A Magnificent Achievement

Rating: 10/10 (21 December 2001)

Simply put, Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring is a magnificent movie. Is it perfect? No. But there has never been (and never will be) a movie that was perfect in all regards, to all people. However, as far as an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary classic, it comes close to perfection.
Without a doubt, anyone who has ever even attempted to read the books should see the movie. Even many who may be unfamiliar with the story will hopefully be introduced into the grandeur of Middle Earth through this film. Everyone will likely have some aspect of the film they imagined differently, or would have done differently had they been in the shoes of Peter Jackson. However, a film adaptation is just that- an adaptation of an existing story. It is not a photocopy. A movie is not meant to be a moving illustration for the unabridged text. It is one persons' (or group of persons) interpretation of a story. Perhaps the best way to see it would be one person's retelling of an ancient, but well known tale.
LOTR:FOTR presents a sterling example of what can be achieved in a film when those involved aren't afraid to pour every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears available into the project.
Truly marvelous.