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Prince CaspianSpiritual dwarfarePRINCE CASPIAN With an open mind, I went to see Prince Caspian, not really remembering anything about C.S. Lewis’s book, though I am fairly certain that I read it some years ago. From that point of view, as a stand-alone piece of cinema for family viewing, this was certainly an entertaining and enjoyable movie. There are not many movies (especially if you rule out animated films) coming out these days that I would be happy to take all my children to see. Although there was a lot of sword play and one scary scene with a hag, a werewolf and the white witch in it, my six-year-old didn’t find it too much. Strong Christian themes were unmistakably evident, and the response of my whole family was a positive one. Narnian stalwartsAfterwards I re-read the book, and for true Narnian stalwarts there may be some problems! Quite a lot of licence was taken with the story, perhaps most notably with both Peter and Caspian being tempted by the power of the white witch and a reduced role for Aslan in what he actually does. The whole level of the conflict is escalated, both the battles with the Telmarines and the personal inward struggles of the characters, especially Peter. The film makes an unnecessary and far-fetched introduction of romantic feelings between Caspian and Susan— not wholly surprising for a Hollywood production. What’s missingAnd there are things from the book which are missing — the frolic in the forest with Bacchus and Silenus is absent, as well as Aslan’s visit to schools and towns — shaking up Miraz’s regime. Although these will be missed by true devotees, it is understandable that this book required a fair amount of alteration to make the transition to the sort of story that works as cinema. Overall, I would recommend it as an enjoyable film with some good messages. Just don’t expect an accurate rendering of Lewis’s book. Alicia Felce,
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