The Chronicles of Narnia: A Movie Review


We first meet the four Pevensie siblings -- Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter -- in World War II England, where their home is being bombed and they are sent to live in the rural country home of an elderly professor. While playing a game of hide-and-seek, they discover the land of Narnia, which they enter through a wardrobe in the home. They soon learn that Narnia is a charming, peaceful land inhabited by talking dwarfs, fauns, centaurs, beavers, and giants that has become a world cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch, Jadis. Narnia is a place where it is always winter, but never Christmas.

Under the guidance of a noble, wise, and mystical ruler, the lion Aslan, the four children discover the strength to lead Narnia into a spectacular battle that will free it from Jadis' icy spell forever. Rich in Christian symbolism, we see how the lion, Aslan, represents Christ, the four children symbolize the four evangelists in the gospels, and how they are chosen by Christ to fulfill the prophecy -- to lead the battle of good vs. evil and free the inhabitants of Narnia.

I did not read the C.S. Lewis book prior to viewing the movie, so I cannot compare the two. I went to the movie knowing very little about it. However, I was instantly captivated by the beauty and the simplicity of this mystical tale. Rich in Christian symbolism, I was drawn deeply into the heart of this fable. It brings good news – a message of hope and love, Christian and family unity, strength obtained through grace and love for one another, courage and hope even in the darkest of times.

The character who really stood out in this movie was Lucy, played by Georgie Henley. Lucy is the youngest of the children and the first to discover the enchanted land of Narnia. To me, she was the most intriguing character because she seemed so genuine, so natural in her role. Watching these exceptionally talented children play out their roles, I was reminded of the children who played in The Sound of Music over half a century ago. I believe, like The Sound of Music, that this film will be a classic for many years to come.

Unlike the Lord of the Rings trilogy (which I enjoyed), Narnia is a softer, gentler version of the battle between good and evil. Although it does contain some scenes which might be frightening for young children, they are not nearly as harsh or combative as those in Lord of the Rings. Also, perhaps it is due to the gentle portrayal of the feelings of the girls in the movie, there seems to be more of an emphasis on love and compassion in this film.

The photography is extraordinarily beautiful and the special effects are quite impressive, including a majestic -- and realistic -- computer-generated Aslan.

At the end of this movie, the audience in the theatre applauded, which is the first time in a long time I have witnessed that kind of reaction. This is definitely the best movie I have seen in 2005.

I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars. *****
-

Comments

Post a Comment

Comments are moderated and are published at the blogger's discretion.

Blog Archive

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

The Spirituality and Miracles of St. Clare of Assisi

Image
August 11 is the memorial of St. Clare, one of my favorite saints. She was the first woman to follow the life of radical poverty practiced by St. Francis of Assisi and is the co-founder of the Poor Clares. Although I am not a Franciscan, I have had Franciscan friends, clergy, and spiritual directors instruct me on the beauty of St. Clare's spirituality. I have also learned a great deal from reading about her over the years. Clare and Francis (2007) is a film which depicts the fascinating story of her dramatic conversion and surrender to the will of God. St. Clare is the patron saint of television. She is also the patron of eye disorders, embroiderers, good weather, and telephones. The Contemplative Life The Lady Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi in 1193 and was admired for her great beauty. When she heard Francis of Assisi preach his Lenten homilies at the Church of San Giorgio, she was captivated by his words. At age eighteen, she heard him say: "When the
Read more

Saint Michael de Sanctis: Patron of Cancer Patients

Image
Today is the feast of Saint Michael de Sanctis, also known as St. Michael of the Saints, a Spanish Discalced Trinitarian priest, the patron of cancer patients. Michael Argemir was born on September 29, 1591 at Vic, Catalonia, Spain. At age 6, he told his parents that he planned to become a monk and began modeling his life after Saint Francis of Assisi. Michael’s parents died when he was about ten years old. He then served as an apprentice with a local merchant. During this apprenticeship, he continued his fervent devotion to the Lord, especially to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the age of 12, he joined the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona, taking his vows at St. Lambert’s monastery in Saragosa four years later.  Shortly afterwards, Michael expressed a desire to join the reformed group of Trinitarians and was given permission to do so. He went to the Novitiate at Madrid and, after studies at Seville and Salamanca, he was ordained a priest. Twice he served as Superior of the hou
Read more

St. Raymond Nonnatus, Patron of Expectant Mothers, Midwives, and Newborn Babies

Image
The saint of the day for August 31 is St. Raymond Nonnatus. He is the patron of expectant mothers, midwives, obstetricians, infertile couples, and newborn babies. Raymond was born at Portella, Catalonia, Spain in 1204, the son of wealthy parents. He was delivered by cesarean section when his mother died in childbirth. Hence his name non natus (not born). In his childhood, he seemed to find pleasure only in his devotions and serious duties. His father, sensing that Raymond was drawn to religious life, ordered him to manage one of the family farms. Raymond readily obeyed but spent his time with the shepherds and workers, studying and praying until his father abandoned the idea of making his son a worldly success. Raymond later joined the the Order of Our Lady of Mercy or the Mercederians, which was founded by St. Peter Nolasco, who devoted to ransoming Christians captured by the Moors. He succeeded Peter as chief ransomer and went to Algeria to ransom slaves. He remained as hosta
Read more