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← All reviews of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Review by Evergreen

4.5 / 5

It was delightful to see that at last the enchanting story of "the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" has been successfully brought to life on the big screen. The film is true to the book, with only a few minor changes; it is visually stunning, well acted and a credit to all concerned.
Don't worry about the Christian overtones of the story; CS Lewis was a Christian, but he was not a narrow-minded bigot. In fact those Christians who are presently trying exploit the story to promote their faith may get a bit of a shock when it comes to "The Last Battle".
In the last battle, not only those who serve Aslan are "saved" but even those who serve other gods. Aslan judges by deeds and not by beliefs. CS Lewis's message is clear that in his view faith without works is dead.
So those Christians who believe they are "saved" by "grace" alone will find this not to their liking and may then want to distance themselves from the message being given!
Anyway, when I read The Chronicles of Narnia as a child, even though I was a Christian myself, I was totally unaware of any religious context in the books. Okay so maybe I was not very bright, but I just thought it was all a lovely fairy tale!!
I thought Aslan was a very wise and wonderful, cuddly Lion and that these four children had a great adventure in another reality. Today's children who seem to be entirely godless are therefore even less likely to note any religious correlations.
So I would recommend the Chronicles of Narnia to anyone and everyone. It's good fun and whether you take it more seriously than that is up to you.

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Category scores

Directing5
Acting5
Screenplay5
Cinematography5
Music (Score)3
Art Direction4
Costume Design5
Make-Up4
Special Effects5
Editing4

Cast

Liam Neesonas Aslan5
William Moseleyas Peter Pevensie5
Anna Popplewellas Susan Pevensie5
Georgie Henleyas Lucy Pevensie5
Skandar Keynesas Edmund Pevensie5
James McAvoyas Mr. Tumnus5
Ray Winstoneas Mr. Beaver5
Dawn Frenchas Mrs. Beaver5
Rupert Everettas Fox3
James Cosmoas Father Christmas5
Tilda Swintonas The White Witch4
Kiran Shahas Ginarrbrik4
Michael Madsenas Maugrim4
Patrick Kakeas Oreius4
Shane Rangias Otmin4
Jim Broadbentas Professor Kirke4
Elizabeth Hawthorneas Mrs. Macready3
Judy McIntoshas Mrs. Pevensie3

Moments & details

Andrew Adamson in bringing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to the big screen5
The realism of the computer-generated creatures and armies of Narnia5
The opening bombing-raid scenes in London4
The realization of Lucy meeting Mr. Tumnus on screen4
The addition of the escape on the icy river by Peter, Susan and Lucy4
The realization of meeting Aslan for the first time on screen5
The realization of The Stone Table on screen4
The Battle at the Fords of Beruna4
The resurrection of Aslan5
The final sequence at Cair Paravel4
The Hunt for the White Stag5
The emotional effect of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe5
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