Breathtaking!

Rating: 10/10 (10 February 2002)

I hadn't read the book when I decided to see the movie. I always meant to but...so I went into the movie with no expectations. From the opening moment, I was drawn into the world of Middle-earth. The cinematography and special effect were wonderful; but it was the directing and acting which really brought the story to life. I have heard a few people say that the movie was too long and the scenes were drawn out. However, it was the way Jackson let the scenes play instead of rushing through them that made the movie seem so real. I had absolutely no awareness of time passing. The casting was excellent. I think Elijah Woods was born to play Frodo. Ian McKellan was unrecognizable as Gandalf, and not because of the make-up. He WAS Gandalf! Viggo Mortensen's potrayal of Aragorn was exceptional. Proud and strong tempered by self-doubt, he seemed vulnerable and invincible at the same time. Wonderful performances by Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan as the hobbits. I was very impressed by Liv Tyler as Arwen; I think this is her best performance. And as always when I see one of her films, I left the movie wanting to BE Cate Blanchett.
Favorite Parts: (very hard to choose!)
-I was amazed to find elves were a tall, strong, and spirited (and fierce when necessary!) people
-the relationship between Frodo and Sam
-how everyone looked REALLY cold in the mountain scenes, not acting like they were cold (it's the little things that make a movie seem real)
-the ring shown to be the embodiment of evil, a living entity, was very well done
-the shadow-world when Frodo puts on the ring
-Gandalf!
Finally, the story is timeless: the quest; the fight between good and evil; the hero, reluctant but filled with a sense of destiny. Jackson's adaptation (I have since read the book) is true to the spirit of the story. The movie was well-acted, well-directed and riveting. I have seen it three times and hope to see it again at least once before it leaves the big screen.