Does Justice To C.S. Lewis' Christian Fantasy Novel

Rating: 10/10 (17 April 2006)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005): Starring Judi McIntosh, Georgie Henley, James McAvoy, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes, Anna Popplewell, Tilda Swinton, Jim Broadbent, James Cosmo, Ray Winstone, Dawn French, Rupert Everett...Director Andrew Adamson, Screenplay Ann Peacock The rights to a film project for C.S. Lewis' classic Christian fantasy about four British siblings who wander into an enchanted realm and of a boys' redemption through the sacrifice of a noble lion had been long contested prior to this film. Disney had always intended to produce this fantasy film but never did. Finally, in 2005 Walden Media Productions and director Andrew Adamson released this terrific and awe-inspiring movie, which, unlike many book-to-film adaptations, is faithful and stunning. Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes and Anna Popplewell star as the Pevensie children Edmund, Lucy, Peter and Susan who during the 1940 Blitzkrieg over London are temporarily secluded in eccentric and affluent Professor Kirke's (Jim Broadbent) sprawling mansion. Lucy discovers a winter wonderland behind a closet/wardrobe and soon Peter discovers the same thing. But this enchanted world is under a dark spell.."It's always winter, but never Christmas". The wicked White Witch (Tilda Swinton) is contesting the right to rule the world and fighting a battle against the rightful king, the good lion Aslan. True to the novel in every aspect, this film is enjoyable as a fantasy for adults and for children. It is a long film and in fact December of '05 saw many long films including Harry Potter and King Kong. But you hardly feel the time go by as we journey into the heart of Narnia with the children. Peter learns a valuable lesson in love and sacrifice as Aslan offers to die in his place for his betrayal. Now, everyone who is deeply familiar with C.S. Lewis'works understand that this is a Christian allegory/fantasy. Lewis, a born-again Christian, created a Christ-like figure in Aslan, a sort of haphazard Judas in Peter, and a pagan Devil-Goddess in the WhiteWitch, though some would have it that he was attacking what we call the Goddess today. The children carry the film for the most part, despite the fact that this film relies heavily on computer-generated characters such as the Witch's wolves and the helpful beavers and other good-natured animals. The scenery is gorgeous. This film was shot in various location- the UK and New Zealand and studios. Some of what we see is pure computer animation, though by today's sophisticated standards, one hardly notices it and takes it for reality. The film wraps up nicely but mind you, the Narnia novels are a long series and there is already a sequel under way- Prince Caspian, said to be released in 2007.