Nothing short of one of the most beautiful films ever to crafted.

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2005)

I know saying it's one of the most beautiful films ever to be crafted is saying a lot, but when you get these results from a seemingly "impossible" film, you know the director has hit every mark perfectly. The film depends on not the acting, but the characters, oddly enough, because they are the films backbone of the story; they are so different as far as their cultures and backgrounds. The music is by far one of the best scores ever written. I don't want to offend anyone, but, in my opinion, this score is definitely more "deep" and beautiful than that of "Star Wars". And "The Lord of the Rings", to me, is by far a better film. Unlike most films, the set and backdrop were incredibly difficult, and, though not the core of the film, obviously, just created obstacles that made it more difficult for the director to reach the core. The core of the film is definitely aided by Shore's perfect score, and by the beautiful sets that transport you into the world you would call Middle Earth. To me, the core is the emotional pinnacle in the film. To me, that was, more than all the others, the very last scene. When Frodo is holding out his hand with the One Ring in it, looking into the East, knowing his inevitable danger that is ahead. When he thinks back about Gandalf. When Sam comes along after he has started to paddle across the river. When Sam nearly drowns. When Aragorn talks to Legolas and Gimli about how they are going to leave Frodo and Sam alone to go on their trek, and how they will go save Merry and Pippin from torment and death. Then when Frodo and Sam reach above the river bank. Then, after a few lines, go ahead on their journey. I shall say that this is my favorite scene in the film. It is so beautiful and perfectly crafted. It is more than just a fantasy film, but is possible to bring one to God, through the beauty of it. I know that seems "over the top", but this film is truly a beautiful masterpiece. I can go on and on, as you have probably heard in reading past reviews, but it's true, this epic is one of the most monumental films of all time. I know there's still "The Godfather", "Citizen Kane", "Casablance", and others, but this film is just as beautiful as them. I don't know that time will treat it as good as it treated those films, but just and see before you tell me what a moron I am for comparing this film to them. The acting may not be as strong, which is still great, but the emotion that this film explores is one that I have never felt, and is close to the feeling I got when I realized the beauty of God. I highly recommend this film for anyone who has three or more hours to watch it. Not to watch it with "the guys" on Friday night, but maybe alone, where you can explore your most out-of-reach emotions of beauty without distractions or interruptions. 10 out of 10. Perfectly well-made.