Writer/Director: Andrew Adamson
Starring: William Moseley, Georgie Henley and Tilda Swinton
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actresses in Hollywood have earned the appreciation of Tilda Swinton. Since her rise to recognition in the 1990’s, Swinton has become a commemorated icon. Whether it’s dedicated mothers, writers or wise mentors, Swinton has played many strong characters. Arguably, Swinton’s greatest strength as an actress has always been her powerful commitment. She’s one of those rare actresses that always poured her heart and soul into every single role. A strong icon in entertainment, Swinton has become a powerful actress with commitment. Through her abilities to portray a vast array of women which are compelling, Swinton has created an enduring legacy which has proven to be highly lasting. Shining a bright light in darkness, the actress has become a celebrated icon in the modern entertainment business. Throughout her long-lasting career, Swinton has starred in many unforgettable films which are definitely worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Swinton and adore all the films she has made in her career. However, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2005, Andrew Adamson’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved book. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the greatest book adaptations ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tilda Swinton, who embodies an evil witch embarking upon a journey to find her identity. Ultimately, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” a beautiful literature adaptation is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding one’s identity which would definitely resonate with everyone. Unlike most literary adaptations, it tackles strong themes which everyone will relate to. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book, there are several reasons why “The Chronicles of Narnia” is a film that is worth seeing.
Based on C.S. Lewis’ legendary novel, “The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” tells the story of a family that’s swept into a world of fantasy. The Pevensie family is a group of siblings affected by the events of World War II. Torn apart from their parents, the siblings embark on a journey to stay at a boarding school. Impacted by grim reality of the war, the siblings initially struggle to find any hope in their lives. However, their lives drastically change when they enter in a wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia. The siblings are thrilled to discover a fantasy world where they can regularly visit to escape harsh realities of the war. Rules by the magical lion Aslan (Liam Neeson), Narnia becomes a fantastical place giving the children a chance to discover their persona. As the siblings begin to enjoy their time in Narnia, their lives are put under evil threat by a wicked witch. The White Witch (Tilda Swinton) is an evil villain putting the lives of the children in grave danger. As all odds are stacked against their favour, the kids wonder whether it’s truly possible to find joy in wartime causing disaster.
Andrew Adamson is newcomer towards books about fantastical lands. Before he directed “The Chronicles of Narnia”, Adamson hadn’t made a fantasy film in his career before. He was known for his work in animation helming the world-famous “Shrek” series. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a classic book about fantastical wardrobes on the big-screen but he succeeds immensely. Through stunning cinematography, Adamson captures a young girl embarking on a journey to find a world of fantasy. Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes as stunning as wardrobes where magical worlds materialize. Adamson deftly uses montages to capture the hardship faced by children torn apart from families amidst a war-torn country. For instance, the montages elevate the opening scene. During this intense scene, the Pevensie kids are torn apart from parents in a war-torn country. One appreciates montages capturing hardships children in war-torn countries are facing. Montages are tricky techniques to use in fantasy films. As Damien Chazelle’s “La La Land” suggested, montages elevate world-famous musicals. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through captivating visuals, Adamson captures tense hardships that children entering a fantastical world are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Chronicles of Narnia” worth discussing is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well-made. Adamson effectively uses special effects to create the magical world of Narnia. Adamson effectively uses CGI to capture the snowy land of Narnia. For instance, the CGI elevates the Narnia entry scene. During this unforgettable scene, Edmund stumbles into the wardrobe in search of his sister entering the world of Narnia. One appreciates special effects creating the magical world of Narnia that’s true to the book. Through exceptional special effects, Adamson creates a magical world children value. Moreover, the musical score is integral towards the success of the movie. It gives the film a nerve-wrakcing atmosphere capturing the excruciating burden which children bear. Through the awe-inspiring production-design, Adamson creates a world with ability to shine.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “the Chronicles of Narnia” is a fantasy film that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses symbolism to capture the lives of children entering into a fantastical world far removed from reality. Adamson’s main screenwriting strength is abilities to capture children in a fantastical world through symbolism. Throughout the movie, the wardrobe becomes a symbol of hope that gives children a chance to enter a world of fantasy. For instance, the symbolism of the wardrobe elevates the Narnia discovery scene. During this heartwarming scene, Lucy is thrilled when she discovers the fantastical world of Narnia through entering a wardrobe. Symbolism is a tricky technique to use in films. As Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” franchise demonstrated, symbolism elevates fantasy books about precious rings. David Yates’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” demonstrated, symbolism is suited to fantasy books about wizards. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through an engaging screenplay, Adamson celebrates a classic book about magical wardrobes which is beloved today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Tilda Swinton delivers one of her best career performances as the White Witch. Swinton achieved appreciation for playing majestic queens in classic period pieces. With “The Chronicles of Narnia”, however, she took upon her most villainous role. It isn’t easy to play a wicked witch causing catastrophe in a world of fantasy but she succeeds immensely. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her in the past before: intimidating, charismatic and utterly frightening in her most groundbreaking role. With mesmerizing expressions, she demonstrates the angst, desperation and trauma of a frightening witch seeking control over a fantasy land. It’s a breathtaking performance from one of the most commemorated actresses today .
Skandar Keynes is spectacular as a kid which seeks to enter a fantastical world which poses danger. In his first breakthrough role, Keynes proved to be a talented actor with the abilities to portray strong characters. As Edmund, he did an amazing job of portraying a legendary literary character. Whether he’s gaping in awe at the world of Narnia or savouring the Turkish delight given to him by the Witch, Keynes uses his body language to create a character which is compelling. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most talented young actors in the industry today.
The supporting cast is sensational and worthy of recognition. Georgie Henley is phenomenal, bringing humanity to a young girl expressing astonishment after she enters a fantastical world far removed from reality. James McAvoy is magnificent, bringing compassion to a fawn that isn’t afraid to destroy rules of Narnia with a sense of joy. Lastly, Liam Neeson deserves recognition. As Aslan, he captures the strong authority of a majestic lion seeking to control a kingdom through his powerful voice.
Finally, “The Chronicles of Narnia” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the hardships faced by children in a fantastical world. Unlike most fantasy adaptations, the film tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. The movie tackles strong themes of identity, war and trauma which would resonate with everyone. It delivers a universal message about childhood trauma which everyone would definitely relate to. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. Therefore, “The Chronicles of Narnia” is one of the rare book adaptations everyone would adore.
Fans of Tilda Swinton will definitely appreciate “The Chronicles of Narnia” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. An engaging adaptation of a beloved book, it honours an actress whose legacy is lasting.
Nearly 60 years following the publication of a groundbreaking book about children embarking on journeys into fantastical wardrobes to battle witches that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has built a lasting legacy accomplishing a humongous fan following for her abilities to portray larger-than-life characters which are compelling whose spellbinding movies are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 