Prince Caspian - Leadership Under the Lion

Narnia returns to the big screen this week as Prince Caspian opens in cinemas nationwide, a week after hitting the very, very big screen of the O2 arena at its UK premiere. The new film sees the Pevensie children - Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy - summoned back to Narnia by the eponymous hero, who is rightful heir to its throne. But it is an occupied and embattled Narnia to which they return. True Narnians are now a persecuted minority, and the murderous usurper, Miraz, rules by fear, division and violence. Cue lots of CGI, fantastical violence, elaborate sets and beautiful scenery; together with some subtle details that will please die-hard fans of the book.

And, of course, Aslan.

The story is, in many ways, about leadership.

Caspian, much like the biblical David, is being hunted by a former father figure (see 1 Samuel 18-26). His desire to avenge his true father is partly responsible for the devastating defeat at Miraz's castle. Peter, as High King, is called to release Caspian into kingship. Instead, he commandeers the army and pulls rank on Caspian. He quickly loses faith that Aslan will save them; attacking the castle, defensively digging in, and calling up the ghost of the White Witch are all pursued as alternatives to waiting for, as Edmund remarks, the one who 'really defeated the White Witch'.

Yet the most significant kind of leadership is demonstrated by the youngest, Lucy, who, after a few false starts, heads out alone to find Aslan. When she finds him, she discovers that if she had followed the lion to begin with, even in the face of the others' opposition and doubt, the tragedy at Miraz's castle might have been averted.

That even the most insignificant person has a responsibility to seek the true King, regardless of their official status, or whether anyone else believes them, is a key theme in the original Prince Caspian novel. Lucy does seek him and, as a result, Narnia is restored and Caspian completes the transition from sheltered Telmarine prince to King of Narnia, under the favour and protection of Aslan. Even Peter completes his task and hands Caspian his beloved sword, 'Rhindon'. All this makes for a surprisingly satisfying and engaging film which, while its Christian symbolism is more understated than that of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, still carries a refreshing fragrance of truth about life - and leadership - under King Jesus.

Christina Winn (LICC)