Holy war looms over Disney's Narnia epic

Guardian Unlimited ^ | Sunday October 16, 2005 | by Paul Harris

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As the UK prepares for a CS Lewis movie blockbuster this Christmas, a row has broken out about its Christian message.

Are they expecting another wave of anti-semitism, like that brought about because of Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ"? But seriously - if (and that's a giant IF) Disney doesn't mess it up, what's the fear? Nonbelievers act like they're being chased by demons at the mere thought or mention of Biblical themes and ideas. That might even be in the Bible somewhere.

[AnAmericanMother]

I like Aravis a lot too. She has grit (and quite a mouth on her, in a knightly sort of way.) One of my favorite scenes is of her telling the story of her escape to Bree, Hwin, and Shasta (Cor), with all the interruptions and asides. "'I didn't say it nearly as well as that,' muttered the mare. 'Hush! You're spoiling the story,' said Bree, who was enjoying himself immensely."

[asmdrums]

They are like a kiddy Lord of the Rings but has more meaning to the story. For example if someone dies in Lord of the Rings it is horriable and scary like with the Wraiths, but in the Narnia books it would just say ,"he fell over and died. But to answer your question yes in a way it is a childrens book. But you want to know something I am 19 and I still find the Book fun to read. So this movie is going to be kick ass!

[asmdrums]

Why does everone thinks Disney is making this film because they are not. Walden Media is and Disney is just Distributing it. So if you love the movie when it comes out thank Walden Media if you hate blame Walden Media not Disney they have no say in how the movie is made. They just do the advertisments.

[Rastus]

At least at Hogwarts, they still celebrate Christmas *as* Christmas. That's more than I can say for Anytown High USA.

[Rastus]

I haven't had a chance to read this whole thread, so I don't know if this has been said. There was some talk that the Christian allegory would be squeezed out of this version "to make it more palatable to US audiences." That's a laugh riot in the wake of the Passion. But, I'm not even sure statements of that kind originated with the filmmakers, or if it was just wishful atheistic thinking. I know one person I read online said it should be a movie for everyone, not just Christians. Bunk. If atheists and Philip Pullman don't like it, they can not see the movie. Isn't that what the Left tells us every time we complain about Leftist propaganda in movies? What's good for the goose and all that.

As far as I know, Walden Media is a Christian conservative production company, so the allegory will most likely be kept intact.

[RobbyS]

Also his science fiction novels: "Out of the Silent Planet." etc.

[RobbyS]

Thanks for the report!

[UnChained]

"For those who have, how does C.S. Lewis compare to J.R.R. Tolkien? Are the C.S. Lewis books on par with LOTR or are they more for children?"

From a fundie christian...

Tolkien was much more of a wordsmith than Lewis. Tolkien's skill at projecting setting and feeling into the readers mind isn't matched by Lewis. The Christian allegory in the Narnia books is fairly heavyhanded too.

They're an easy read and fairly enjoyable but I kept comparing the two authors and found myself wishing that Lewis had more of Tolken's genius.

For more adult fair try the SF trilogy from Lewis:

Out of the Silent Planet
That Hideous Strength &
Perelandra

It's tedious in places and very clever in others.