I saw The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on December 9th. Over the past summer I read the book, and while I liked the story it didn't exactly top my list of favorites. I wasn't too excited about the movie coming out- the main thing that kindled my interest was listening to the CD of tracks by Christian artists that were inspired by the movie about thirty times, ha ha. So, I decided to go and see a midnight showing with about twenty or so friends-courtesy of the tickets my youth group director obtained using his amazing gift of persuasion. I went, I stood in line, and I waited. I expected it to be a good movie, and I hoped I would be happy that I sacrificed valuable sleep to see it.

I was blown away. It wasn't a movie- it was an experience. I was transported into the land of Narnia and my view came from the eyes of Lucy, the one with 'faith enough for each of us' (quoted from a song on the CD). I realized once again the simplistic beauty and peace within a light, gentle snowfall, something that I am grateful for never completely overlooking in my own life. I fell in love with Aslan along with Lucy and her siblings, and felt the hope Lucy contained within her own heart for the return of joy, hope, peace, and faith to Narnia, and especially to her own siblings.

It amazed me how directly the movie was an analogy of not only Christianity, but of the Passion. I loved the true goodness and love Aslan represented- his gentleness and willingness to sacrifice himself for love of the people of Narnia was such a wondrous comparison to Jesus. It was awesome how the stone tablet broke when Aslan vanished before returning again in full strength, and I loved how at the end of the battle he said: "This is finished", just as Jesus said: "It is finished". I would have to see the movie again to find the other specific references to the Passion...I'm probably missing quite a few. Something I was thinking about afterward was how Lucy, in some ways, reminded me of the Virgin Mary- she led the others to Aslan, the one truth in Narnia, just as Mary led (and leads through prayer) sinners to Jesus. Lucy's innocence and unceasing faith also brought about that analogy.

So, yes- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was a breathtaking movie experience for me. While the cinematography was extroadinary (in my uneducated mind at least, ha ha) and the acting terrific, the analogy of the story C.S. Lewis created to nearly mirror the Passion of Jesus was what truly led me to fall in love with the film. I can't wait to see it again:)