The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
7.133 /10
11087 Reviews
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Siblings Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter step through a magical wardrobe and find the land of Narnia. There, they discover a charming, once peaceful kingdom that has been plunged into eternal winter by the evil White Witch, Jadis. Aided by the wise and magnificent lion, Aslan, the children lead Narnia into a spectacular, climactic battle to be free of the Witch's glacial powers forever.
Videos & Photos
cast
... Peter Pevensie
... Susan Pevensie
... Edmund Pevensie
... Lucy Pevensie
... Aslan (voice)
User reviews
Long bloody title, but a great film no doubt.
I had seen 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' before but hadn't watched it for years and years, I remembered the vast majority though - it's a memorable film after all. There's a great battle scene in there, some fun characters and strong effects. It's a tad too long, but not by much.
It has a nice charm to it also, as they set up Narnia excellently. The quartet of children are very well cast, all four of them suit their roles to a T. Georgie Henley is sweet as Lucy, while William Moseley and Anna Popplewell fulfil the roles of Peter and Susan comfortably. Edmund, meanwhile, is of course annoying, but Skandar Keynes does a good job portraying him.
Elsewhere, Tilda Swinton and Liam Neeson are terrific casts as the White Witch and Aslan. Both do great, especially Swinton. James McAvoy, Ray Winstone, Michael Madsen and Rupert Everett are smart choices too.
I've, as far as I'm aware, never seen the two sequels so very much look forward to seeing what they have in store for me. They'll do well to match this first film, that's for sure.
Director:
Writer:
Ann Peacock (Screenplay)
Andrew Adamson (Screenplay)
Christopher Markus (Screenplay)
Stephen McFeely (Screenplay)
C. S. Lewis (Novel)
Release Date:
2005-12-07
Run Time:
143 min
MMPA Rating:
PG
Reviews of
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Long bloody title, but a great film no doubt.
I had seen 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' before but hadn't watched it for years and years, I remembered the vast majority though - it's a memorable film after all. There's a great battle scene in there, some fun characters and strong effects. It's a tad too long, but not by much.
It has a nice charm to it also, as they set up Narnia excellently. The quartet of children are very well cast, all four of them suit their roles to a T. Georgie Henley is sweet as Lucy, while William Moseley and Anna Popplewell fulfil the roles of Peter and Susan comfortably. Edmund, meanwhile, is of course annoying, but Skandar Keynes does a good job portraying him.
Elsewhere, Tilda Swinton and Liam Neeson are terrific casts as the White Witch and Aslan. Both do great, especially Swinton. James McAvoy, Ray Winstone, Michael Madsen and Rupert Everett are smart choices too.
I've, as far as I'm aware, never seen the two sequels so very much look forward to seeing what they have in store for me. They'll do well to match this first film, that's for sure.
In my last review (which you can find on my Letterboxd), I said _The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe_ was a "nearly perfect film." Well, I am here to say that with this viewing, to me, it is a perfect film.
I used to always think this film was a sort of step below LOTR, and, while LOTR is indeed a masterpiece of cinema, I don't regard this film as lesser.
The movie is just pure magic! Every aspect of the movie (minus the CGI – which doesn't really hold up [except for Aslan] but is still serviceable) is even better with age! And I find myself moved emotionally by more things this time than I ever have watching this film.
The score by Harry Gregson-Williams is just phenomenal. Especially "The Battle" – that goes without saying. But this time, part of the magic and nostalgia I was struck by was the musical piece that sounds like it's a song. The one that plays while the train is leaving London. (I found out it's actually about halfway into the track "Evacuating London.") That magical song, combined with the great camera work by Donald M. McAlpine and the appearance of the movie title makes for feelings of peak nostalgia and magic for me.
Also, this film has one of the best opening scenes of all time. When Netflix (finally) remakes the films, I don't know how they can top this opening.
– In fact, that's another thing about this movie: There are so many things that I don't think any remake could top. Liam Neeson as Aslan, Tilda Swinton as Jadis, the White Witch, and James McAvoy as Tumnus. – Oh, and, though he's not in the book, the centaur, Oreius (played by Patrick Kake), is so cool! Can't top that.
Also, the costuming is excellent – especially for the White Witch – and the gryphons are so cool! The sound design on their shriek gives me chills (in a good way).
And I can't go without saying that this is also an emotional story because of what the story represents, the symbolism of the story.
