Oh, how it pains me.

Rating: 10/10 (10 August 2002)

This is the second time I have commented on this movie. The first time, I was at a loss of words as I was still awestruck. Now, as I read through other comments, I return with a fire in my belly. Anyone who has anything negative to say about this movie is missing it. I hear about poor action scenes, acting that is lacking something, missing events from the book, the list goes on. They say a movie is great if and only if all the acting is great, the plot has little to no holes, it must flow, it must meet a list of criteria. I say that if you watch this movie, or any other, checking things off a list, you have missed it.
To love this movie the way some many Tolkien fans have, is to remember 2 things. 1 - Let go. Don't anticipate every move. (no matter how predictable) Enjoy what you see and hear and feel. Do you ever notice that children enjoy movies more than most adults. It is because they have no expectations or demands. They simply let go.(# 1 is true for any movie) 2 - LOTR is a very long story. Sure there seems to be relationships missing, characters are not round, story lacking. There is a much bigger picture there than the just the 3hour movie we all saw.
My take on LOTR. This movie is what epic stories are about. Mr. Lucas could take a few pointers from Mr. Jackson. There is something old and historic about the characters and how they are portrayed. It is a fictional story with fictional people in a fictional time. It only makes sense to leave you guessing to an extent. And most of the time, the actors/actresses say more without speaking. Each character is full of fear, terror, doubt and urgency; and we see it in thier faces. The visuals and effects are so rich and full of flavor, our eyes eat up every scene.

This is a great movie, because after I have seen it and am leaving the theatre, I feel like I have just came back from a trip. My mind is still in the movie, reliving the events. It's great because I jumped when I was scared, I laughed, I wept and I felt anger. This movie made me feel. That is what makes a great movie. Thomas Edison failed at many things, but it does not take away the fact that he was a great scientist. "To say a rose is but a rose, is to catalog it before it has had its chance. Look at the rose. So many shades of red and pink we have never before noticed. Feel the soft curves of its peddles. They are firm, yet fragile; tender and warm. And when you smell it, it exudes a fragrance like no other. . . LOOK AT THE ROSE. Simple, and common. . .and so very wonderful."