I love this movie

Rating: 10/10 (19 January 2002)

I can't remember a time where I have been compelled to see a movie in the cinema twice. The first time I saw it, I was blown away. The second time, I could sit back and enjoy it completely. Some of the highlights (not in order)-
1. The transformation of Frodo from carefree hobbit, to someone with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Elijah Wood was fantastic. You could see the change in his eyes.
2. Gandalf- Sir Ian McKellan, need I say more?
3. Bilbo- I had tears in my eyes in every scene he was in.
4. The fellowship mourning the death of Gandalf- It was understated but extremely moving.
5. Enhancing some of the female characters- Yes, the purists will hate it, but reading the book as a young girl, it was hard not to feel a bit 'left out' of the adventure.
6. Legolas- a magnificent presence (but I felt that more information could have been given about his background and motivation for joining the fellowship)
7. Cinematography, costumes, cgi, script, direction- the attention to detail was amazing(hand-crafting of weaponry, New Zealand scenery), and there was a sense that the director nurtured and appreciated the actors' craft (as opposed to George Lucas, for example).
8. The quality of acting in general- I was so happy that no big Hollywood 'names' were used. It would have detracted from the ensemble nature of the characters.
9. The score- subtle, happily lacking the bombastic 'John Williams' touch.

When I first heard that Peter Jackson had taken on the Tolkien trilogy, I was both scared and excited. Scared, because it was such a momentous task, and excited because I truly believe that he is one of the few directors who could accomplish it. I have seen and enjoyed all his films to date, and I believe that he is one of the most talented directors currently working. His achievement sends a strong message to struggling and aspiring directors, that you don't need to be a Hollywood yes-man to succeed. If the Oscars have any integrity left, this film and the people who worked on it, should be strong contenders. I would love to know how he persuaded NewLine to stake their future on these films. It would make a great book, or maybe they could include it on the DVD :-)