Movie Review: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)

 

     Yes, I know I'm a little bit obsessed, but hey, it's a really good movie! I recently watched the three Narnia movies over, so I thought I'd review them. So here goes...

 

["Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy."]

 

My Review (5 stars):

 

     What could be more fascinating than stepping into a wardrobe in the Empty Room of a huge mansion you've been sent away to stay at and finding yourself suddenly in an enchanting, snow-laden forest? Reality slips away and a beautiful, unknown world lies before your eyes. Yet here in a barely-imaginable land, some things become clearer than ever.

 

     This movie (2005) brings to life the classic fantasy tale by C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Though I haven't read the book in quite a while, I believe the movie pretty closely follows the original storyline.

 

     I love the cast of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005). I don't mind that they're older than the children actually are in the books; I can relate with them better this way, :). They all play their characters so well; at least in my eyes! It was so fun to watch them interact, both in England and Narnia.

     Peter (William Moseley) is such a protective big brother to his sisters, though not quite as gentle with his younger brother. He's not so sure about being a hero—but is mature enough to do what needs to be done. I love that he's such a big brother; it's so sweet to watch.

     Susan (Anna Popplewell) is very much the “big sister”, always taking care of her siblings, and trying to be sensible and logical. From the beginning, she's a little wary of Narnia, considering her personality. But I think this makes her relatable. Not everyone could step into Narnia ready to take up a sword and fight an army. And this attitude makes her crying at the stone table ever so much more meaningful.

     Edmund (Skander Keynes) is a typical little brother I think. He finds delight in teasing little sister, Lucy; and has an ornery attitude a lot. But he's struggling with a darker side too, which causes him to wreak havoc in Narnia. However I can't help but love him. He messes up, but after redemption, he at last comes to really appreciate his family, and truly love someone other than himself.

     Lucy (Georgie Henley) is the endearing youngest of the family. Her adorable smile and childlike faith... her mischievous comments and braveness... make her forever a beloved character of The Chronicles of Narnia series. The Lucy and Aslan moments on screen are so beautiful, and I love to see them in each movie.

     Another character I would like to mention is Aslan. I just have to mention him, of course; him playing such a monumental part in the story. First of all, I have really liked Liam Neeson as his voice. I don't know anything about Neeson actually, but he makes a good voice for Aslan, I feel. I love the scene where the children first meet Aslan, and he steps out of his tent, so majestic, so powerful, so good. It's a breathtaking moment really. The movie producers did a great job with creating Aslan on screen. This mighty lion captures the essence of who Christ is, and it’s really awesome to watch. This is for sure an epic fantasy with an awesome Christian allegory. The scene of Aslan's sacrifice has made me cry. To watch him walk willingly up the line of disgusting, dark creatures that spit in his face, mock him, disgrace him. His magnificent mane is shorn; and the witch leans down before killing him and whispers, “So much for love”. How agonizing! Yet Aslan endures this all without resistance. It's a pretty amazing, even eye-opening, portrayal of Christ's sacrifice for us.

     That's what makes The Chronicles of Narnia a different kind of fantasy than others. While others make the main characters tough and all on their own, fighting darkness or evil or whatever with their own strength and wit; Narnia has Aslan. He's the real hero; though the children must learn to fight as well.

 

     The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005) has some pretty epic battles scenes (love the part where Edmund breaks the wand), a few most tender, make-you-cry moments between the siblings, and also some tense parts.

 

     That would lead me to another thing I wanted to mention. The audience. This movie has some intense scenes: Edmund's meeting the witch, one-on-one fighting with Jadis, among a few other ones. Nothing extreme, but for younger children, I would recommend caution. There are also quite ugly creatures, though they're not shown for long.

 

     But there are many beautiful moments to make up for this. The coronation for one, :).

 

     Overall, a magnificent, epic fantasy... one that I will never tire of! It just enchants me.

 

[The Pevensie children]