Top Films: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The first film of the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, as delivered by Andrew Adamson and Walden Media may seem a lesser film in comparison to other fantasy adaptations of the decade, but it really does translate the most important aspects of the book to the screen almost perfectly.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is all about Joy; the joy of discovery, the joy of finding that there is a beautiful reality beyond the obvious imperfections of our war-torn world where families are separated and children suffer, and the joy of discovering that our lives have a purpose and a meaning. We are all a part of a larger story.

When Lucy walks into the wardrobe for the first time… there are very few moments so magical in literature, and the film does a great job of making this a special experience. Then, when she returns and has a hard time communicating her experience with and convincing her siblings of where she has been; this is a great picture of a deeper spiritual truth so typical to Lewis’ stories. Even better, however, is when Edmond discovers the truth for the first time. The fact that he can know the truth and not be changed at first is a powerful fact. In the same way, people can believe in God, believe in the truth of Jesus, and fail to let that truth change there lives.

There is more to Christianity than understanding or believing. Christianity is surrender. Not many churches or evangelists stress this aspect of conversion anymore.

Edmonds journey of discovery, betrayal, realization, and repentance may be the more important aspect of this story, even though it is usually overshadowed by the easier to see Aslan-is-Christ analogy.