Have you followed this link Katie provided? Narnia is one big Christian allegory; "toning it down" would require rewriting the entire story. Which I wouldn't put past Hollywood.
Let's not be hasty, Master Meriadoc. That's just fans theorizing on what might happen--hardly a reliable source. I'm more inclined to keep up hope of faithfulness to the story based on this quote from the moviefone page there: "...the Lewis books' much-explored Christian allegorical themes are already inspiring some to predict box office success to rival the awesome take of that behemoth Christian non-allegory 'The Passion of the Christ.'"
Hey, whether or not it's going to stick to Christian allegory is beside the point for me -- it looks like it's going to be supremely cool! And, unless I'm mistaken, it seems that the same actress who played the angel Gabriel in Constantine is playing the Witch...
It does look very cool. Good ol' Weta workshop. :) I would wish them to stick to the source material to the degree possible for a good movie, same as with LOTR or any other book-to-film, and therefore it probably would have to retain some Christian allegory. But the Christ figure as allegory is not exactly unique--all mythologies, just about, have a death-and-rebirth character in a position of importance, and some notion of a "heaven", etc., so I don't see why either side (pro- or anti-Christian) is hyperventilating about it.
Actually, Disney began advertising it as "The Passion of the Christ for Children." They seem to believe that by emphasizing the parallels to Christianity, parents will be more willing to spend money taking their children to it.
Thus, while I agree with you on the fact that the Christian viewpoint is really necessary to the story inasmuch as it can be taken literally, it does seem as though everyone should be prepared for some heavy-handed emphasis on the religious symbollism in this movie.
I know! It's even another Kiwi production! It's the perfect LOTR detox material. ;)
Anyway, about the Christian thing: this could be embarrassing, but I didn't notice the parallel in the Narnia books until I was in college and a friend pointed them out. Seriously. Of course, I live a very non-religious life, but I do think it's totally possible for that theme to exist for those who like it without any overt pushing of an agenda. 'Cause if you don't worry about it it's just a story about some kids who go to another world. And that's what I like about it. :)
I am waiting with great anticipation for this one. I was really dreading it, even though I only look at the imdb boards for a laugh, it really began to worry me, with all the people there saying how awful it was bound to be. But yay for unknown British child actors, because those kids look awesome. So does Aslan - the 3 year old boy I look after was completely taken with him, and thought he was even cooler than Littlefoot, which is an immense honour.
The behind-the-scenes featurette (on apple.com's trailer links, among other places) with Richard Taylor and the NZ landscapes made me all happy. It was like another LOTR extra. And I must re-read the chronicles since I don't remember them well, but I am pretty darn sure I do count as a fan. ;)
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No harm in a little optimism. ;)
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Thus, while I agree with you on the fact that the Christian viewpoint is really necessary to the story inasmuch as it can be taken literally, it does seem as though everyone should be prepared for some heavy-handed emphasis on the religious symbollism in this movie.
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Anyway, about the Christian thing: this could be embarrassing, but I didn't notice the parallel in the Narnia books until I was in college and a friend pointed them out. Seriously. Of course, I live a very non-religious life, but I do think it's totally possible for that theme to exist for those who like it without any overt pushing of an agenda. 'Cause if you don't worry about it it's just a story about some kids who go to another world. And that's what I like about it. :)
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'Cause if you don't worry about it it's just a story about some kids who go to another world. And that's what I like about it.
Exactly. Bring it on, Weta darlings!
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Cause if you don't worry about it it's just a story about some kids who go to another world.
Indeed!
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And three cheers to you for including this in your fandoms! It's obviously one of my favorites!!
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