The power of words and legend

Rating: 7/10 (25 April 2002)

Starting off, this film is good as adventure films go. I never really got bored or anything, even though it was a full 3 hrs. I believe it's faithful enough to the book to get by all but the most rabid of fanboys as well. Apart from one thing. This movie has been nitpicked by lots of people, as well as praised, but I still feel I have one issue to press. That is, the power of word, history and names.
The Anduril (the blade of Isildur) is a highly potent token in the books. In the movie its just a broken sword. All through the great tale, the name of the enemy is hardly ever uttered. In the world of the book, a single name (Aragorns real one, for instance) has the power to rally armies. The importance of legend and history is really pressed on, even though some of these characters still walk amongst mortal men, their names and deeds are part of myth. Why take away from that grand atmosphere just to dumb it all down.
I guess people (read: americans, and yes I'm thoroughly prejudiced on this one, feel free to chastise me) are just plain stupid.