Edmund represents us – represents me, a sinner. I who have walked in rebellion against God, and who am by nature opposed to God. And as such, I deserve the wrath of God, punishment that He would be fully just to give me. But Aslan represents Jesus Christ. Like Aslan sacrificed himself for Edmund, dying the death he should have died, Jesus sacrificed Himself in our stead, taking upon Himself the wrath of God we deserved, so that “if [we] confess with [our] mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in [our] heart that God raised Him from the dead, [we] will be saved” (Romans 10:9), we “will not perish but have eternal life” (from John 3:16), and as a result of that faith, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (from Romans 5:1).
Ephesians 2:1-10
> “[1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— [3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— [6] and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
CS Lewis certainly had one heck of an imagination and it is rarely better exemplified than in this lovely fantasy adventure. Four wartime siblings are evacuated from London to stay with the reclusive "Professor Kirke" (Jim Broadbent) in the relative safety of the English countryside. Once they get there, the housekeeper "Mrs. Macready" (Elizabeth Hawthorne) makes it quite clear that they are to be seen and not heard! Boredom sets in and thus a game of hide and seek seems sensible. "Lucy" takes refuge in an old wardrobe - a wardrobe that has a secret! Much to her astonishment, she finds herself in a snowy land with a single streetlamp and there meets "Mr. Tumnus" (James McAvoy) - a scarf-clad faun. She returns to her brothers and sister and after some convincing, they join her in the wardrobe and all discover the delights and dangers of "Narnia" meeting loads of new friends and a couple of not so nice wolves, too! This is the first of the adventures of the "Pevensie" children in this mysterious land where animals can talk and winter is perpetual under the control of the villainous "White Witch" (Tilda Swinton). They align with "Aslan" the all powerful lion (voiced by Liam Neeson) and have a battle royal to free the kingdom from her icy grip. The CGI isn't, to be honest, great. Indeed, some of the effects are a bit cheap and cheerful for 2005; but the story, settings and characterisations are great - as is Harry Gregson-Williams' eerie and gentle score.
Rewatching The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe reminded me why it’s such a timeless movie. It still gets me every time, especially the lullaby scene with Mr. Tumnus, played beautifully by James McAvoy, who is one of my favorite actors. Liam Neeson’s voice as Aslan is inspiring and adds so much gravitas to the character. But for me, the standout is Tilda Swinton as the White Witch. Her performance is chilling and commanding, making her one of the most memorable parts of the movie.
The production is top-notch. The visuals are stunning, especially considering it was released in 2005, and they mostly hold up well even now. The costumes and set design are fantastic, capturing the magical and otherworldly feel of Narnia. The soundtrack is another highlight, adding emotional depth to key moments and making the experience even more immersive.
Based on the beloved novel by C.S. Lewis, the film does a good job of sticking to the important plot points while making the story accessible to a new generation. Of course, no adaptation is perfect, but this one stands on its own as a great piece of fantasy storytelling. It’s not just a movie; it’s a journey into a world full of magic, courage, and redemption.
This movie also feels like the perfect pick for the holiday season. It has that warmth and wonder that makes it ideal to watch with family at Christmas. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe remains a classic, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who wants to experience a bit of magic
Cast & Crew of
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Cast
... Peter Pevensie
... Susan Pevensie
... Edmund Pevensie
... Lucy Pevensie
... Aslan (voice)
... White Witch
... Mr. Tumnus
... Prof. Digory Kirke
... Mr. Beaver (voice)
... Mrs. Beaver (voice)
... Father Christmas
... Helen Pevensie
... Ginarrbrik
... Mrs. MacReady
... Maugrim (voice)
... General Oreius
... General Otmin
... Boy on Train
... Girl on Train
... Train Conductor
... Mr. Fox (voice)
... Philip (voice)
... Distraught Mother
... Distraught Mother
... Distraught Mother
... Soldier
... German Pilot
... Green Dryad
... Rumblebuffin the Giant
... Hag
... Hag
... Hag
... Hag
... Hag
... Hag
... Faun
... Faun
... Faun
... Centaur
... Centaur
... Centaur
... Centaur
... Centaur Archer
... Satyr
... Satyr
... Red & Black Dwarf
... Red & Black Dwarf
... Red & Black Dwarf
