Aslan
back to life.
“Aslan’s on the move” is a simple but stirring line. Why do you think it means so much?
Does it reflect the idea of Jesus at work on the hearts and lives of people?
Did you think this film could lead people the Christ? Why or why not?
Group Activities
Sweet Temptations: Edmund is unable to resist the sweet but deadly temptation of Jadis’
addictive Turkish Delight. For this activity, combine, food, fun and group discussion. Make your
own Turkish Delight, either at home or during your group meeting, if you have cooking facilities.
Turkish Delight is a treat similar to a gum drop, which could be shared as a substitute. As you
make or share your treat, discuss temptation. Ask the members of your group to share what
tempts them and why. Are the things that tempt us inherently either good or bad? Why or why
not? Discuss some examples of both (e.g. food, power, money, sex, drugs, alcohol.) Can
something be good, in and of itself, yet also be a temptation? If so, how does it become a
temptation? What role does our wants and desires and reactions play in making something a
temptation or not? Finally, read about and discuss how a forbidden treat led to terribleconsequences in Genesis, Chapter 3. RECIPE FOR TURKISH DELIGHT 5 Tablespoons corn starch 1/2 cup cold water 1/2 cup hot water 2 cup sugar 1/2 cup orange juice 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 cups chopped nuts (optional) powdered sugar Mix corn starch with cold water and set aside. Bring hot water, sugar, and orange juice to a boil. Whisk in cornstarch mixture. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice or other flavoring you prefer. Stir in nuts (optional). Pour into 8” X 8” pan lightly greased with butter or cooking spray. When cool and thickened cut into 1 inch cubes (dip knife into hot water between cuts). Roll in powdered sugar and serve. Connect the Kings: The greatest Christian connection in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the Great Lion Aslan as an allegorical Christ. There are scores of similarities between Jesus and Aslan. In this activity, divide your group into two teams and challenge them with a Bible search. Ask your teams to find as many verses as they can that help connect Aslan and Jesus. Encourage them to be creative. They should consider that both Jesus and Aslan were called by many names, so verses that refer to Jesus by a different name count (example, John 3:14 “Son of Man”). They can also find references to the death an resurrection shared by Christ and Aslan (example, Acts 2:22-24) A Savior Foretold: Prophesy plays an important part in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The arrival of the Pevensie children is seen as fulfilling part of a prophesy foretelling the return of Aslan. As a group, read and discuss Isaiah 61. This passage from the prophet Isaiah, particularly verses 1-2 are said to allude to the ministry of the “anointed one,” Jesus. Read the entire chapter and discuss how the promises in this prophesy connect to both Jesus and Aslan. Does verse 4 describe the state of Narnia? Can you relate the return of spring in Narnia to verse 11? Myth Making: C.S. Lewis freely included fantastic creatures from Greek mythology, folktales and other sources to populate Narnia. Jesus also freely used his imagination to enliven his parables and to illustrate a point, such as comparing the Kingdom of God to seeds cast upon the land (Luke 8:4-8) or comparing the difficulty of the rich getting into heaven to a camel passing through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24). Lewis said that Aslan was the result of asking himself what would Jesus be like if he appeared in a different world, like Narnia. Divide your group into smaller groups and ask each group to create their own imaginary world, including a cast of characters to represent Jesus and others in the Gospels. If time permits, you might ask the groups to create a poster to illustrate their world and its characters. They can draw, paint or use collage to make their poster. They could set their story in the sea, in outer space, in a world of
super heroes, or in the future. Once their done, ask them to share their posters and describe their world, and the choices they made, for the group. Supplies Needed: o Poster board o Markers, colored pencils, water colors & brushes o Scissors o Paste o Magazines or newspapers to cut pictures from
You can also read
