The Chronicles of Narnia (Part 1): Some Observations

S and I finally finally got some down time in our busy schedule and saw The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, And the Wardrobe. To sum it up in one word: Wow! Clearly one of the best films I've ever seen, and certainly up there with getting the Christian message out.

I must confess that I've never read The Chronicles of Narnia, nor do I know much about its author, C.S. Lewis (I have read part of his Screwtape Letters, though). But it is certainly worth the effort to get to know them better.

What struck me most was the powerful symbolism in the film. Quite a few biblical messages get out.

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God" [Mark 10:14] The character of Lucy exemplifies this notion; it is a shame that her siblings lacked the innocence she had and were unable to believe that she had discovered this magical land called Narnia. And Georgie Henley, the actress that portrayed her, was phenomenal.

Peter, the oldest, was not unlike Peter of the Bible. Somewhat unsure of himself and prone to verbal outbursts, Peter eventually grows into the steady rock that everyone depends on.

Then there's Edmund. Quite a complicated role he had to play in the whole thing. Although he seems incapable or unwilling to follow instructions (like a lot of children I know), he is otherwise innocent. He has no clue who the White Witch is when he first meets her. And that crafty old bitch manages to winnow her way into his mind and heart with all kinds of empty promises that are quite tempting. But even when he figures out who she is, he is still caught in her web of deceit. Once free of her, though, he is willing to do the right thing - even if it is the more difficult and dangerous thing.

Susan, the oldest sister, seems to be the glue that holds everyone together when everyone else is becoming unglued.

The animal characters were wonderful, too. They added a lot to the story, including quite a touch of humor. I especially enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. They sounded just like a couple that's been married for a while.

The witch is certainly an interesting character - very much like old Satan himself. She is attractive in many ways - just like Satan. She is a master of deception - just like Satan. She is quite crafty - just like Satan. She is evil beyond imagination - just like Satan. She is very strong - just like Satan. She is not, however, invincible - just like Satan.

There are many references in the Bible of Jesus being a lamb - and a lion. Aslan - the lion, is clearly the Christ figure in this story. He is one in whom many have hope, and anxiously await his return to Narnia. He is also very strong, and his integrity is unquestionable. Well, actually at one point, the Witch questions whether he will keep his word; Aslan angrily replies with a very loud roar which sends the Witch and her entourage off in a hurry.

There is a strong message of forgiveness: Edmund has been rescued from the Witch's camp but now he stands accused of betraying his brother and sisters. Aslan speaks with Edmund alone, then brings him back to his siblings, telling them that what is done is already done and they are to speak no more of it.

Then Aslan does a strange and wonderful thing. The Witch had doubted that Aslan would keep his word - for the two of them had struck a deal concerning Edmund. You see, Edmund actually faced the death penalty for his actions. But Aslan took his place! Just like Jesus took your place and died for your sins.

I call it the Passion sequence of the film. Aslan willingly goes to the stone table to sacrifice himself. He doesn't say a word (like Jesus), he is chained and beaten (just like Jesus), his stately mane is shaved (Jesus was stripped), and he was shamed (just like Jesus) before the Witch kills him. Lucy and Susan watched the whole thing from a safe place (not unlike Mary and Mary Magdelene at the cross), tended to the body (just like the women at the tomb) and the resurrected Aslan appeared first to Lucy and Susan at sunrise (just as Jesus first appeared to the women at Easter sunrise).

All in all, I have to give this film two thumbs up - because God only gave me two thumbs!