The story is timeless. My friend Phil commented, "You could watch the movie ten times and find something new every time." Several story lines are woven throughout the movie: a family torn by war, discovery and fulfillment of one's destiny, the triumph of good over evil. Each time I see it, the redemption story strikes me most.
All four Pevensie children have strong personalities and character traits; Peter is the oldest and a headstrong, but reluctant leader; Susan is a pessimistic, overly-cautious, older sister; Lucy is the youngest, with an adventurous, imaginative streak; and Edmund is the self-willed younger brother tired of being in the shadow of his older brother.
Of the four children, I identify with Edmund. In his struggle to assert his own will, Ed betrays his family, allies, and the kingdom -- deceived by the White Witch, who appeals to his appetite for "sweeties" and influence. The hero Aslan steps in and reconciles Edmund with his family and the citizens of Narnia, admonishing "What has happened in the past is not to be spoken of." Making a pact with the Witch, Aslan even takes Edmund's place on the Stone Table.
Along with Susan and Lucy, we follow Aslan through the night as he goes to the Stone Table to appease the Deep Magic. The White Witch and her army celebrate as they humilliate and ultimately sacrifice Aslan. As they go to war with Peter and his army, the dark army leave Aslan dead on the altar.
Although the rest of the movie speaks to the epic victory of good over evil, I am broken by the intimacy of the great king of Narnia taking the place of Ed, sacrificing himself, knowing his destiny -- to appease the great magic, overturning death by dying in place of one who is guilty. This is the redemption story of mankind -- our Savior taking His place in the Great Story, and making fallen humanity right with its Creator and bringing life and hope to us.
Want to read more? Consider The series by C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia and the books Black, Red, and White by Ted Dekker.
1 comment:
I so need to see this movie, I am familiar with the story but I have a feeling seeing it in motion will really drive the redemption point home, and that's always a good point to be reminded of!
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