... Red & Black Dwarf
... Red & Black Dwarf
... Red & Black Dwarf
... Red & Black Dwarf
... Gryphon (voice)
... Vardan (voice)
... Wolf (voice)
... Radio Announcer (voice)
... Peter (Older)
... Susan (Older)
... Edmund (Older)
... Lucy (Older)
Crew
... Director
... Producer
... Producer
... Executive Producer
... Executive Producer
... Director of Photography
... Editor
... Editor
... Production Design
... Set Decoration
... Costume Design
... Screenplay
... Screenplay
... Screenplay
... Screenplay
... Original Music Composer
... Producer
... Producer
... Art Department Manager
... Animation
... Stunts
... Animation
... Digital Producer
... Third Assistant Director
... Animation
... Special Effects
... Associate Producer
... Co-Producer
... Casting
... Casting
... Casting
... Art Direction
... Supervising Art Director
... Art Direction
... Art Direction
... Art Department Assistant
... Art Department Coordinator
... Assistant Art Director
... Construction Foreman
... Greensman
... Lead Painter
... Painter
... Conceptual Illustrator
... Sculptor
... Standby Painter
... First Assistant Camera
... Key Grip
... Grip
... Still Photographer
... Hair Designer
... Hairstylist
... Key Hair Stylist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Designer
... Prosthetic Makeup Artist
... Cableman
... Carpenter
... Digital Effects Supervisor
... Makeup Effects
... Post Production Supervisor
... Propmaker
... Property Master
... Sequence Supervisor
... Software Engineer
... Sound Recordist
... Special Effects Coordinator
... Stunt Coordinator
... Systems Administrators & Support
... Telecine Colorist
... Unit Production Manager
... Visual Effects Editor
... First Assistant Director
... Color Timer
... Dialogue Editor
... Electrician
... Gaffer
... Lighting Artist
... Lighting Supervisor
... Executive In Charge Of Production
... Production Coordinator
... Production Manager
... Production Supervisor
... ADR Supervisor
... Boom Operator
... Assistant Sound Editor
... Sound Designer
... Sound Effects Editor
... Sound Mixer
... Supervising Sound Editor
... 3D Animator
... Animation Supervisor
... Creature Design
... Digital Compositors
... I/O Supervisor
... Special Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects
... Visual Effects Coordinator
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Motion Capture Artist
... Visual Effects Art Director
... Stunts
... Production Sound Mixer
... Set Dresser
... Novel
... Assistant Makeup Artist
... Contact Lens Painter
... Assistant Production Manager
... Second Assistant Director
... Second Second Assistant Director
... Second Unit Director
... Third Assistant Director
... Assistant Property Master
... Construction Buyer
... Head Greensman
... Set Painter
... Storyboard Artist
... ADR Editor
... ADR Mixer
... ADR Recordist
... Additional Sound Re-Recordist
... Foley Artist
... Foley Mixer
... Sound Assistant
... Supervising Dialogue Editor
... Special Effects Assistant
... Special Effects Technician
... VFX Artist
... Visual Effects Assistant Editor
... Visual Effects Production Assistant
... Visual Effects Production Manager
... Visual Effects Technical Director
... Stunt Double
... Data Wrangler
... Second Assistant Camera
... Layout Supervisor
... Lead Animator
... Assistant Editor
... Digital Intermediate Editor
... Negative Cutter
... Project Manager
... Compositing Lead
... Compositing Supervisor
... Creature Technical Director
... Effects Supervisor
... Matchmove Supervisor
... Matte Painter
... Pipeline Technical Director
... Pre-Visualization Supervisor
... Production Assistant
... Rotoscoping Artist
... Prosthetic Makeup Artist
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Creature Design
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Production Executive
... Set Painter
... Production Manager
... Unit Production Manager
... Production Supervisor
... Unit Production Manager
... Post-Production Manager
... Production Manager
... First Assistant Director
... Additional Second Assistant Director
... Assistant Director
... Second Assistant Director
... Assistant Director
... Third Assistant Director
... Third Assistant Director
... First Assistant Director
... Second Assistant Director
... Second Second Assistant Director
... First Assistant Director
... Second Assistant Director
... Second Unit Director
... Second Assistant Director
... First Assistant Director
... Second Assistant Director
... Third Assistant Director
... Second Unit Director
... 2D Supervisor
... Production Assistant
... Sculptor
... Visual Effects Technical Director
... Steadicam Operator
... Visual Effects Production Manager
... Stunts
... Storyboard Artist
... CG Supervisor
... Matte Painter
Videos & Photos of
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Videos (2)
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