Super quality, but there should be a 'long version'.

Rating: 10/10 (26 December 2001)

The first two hours of the movie: (score: 8 1/2)
During the first part (until the mines of Moria) I watched it mostly detached from what was happening on the cinema screen. It was great stuff, but I found myself mainly comparing it to the book I read (a long time ago).
I very much liked the quality of detail of stuff that made it in the film. I didn't like the speedy travel from the Shire towards Rivendell, a slightly too superficial introduction of some people and their weapons at Rivendell, and the speed of travel through the snowy mountains. All in all, during this first part things were just a bit too hasty for me. I felt I was looking at no more than a very good attempt of puting the Lord of the Rings to film.
The last hour of the movie: (score: 10)
In Moria this changed however. The entry to the mines was done like it should, the Cave Troll was done superbly as was the sequence at the final bridge. What followed were some of the best movie sequences I have ever witnessed: The loss of Gandalf, the conversation with Galadriel, the 2 huge statues, the betrayal of Boromir and his ultimate sacrifice. All these were done with such stunning power that I have very little to compare it with. Better than Schindler's List, which is the best I have seen from Steven Spielberg, and uptil now my favorite movie and director.
Conclusion:
In my opinion this movie sets new standards for high quality visuals, drama and music (during the most dramatic moments).
Should a 'long version' of this movie be made, paying special attention to my complaints of the first part, I would give this movie a perfect 10. Some parts at the end were done so amazingly well that I will still give this movie a 9 1/2. Thanx Peter Jackson!!