For the days leading up to Christmas, Strangers and Aliens presents 24 Christmas movies that aren’t Christmas movies, but really kind of are, for various reasons.
#7 — The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
What it’s supposed to be: The first in C.S. Lewis’ classic fantasy series, the story of four children who find themselves transported to a magic land where an evil witch rules, causing it to be always winter and never Christmas. But . . . Aslan is on the move!
Why it’s a Christmas movie: This one requires no stretching whatsoever! While the White Witch rules, it is always winter and never Christmas! But when Aslan is on the move, with his coming also comes Father Christmas! The three Pevensie children who actually do as they should are given special Christmas gifts straight from Father Christmas’ sleigh!
Thoughts: Really, what else needs to be said?
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe embodies the Gospels. We do not get the literal birth of Aslan, the Christ figure, but we do get a metaphorical one, as Aslan’s coming is heralded by the arrival of Father Christmas.
And then, toward the end of the story we are given Aslan’s Passion. Crucifixion and resurrection are shown to us, as we also see the forgiveness and redemption of Edmund, the one Pevensie child NOT present for Father Christmas’ presents.
It’s a Christmas movie and an Easter movie and an action movie all in one.
Is It Naughty or Nice? Is this movie worth seeing?
Yes, yes, yes!
A better adaptation COULD have been made, but this is what we ended up getting and, frankly, it’s pretty good! As a fan of C.S. Lewis and as a fan of Narnia, I was pleased with the results.
And let’s face it: of ALL the movies from this blog series, this one the most Christmas-y.
Santa Ben’s Verdict: Nice.
Your verdict? Let me know below in the comments!
Next: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Previous: Star Trek: Generations
You can follow this series of posts by clicking here: Strange Christmas Movies
Ordering things from Amazon after clicking the links doesn’t add anything to your cost, but helps Strangers and Aliens and our operating costs! Thank you! Strangers and Aliens is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Leave a Reply