I just got back from seeing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and it is absolutely wonderful. They captured the book perfectly, in my opinion. Just fantastic in every way.
The little girl that plays Lucy is adorable, and perfect for the part. In fact, all four of the kids are great, even Edmund with his snotty-brat-turned-repentant-sinner character.
The secular blogosphere has been talking about whether it’s a Christian allegory, or just a good story in which one can see C.S. Lewis’ Christian beliefs if you go looking for it (see here, for example). I think this is a story (and a movie) that can stand entirely on its own in the secular marketplace, and isn’t a “Christian” movie per se. But one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much is that it plays on all the emotional responses of our Christian faith. So the White Witch isn’t just another nasty villain, but The Villain. Aslan isn’t just another Gandalf-like savior, but The Savior. His self-sacrifice isn’t just another turning point in the plot, but the Turning Point in all of human history.
But regardless, it’s a very well done piece of movie-making that I absolutely loved.
Some of the statements in the Comments section of the link you provide are fascinating. I am encouraged by the popularity of the movie (which I am told needs to be seen on the big screen). Perhaps it will encourage people to begin thinking about the concepts of myth and metaphor again. The idea that the Bible must be interpreted literally, scientifically, historically or it is pure nonsense and means nothing at all stifles the imagination and is a hindrance to spiritual discovery.
I’m glad to hear this movie get such a great review. Unfortunately, most of my exposure to this movie has been from an unflattering (and undeserved) light. It’s definitely one of the movies that is going on my “to rent” and possibly my “to buy” list. I doubt I’ll see it in theaters, though. Then again, it’s probably been a year since I’ve seen any movie in theaters, so don’t read too much into that statement.
Wildwest –
It’s interesting that you bring up myth. As Christians, we have embraced the myth of the sacrificial lamb that redeems the fallen world (and by myth, I don’t mean something that is untrue, but a narrative that transcends the events they relate). Narnia uses every myth in the book, but this Christian myth more so than any other. That’s why I find the Christian/secular debate kind of silly. Narnia isn’t literally true, but the Christian myth it’s re-telling is “true” whether you are a Christian or not, in that it is a transcendant narrative.
Glad to hear it gets a thumbs-up from Bob–sounds like a good
family Christmas/holiday film. My daughter was in the great musical version that may be hard to top.
Seasons Greetings,
FP
Bob–would you have any interest in doing a guest blog at the Christian Alliance for Progress site? E-mail me if you do.
Regards,
FP
I so want to see this movie! I have the Chronicles of Narnia sitting on my desk now and have seen the trailers for the movie. I know this is definitely going to be a movie I snatch up as soon as it comes out on DVD!
I went to see it today! I cried. It was so good. It was better than I imagined it would be and I will still be snatching it up as soon as it comes out on DVD.
I must agree, it was a very good movie.
I believe this is a very demonic film that the devil has used to seduce souls and hide them
from the truth-Jesus. It is an abomination to the LORD to mix witchcraft with the spiritual
matters of Jesus Christ. Be aware!