Now I’m bummed that I did not read this when I was a kid. How did that happen?
And I’m also bummed that I am seemingly the last American to see this film. How did that happen, too?
The movie is based on the book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Yes, it’s one of those books that everyone is forced to read as a child, or should, or something. I was not, and I am lesser man for it. It is a fantasy tale, set in a magical world to which 4 siblings escape during the 1940/1940 German sustained bombing of England. Their escape there is through the wardrobe, in the home of Professor Kirke.
It’s a pretty awesome tale. Very creative, very original. It captures a lot of the core elements of epic tales, and of heroes and heroism.
The arrival of the four kids into the realm of Narnia signals the start of a great struggle against the White Witch, who has ruled the land for a hundred years. Their efforts, leadership, and acceptance of their roles in fulfilling the prophecy represent the potential for enormous changes across the land, and the ultimate possibility of a true revolution in the land. While the time covered in the movie isn’t that long, that time, as reflected in the impact it has, is indeed epic.
Pretty neat, for a kids movie.
And the heroism? These are kids. Young kids. Yet they quickly overcome their fears and display true examples of courage, and a willingness to accept self-sacrifice for something they see as a greater good. Adults today often don’t seem to understand this concept, much less embrace it, but here are examples of kids who do. Again, pretty neat for a kids movie.
This is one of those movies you watch with the kids. One of those movies that could and should lead to some good conversations over some chicken nuggets. It speaks volumes to one of my favorite topics — the need to learn to try hard. Our heroes in this movie do just that — they try hard and things, even when it’s things that are new to them or things that they think they aren’t ready to do. Try, and try hard.
Good movie. Good movie for kids. Good story that adults will like.
I’d give it an 8. We own it on DVD, and I am sure we’ll watch it again in the coming weeks after I get home.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
It’s not a book required in school like “A Tale of Two Cities,” or anything like that. It’s what 13 year olds WANTED to read when it came out. I read it — and went on to read the rest of the Narnia books too. The first three at least were wonderful as I remember. I named my pet parakeet after Prince Caspian, one of the characters. My mom recently found my collection of the books and brought them here. Katja is actually trying to read The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe.