Jackson delivers spellbinding fantasy that will shine for years to come

Rating: 9/10 (22 June 2009)

Frodo Baggins (Wood) is entrusted with the legendary Ring of Power and along with a group of follows, is asked to travel to Mount Doom to destroy it.
Based on J.R.R Tolkien's worldwide smash novels, the anticipation behind Peter Jackson's first adaptation was huge and fans and neutrals alike were rewarded with one of the most sophisticated films ever shot.
As far as trilogies go, the biggest up until 2001 was The Star Wars saga, written and directed by George Lucas. Lucas' films were a break away from the norm, a light in the darkness and something so vastly different that viewers flooded to theatres to see and the films, though arguably hampered by modern prequels, are still appreciated and viewed consistently in today's modern time. But now, they have been pushed back by this fascinating fantasy series, which started shooting in 1999 and lasted an incredible 274 days that shows the commitment put in by the vast crew.
The start of the biggest trilogy to ever grace screens began in 2001 with this utterly astounding motion picture that grips and enthrals on a consistent basis to fascinate viewers of arguably any age and like Star Wars, there has never been anything like it.
The opening prequel outlines the main point of the entire trilogy as we learn about the forging of the rings and the one ring to rule over. The fantasy sequences continue in a marvellous collection of fantasy, war and high drama that spills entertainment. One particular exquisite moment in Jackson's opening comes from the arrival of Sauron and the battle of the lands which gave us an insight of what was to come from Jackson.
Jackson's name had appeared on a few films before this release, but there can be no argument as to this being his biggest picture of all time, the film that launched him into Hollywood stardom and secured him a handful of Oscars along the way. His exquisite appreciation of timing helps settle this film into the fantasy genre and depict the story's much needed concepts. The manipulation of the Ring and its powers was certainly the biggest mystery and concept of the film, which the New Zealand director comprehends. We see close up shots of Frodo's expressions as the power takes him over, the toying of the ring as well shows the feel of temptation which Jackson delivers well.
The host of names included are now big Hollywood stars all playing their parts with vigour and spice, in particular Ian McKellan as Gandalf and Viggo Mortensen as Aragon with Elijah Wood carrying the film well.
However this film is all about Jackson as he took the heavy responsibility of adapting one of the biggest book sellers of all time and turning into a spellbinding masterpiece that enthrals and entertains and like Star Wars, will be loved for many years