a rewarding journey

Rating: 10/10 (12 July 2006)

I thoroughly enjoyed this thought-provoking & well-made movie. It successfully beckoned this adult viewer on a journey into the imagination & a world of fantasy. It has a great amount of relevance to the modern issues of child & adult alike. It was dramatic & absorbing in its unfolding story. Thereby appealing to young viewers, but too, held more complex messages for older viewers of any age. It works well on multiple levels, appealing to different kinds of viewers & their personal lives & concerns.
It was also so true to life with the youngest of the children being the one whose concerns were initially overridden & derided. But too, it was this girl who actually was most open to the whole adventure that was about to engulf all their lives. How true of the nature of so many family & school situations, where such young minds are not appreciated or taken seriously or unjustly crushed, in our logical but deceptive world of experts, all bringing their common weight of superiority to dismiss any alternative thought, especially in a younger child.
Yet this innocent girl is the one who finds this world & its curiousities joys & terrors more quickly & fully, while the older children are still struggling to look beyond their sense of self-importance. Isn't this so true of human nature in general? Especially in the modern adult world where any minority belief is mostly harshly scrutinised & criticised & dismissed. This movie offers a gentle message that the imagination & individual creative thought can be encouraged in us all. As surely as each of these children is duly given special gifts & talents that may help their individual personalities, & each other, even their broader community.
The character of the God-like hero of a lion, covering for his kingdom & its constituents, is most thoughtful & impressive. A wise leader who literally serves his kingdom, as the best of leaders do! Also impressive were the use of special effects & magnificent scenery, with intriguing creatures & beautiful colourful costumes.
All in all, those who take this journey to Narnia with an open mind & heart, will be rewarded for whatever gifts & sense of wonder that they bring to this very enjoyable & effective movie.