The way to Narnia becomes simple

Rating: 10/10 (24 October 2009)

My husband and I have loved C.S. Lewis' Narnia stories since we were children. Shortly after we became engaged, he took me to Wheaton College so that I could see the Wardrobe. I had to suppress my joy, but when when I got to open it, the path to Narnia was blocked.
After more years than I care to admit, I finally managed to find my way to that a place more comforting than Oz or Wonderland by watching this film. I screamed at Edmund when he placed his trust in the evil Snow Queen because she made him Turkish Delight (something I've never liked, but I tolerate those who do). I was proud of Peter, Susan and Lucy as they braved things that I would have never been able to do by myself.
And, then, there's Aslan. He was the giant symbol of great heart, power and love that lions are often equated with. His joy in life and the deep magic which protects everyone alive lies in every movement and that beautiful voice (Liam Neeeson). I'd seen many of the other mythic creatures before with Harry Potter, but here, even these wanting no contact with humans all became heroes fighting for what they believed in, including four children from another place and time.
Lewis'series reflects the horror that England went through during World War II and the trouble it endured afterward. It's also true that they contain more than the usual amount of Christian symbolism something that some people of other religions might not care for. No matter that, because the beauty and love the movie creates can be felt by any person of every background. It is one of those things that can unify people from all over the world.
When I am full of doubt that the Universe will turn out right, I pull out my copy, watch it, and my doubt starts to go away. You might like to do that, too.
If you would like to read more books written by this Oxford Don, you might like _The Screwtape Letters_ and _A Grief Observed_ too.