Great Film: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
A Truly Moving Picture
I saw this film on November 30th in Indianapolis. I am one of the
judges for the Heartland Film Festival that screens films for their
Truly Moving Picture Award. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human
journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive
values of life." Heartland gave that award to this film.
Four young children enter the timeless world of Narnia through the door
of a wardrobe piece of furniture while playing hide-and-seek. And what
a world it is. There are talking animals, dwarfs, giants, beasts,
centaurs, and indescribable half-human combinations. And, in this world
of Narnia there is a titanic struggle between the White Witch and her
evil army and the good lion Aslan and his noble army.
Although it doesn't seem possible, you can suspend disbelief and become
engaged in the story because the artistry and technology are so
outstanding. The art direction, special effects, cinematography,
editing and sound will most likely and should be nominated for Academy
Awards. The lion Aslan dominates your attention in every scene he
appears in, and as the story unfolds, he becomes as human-like as any
of the four children.
The four children seem normal enough with their constant teasing and
fighting among themselves, but when events truly matter, they come
together and exemplify the highest standards of sacrifice, courage,
fidelity and heroism. Both children and adults will find inspiration
and role models in these four children.
The lion Aslan is a mystical and almost biblical hero. There are many
parallels between Aslan and Christianity, and you can watch this film
anywhere in the religious-secular spectrum you care to. I suspect that
over many years the other six books that make up The Chronicles of
Narnia will be made into movies and they will have the same type of
financial and artistic success as The Lord of the Rings film trilogy
had. That is high praise indeed.
FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a
listing of past Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either
at the theater or available on video.
Cast
- Professor Kirke played by Jim Broadbent
- Father Christmas played by James Cosmo
- White Witch played by Tilda Swinton
- Lucy Pevensie played by Georgie Henley
- Edmund Pevensie played by Skandar Keynes
- Peter Pevensie played by William Moseley
- Susan Pevensie played by Anna Popplewell
