Narnia (Turkish Delight Remix)

What in the world is Turkish Delight? I first learned of this food this fall while reading C.S. Lewis' wondrous book The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. After seeing the film adaptation of the classic tale, I at least know what Turkish Delight looks like. The film does an admirable job of using sharp details to draw viewers into the context in which Lewis' story was written and is to be celebrated, namely, from widest in scope to smallest: World War II, Europe, England, and lastly, a child's perspective.

Much can be said about the distilling nature of war, particularly World War II; in college dorms across the United States, philosophical debates involving the nature of good and evil consistently invoke the German Nazi's as the go-to illustration of evil. The film LWW (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) contains refreshing clarity regarding good and evil; there are no attempts made to reduce the world of Narnia into the muddle of moral grayscale that is all too common in films these days. Aslan the Lion is an authentic hero the viewer can cheer without hesitation.

The European/English context also adds character to the tale. Because LWW opens with a gripping scene of Luftwaffe bombers delivering destruction to English cities, the viewer is immediately given a vivid glimpse of life on the doorstep of terror. Providentially, modern America does not know the unique calamity of having a neighboring country similar to Nazi Germany. Europeans experienced an intimacy with moral darkness throughout World War II that provides a sure foundation for Lewis' fantasy.

However, the singularly most foundational perspective to enjoying LWW film for all of its worth is the child's precious vantage point. I remember watching a child in the movie unabashedly step into a forest without showing any concern about the exact path home; I'm thinking, "Wait, you should mark the way you came in first..." before I slowly realized then and throughout the film that the child's simplicity and eager faith are the reason the adventure occurs at all. LWW resounds with rich illustrations of child-like wonder and hopeful anticipation. The film explores some deep realms such as man’s quest for justice, portrayed by Edmund’s experience, but even this vast topic gains a fresh lucidity when seen from a young boy’s eyes.

The Chronicle of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a resplendent film with gorgeous visuals, compelling plot, and memorable characters. But, the greatest prize gained from delving into this adventure is a renewed appreciation for receiving life like a child.