Detailed Summary
The Pevensie Siblings’ Escape to the Countryside
During World War II, the Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—evacuate from London to the countryside to escape the air raids. They go to live with Professor Kirke in his large, old house.
Lucy’s Discovery of Narnia
While exploring the house, Lucy (Georgie Henley) stumbles upon a wardrobe in an empty room. She steps inside and finds herself in the magical land of Narnia. She meets Mr. Tumnus, a faun, who tells her about the White Witch (Tilda Swinton), who has plunged Narnia into eternal winter.
Edmund’s Betrayal
Edmund (Skandar Keynes) follows Lucy into the wardrobe during a subsequent visit but meets the White Witch instead. She tempts him with Turkish Delight and promises to make him a prince if he brings his siblings to her. Edmund, eager for power and recognition, agrees.
The Siblings Enter Narnia
Eventually, all four siblings enter Narnia together. They learn from Mr. Beaver that they are destined to fulfill a prophecy to end the Witch’s reign and restore peace. However, they also discover Edmund has betrayed them by aligning with the Witch.
The Meeting with Aslan
The siblings seek out Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), the noble lion and true king of Narnia. Aslan’s presence brings hope, and he begins preparing them for the battle against the White Witch.
Edmund’s Rescue and Redemption
Edmund is rescued by Aslan’s forces and is forgiven by his siblings and Aslan. He realizes the error of his ways and vows to fight against the Witch.
The Battle for Narnia
A climactic battle ensues between Aslan’s army and the White Witch’s forces. Aslan sacrifices himself to save Edmund, but is resurrected due to the deeper magic from before the dawn of time.
The Defeat of the White Witch
With Aslan’s return, the siblings lead Aslan’s forces to victory. The White Witch is defeated, and peace is restored to Narnia.
The Coronation and Return Home
The Pevensie siblings are crowned as the new rulers of Narnia. After many years of ruling, they accidentally stumble back through the wardrobe and return to the real world, finding themselves children once more.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with the Pevensie siblings returning to the real world through the wardrobe, having spent years in Narnia but only moments in the real world. They vow to keep their adventure a secret, and the Professor hints that they may return to Narnia someday.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a fantasy adventure, filled with magical elements, mythical creatures, and epic battles, aimed at both children and adults.
Cast
- Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie
- Skandar Keynes as Edmund Pevensie
- William Moseley as Peter Pevensie
- Anna Popplewell as Susan Pevensie
- Tilda Swinton as Jadis, the White Witch
- Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan
- James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus
- Jim Broadbent as Professor Kirke
Film Music and Composer
Harry Gregson-Williams composed the film’s score, blending orchestral and electronic elements to create an enchanting and adventurous sound.
Filming Locations
- New Zealand: The majority of the outdoor scenes, including the battle sequences and forest landscapes.
- Czech Republic: Used for some of the castle and snowy scenes.
- England: The Pevensie family home and Professor Kirke’s house.
These locations provided the diverse and fantastical landscapes necessary to bring the world of Narnia to life.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Won Best Makeup.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Original Score.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Makeup and Hair, Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film used a combination of practical effects, animatronics, and CGI to bring the creatures of Narnia to life.
- Tilda Swinton performed many of her own stunts.
- Georgie Henley was only seven years old during filming, and the cast and crew worked hard to ensure a child-friendly environment on set.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on C.S. Lewis’s beloved 1950 novel of the same name.
- Christian Allegory: The story is often interpreted as a Christian allegory, with Aslan representing Christ and his sacrifice and resurrection mirroring the story of Jesus.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no significant alternate endings for this film. The deleted scenes include extended sequences in Narnia and additional dialogue cut for pacing reasons.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Faithful Adaptation: The film remains largely faithful to the book, capturing the spirit and major plot points of C.S. Lewis’s work.
- Character Development: Some character interactions and backstories are expanded upon to add depth and clarity for the film audience.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Lucy’s First Visit to Narnia: Her magical encounter with Mr. Tumnus.
- The Stone Table: Aslan’s sacrifice and resurrection.
- The Battle of Beruna: The epic clash between Aslan’s forces and the White Witch’s army.
Iconic Quotes
- “Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia.” – Aslan
- “You have a traitor in your midst, Aslan.” – White Witch
- “For Narnia and for Aslan!” – Peter Pevensie
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The intricately designed wardrobe features carvings that hint at the world of Narnia.
- During the battle scene, you can spot the old London lamppost, a nod to the scene where Lucy first enters Narnia.
Trivia
- The lion Aslan was entirely CGI, created using state-of-the-art special effects.
- The movie used a gelatine-based candy for the Turkish Delight to ensure it looked appealing on camera.
- The actors playing the Pevensie siblings went through a “boot camp” to prepare for the physical demands of their roles.
Why Watch?
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” offers a magical escape into a fantastical world. Its blend of adventure, moral lessons, and stunning visual effects make it a timeless family film.
Director’s Other Movies
- Shrek (2001) – Andrew Adamson
- Shrek 2 (2004) – Andrew Adamson
- The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) – Andrew Adamson
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) – Michael Apted
Recommended Films for Fans
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
- The Golden Compass (2007)
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
