Welcome to the enchanted world of Narnia, a land of great and noble adventure, where young and old imagine epic tales of courage and splendor. The tale begins during World War II with Lucy, Peter, Edmund and Susan Pevensie leaving the tenuous life of war and destruction to one of hope and inspiration (and battles of their own).
The story begins when the four go to live with their elderly, distant relative, Professor Diggory who lives in a great estate in the country. The children play a game of hide and seek to pass the time. The youngest of the four, Lucy finds a mysterious wardrobe and hides there waiting to be sought. But this is no ordinary wardrobe! It is a portal to another world in which time stands still for those on the other side. In Narnia, Lucy befriends Mr. Thomas, a fawn that is under orders from the evil White Witch, Jadis to capture the four children who are the prophecy that will destruct her kingdom. Lucy finds her way back from the wardrobe and brings her bother Edmund back to Narnia. When the two tell Susan and Peter about their find, they are not believed. Edmund has the reputation for telling lies.
Soon, the four return to the wardrobe and find that there is, indeed, a world on the other side and find themselves in an unimaginable adventure with the ultimate and classic tale of good versus evil. Each child has a gift bestowed upon them by St. Nick that helps them to discover themselves and cope with their feats that lie ahead.
Narnia is a vast land that is doomed by the self proclaimed Queen, Jadis, the White Witch. She is one of the best adapted characters. Although her face is made very simple and pale, her costumes and headdresses are not. With each mood, the color of her gown takes on a different hue. Her hairdo changes with each costume, always the dreadlocks and icecles to accessorize the effect. As Jadis represents evil, Aslan, the Lion, represents good. With the voice talent of Liam Neeson, Aslan is well done and my second favorite character (as done in this movie-Jadis is the first).
The breathtaking scenery, filmed partly in New Zealand is outstanding. Greenery and winter ice are over the top. The cinematography is the best, providing a vast landscape for battle and high mountains and water for adventurous feats. I felt with each scene the warmth and chilling air that accompanied the story.
The special effects were fantastic. The Lion and Queen were great, but the characters were excellent and true. On Jadis’ side, the one eyed monsters, the wolves, the bad dwarves and even meaner giants. In the Witches world, those who have lost battle are turned to stone-dark and cold, helpless and lost. On Aslan’s side, there are mermaids, Nymphs, Unicorns, all as one would expect, only better!
The first half of the film was a bit slow and concerning for me, but as the story unfolded I found myself glued to my seat and engaged. Although not as engaging in the beginning as the Harry Potter movies, the last half of the movie was full of action. The best, of course, was the battle between Jadis and Aslan. Without giving away any details, I have to at least mention my favorite scene: Peter and The White Witch Jadis are in a one-on-one battle. Jadis has yet one of the best costumes of the entire film-look closely to her hair, gown and ’’fur’’. She is a very apt warrior and holds her own. Her double sword action is outstanding. Even better, there was no gore!
Do see this film with your children, friends and family. I hope that you all enjoy this tale as it was meant- for all the reasons and anticipation that one would ask, not for a comparison to the written series. I truly was thrilled with the movie as a whole and hope that for any of you with a little imagination with a classic theme will also clap and even cry in the end.
If you have or have not seen this film, you may also look for another well-adapted movie done by the BBC. They have a three boxed set of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Silver Chair and Prince Caspian.
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