The latest installment of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian captures the imagination of audiences through its visual techniques, but the plot reeks of Hamlet.
Basic Hamlet Plot in Narnia’s Sequel
In C.S. Lewis’ s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Narnia is no longer. The human Telmarines conquered Narnia 1300 years ago and established their own kingdom. The plot then relies on the same basic premise of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, or the modern The Lion King. Like Hamlet, Prince Caspian discovers that his uncle murdered his father, the king, because he wants the throne. Once Prince Caspian realizes that he is his uncle’s next target, he flees into the forest and discovers the remaining Narnians who were thought to be extinct.
Throughout the film, Prince Caspian must find the truth, defeat his uncle with the help of the four Penvensie siblings and the remaining Narnians, and reclaim his right as heir to the throne. It is disappointing that the entire plot revolves around the same predictable conflict.
The four Penvensie siblings, King Peter (William Moseley), Queen Susan (Anna Popplewell), King Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Queen Lucy (Georgie Henley) return to Narnia for the sequel and remain enchanting. The addition of Prince Caspian creates a power struggle between him and Narnia’s King Peter. However, the brief return of the White Witch seems pointless, and the newfound love interest between Prince Caspian and Narnia’s Queen Susan feels unnecessary and forced.
Theme of Genocide in Narnia
A major theme in the sequel is the Telmarine belief that the Narnians are, and should be, extinct. When Prince Caspian attempts to rally Narnians to help him conquer his uncle, they blame him for the attempted genocide of Narnians. He defends himself, saying he never even knew Narnians really existed. He thought they were simply Telmarine stories. The expressed views of both the prince and Narnians touch upon the complicated history of hatred, ignorance, anger, and fear of the oppressed and the oppressor, adding much needed depth to the plot.
Special Effects in Narnia
Like the first film, the Prince Caspian sequel relies heavily on special effects. The gorgeous setting, various characters, animation, visual and sound effects, makeup, and costumes make the film a breathtaking success. Aslan’s much anticipated return does not disappoint; in fact, his awe-striking presence in the final battle scene provides the epic magic and vision the sequel promised. This is where the magic in Narnia lies.
Violence in Narnia
Like the first film, the PG-rating does not warn parents enough of the enormous violence in the film. This film is not appropriate for young children. Epic battle after epic battle, bodies crash and swords slice both humans and Narnias alike. Soldiers on both sides display undying loyalty, fighting for their people and giving up their lives to save lives. While the director, Andrew Adamson, leaves out the blood and guts, the actual harsh physical force and heartache of war is ever-present. The film is not for the faint-hearted and should be rated PG-13.
Three and a half stars.
Visit the Official Prince Caspian Film Site.
