The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe parents guide

The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Parent Guide

This exceptionally well produced film is a fitting adaptation of the classic children's fantasy novel.

Overall A+

When four siblings (William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley) discover an old wardrobe is the porthole into a magic snow-covered land, they enter Narnia and soon find themselves helping a lion named Aslan free the inhabitants from an evil enchantment.

Release date December 8, 2005

Violence C
Sexual Content A
Profanity A
Substance Use A

Why is The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe rated PG? The MPAA rated The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe PG for battle sequences and frightening moments

Run Time: 143 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Once you enter this Wardrobe, time stands still. Just like the children in C.S. Lewis’ tale, as you push through the opening minutes of this incredible film and get lost in the magic kingdom of Narnia, you’ll leave all thoughts and cares of the real world behind.

Finding Narnia was an accident for the Pevensie youngsters. Relocated to the large country home of a complete stranger to avoid the dangers of the WWII bombing raids on the cities of Great Britian, Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmond (Skandar Keynes) and Lucy (Georgie Henley) were really just trying to amuse themselves with a simple game of hide and seek. Instead they discovered, while scrambling for cover, the antique wardrobe housed in a spare room is really a doorway into another place in time and space.

Although it at first appears like a winter wonderland, the kids soon learn danger is lurking all around them. Frozen under a wicked enchantment from the White Witch (Tilda Swinton), the inhabitants live either in mortal dread of the self-appointed Queen, or as faithful servants to her evil desires. Regardless of loyalty, the arrival of the Pevensies looks like the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy foretelling her doom at the hands of four humans who would come to assist Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), the rightful ruler. Consequently, while one group heralds the siblings’ coming, the other plots their demise.

Whether by coincidence or design, Peter and Susan feel it would be most prudent to curtail their visit, and just head home. However that plan is complicated by Lucy’s affection for the endangered creatures and Edmond’s succumbing to the spellbinding promises of the White Witch. But after they have met Aslan, and come to understand what the great lion is willing to do to free those oppressed by the cold-hearted tyrant, the children are ready to champion the cause of Narnia.

Following the storyline of the popular book, with only a little tweaking to pick up the pace, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is a fitting tribute to the spirit of the original. As the epic battle of good versus evil unfolds, there are moments of violent confrontation. These are depicted with realistic tension, but without blood or gore. Other moments of peril may also have little ones holding tight to their parent’s fingers, yet they are never truly terrifying. Rather, they help the siblings learn to leave their squabbling behind, and work together to overcome obstacles. As well, through a messiah-like allegory, they come to understand and appreciate the power of love and sacrifice.

Spectacular performances from a nearly unknown cast of young actors cinches this movie’s hold on audiences. Even more amazing is the skillful way in which animal and mythical characters have been presented, with Aslan literally being the king of them all. This talking lion uses his entire body to convey his messages, with the final effect being literally breathtaking. He may very well initiate thought on a new award category: Best performance by a non-human.

Because of the diversity of species in this classic novel, bringing it to life on the screen has always presented a challenge. Fortunately, technology has finally evolved enough to allow Walt Disney Studios to realize Lewis’ vivid imagination. Under the expert handling of the creative team they’ve assembled, the resulting production is so believable, you might suspect the movie theater is another portal into the Land of Narnia.

Directed by Andrew Adamson. Starring William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley. Running time: 143 minutes. Theatrical release December 8, 2005. Updated

Watch the trailer for The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Rating & Content Info

Why is The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe rated PG? The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is rated PG by the MPAA for battle sequences and frightening moments

Fans of C.S. Lewis’ classic tale will likely be pleased with this adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The only content concerns for young viewers may be the depictions of war and situations of peril. While the battles sequences are epic in scope and the violence is sometimes intense, it is never gory. As the children face danger, they learn to pull together, stop squabbling, and forgive one another.

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The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Parents' Guide

Aslan is willing to sacrifice a lot to save Edmond from his folly. Why? Would you be willing to give that much for another?

What did the White Witch use to bring Edmond under her spell? Why was he so easily tempted by her promises. As Edmond comes to see the error of his ways, how does this new understanding effect the way he looks at others?

Loved this movie? Try these books…

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a great introduction to the world of Narnia. Readers who want Narnia’s backstory can turn to Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew. The Pevensies’ adventures continue in Prince Caspian.

C.S. Lewis was friends with fellow author J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a great introduction to his imagined world of Middle Earth, which he explores in greater detail in The Lord of the Rings.

George MacDonald wrote books with a similar sensibility to those of C.S. Lewis. The Princess and the Goblin tells the story of Princess Irene and the surprise discovery she makes atop a staircase…

Kids who enjoy escaping into other worlds will enjoy Brian Jacques’ Redwall series. Set in Redwall Abbey, the stories begin with mice fending off the attack of an evil rat. Talking animals and exciting plots drive this fully formed universe.

Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising series introduces kids to an England infused with Arthurian mythology.

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe movie is April 3, 2006. Here are some details…

DVD Release Date: 4 April 2006

Enter the magic kingdom of Narnia as often as you like with the DVD release of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, available in either a Widescreen version or a Special 2-disc Edition. If you choose the single disc option, you will receive the following bonus features: Bloopers, Discover Narnia Fun Facts, Kids & Director Commentary, and the Filmmakers’ Commentary. If you take the double helping, you will also receive: Chronicles Of A Director, The Children’s Magical Journey, Evolution Of An Epic, From One Man’s Mind, Cinematic Storytellers, Creating Creatures, Anatomy Of A Scene: The Melting River, Creatures Of The World, Explore Narnia, and Legends In Time. Better than Turkish Delight, both versions offer English audio tracks in DTS 5.1 Digital Surround Sound and 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, with subtitles in French and Spanish.

Related home video titles:

The cast of this film reassemble for the sequels The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader  . In 1988, the BBC produced a made-for-TV version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The movie Shadowlands depicts the life of the author C.S. Lewis.

 

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