Know your Tolkien before you read this review.

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2001)

Let me begin by stating that I am something of a Tolkien devotee. Now, there is no such thing as flawless movie, but Peter Jackson's vision held me and a large (and very critical) group of friends in awe for the entire length of the film. Where to begin...
I was frankly worried a few years ago when I heard this project was underway. I didn't believe it could be done faithfully. How would one do Hobbits convincingly? How would the Eye appear? How does one portray the majesty of the elves, even in their decline? Jackson does all of this in a thoughtful way. While I do not always agree with his choices, they are his and I respect him for his vision in taking on a seemingly impossible project.
Truth be told, it is not 100% faithful to the original story, but as another reviewer here indicated, the "flaws", which I refer to as license, are understandable and even necessary to make the film shorter, and it is not short by any stretch of the imagination.
I will avoid tackling the minutae of changes - they do not detract from the story - but there is one change that has caused a great deal of comment in some circles, and that is the role of Arwen. Obviously her role is greatly expanded. I see this as positive and filling several needs. First, she reduces the overall character count. Glorfindel (the original rescuer) is not key to the story. Second, the females amongst the elves are not all wispy, fragile beauty. Arwen is the daughter of the Firstborn, and has all the gifts and might of that people. The other explanations for her role; stronger female characters, sex appeal, etc., seem like contrivances of our world.
All of that said, I wholeheartedly endorse this movie. I have seen it twice as of the time I write this review, and will see it several more times in the theatre I am sure. Jackson has imagined and created a stunningly real Middle-earth that has reshaped and improved my own vision.