It live up to the hype. What more can you say?

Rating: 10/10 (7 January 2002)

I've been obsessing about this film for two years, checking out for news on the net on a weekly basis. I had incredibly high expectations and I'm relieved to say that it didn't disappoint. Every time I start thinking about this movie I want to go back and see it again. I've only seen it twice thus far and, if possible, it was even better the second time (the audience nearly spoiled it the first time). I cried like an 8 year old when Boromir died and the Hobbits were taken away (I was also on the verge when Gandalf fell).
I was also relieved to discover that my friends and family loved it too. I was worried that only Tolkien fans would enjoy it but at least three of them who haven't a clue about the story thought that it was better than Star Wars (no idle boast for my generation who grew up with Luke and co.). I was also happy to discover that a lot of the girls I know thought it was very good. Even my Mum liked it (but that could have a lot to do with the presence of Aragorn). It's going to be a long and agonising wait until Christmas 2002.
I've read several reviews and there seems to be hardly any mention of the brilliance of Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of Aragorn. The subtlety of his performance made you forget that this was an actor acting (an accusation that could be charged against Sean Bean at some points). In some ways I think Aragorn will become like Han Solo: the kids and the blokes will think he's cool, while the women will fancy him like mad.
As for the other characters, I didn't have a problem with any of them (even Arwen, who I thought could have been a potential weak point). Special mention should be given to Ian McKellen. He just was Gandalf (and to think they were going to give it to Sean Connery at one point). He should get an Oscar nomination at least. Sam and Pippin (great comic relief) were great and the rest of the Fellowship did a good job with relatively little screen time. As for Elijah, he was rock solid, but I think greater performances will come in the next two instalments.
The greatest praise of all should be levelled at Peter Jackson. A masterful display of direction which used real emotion rather than the usual cheap Hollywood sentiment. Lucas should go and see this movie and take some notes.
I just hope that the Academy will acknowledge this film in March (it should get at least 5 including Best Picture and Best Director).
P.S. I'll also just mention that the Uruk-hai were cool.