A true filmmakers' film

Rating: 9/10 (29 May 2002)

From the perspective of making films, Lord of The Rings is as close to perfection as filmmaking gets. Even people who didn't particularly like the film were forced to admit that it was a wonderful piece of cinema, beautifully shot with glorious mis-en-scene. What made this one of the greatest films ever made was the performances, which is surprising considering that this is a plot driven story. There is no doubt that the quest to destroy the ring gives the movie momentum but it is complimented so well by the acting. Sir Ian McKellan's performance as Gandalf is breathtaking, it was flawless, there was nothing that could be criticised from his movement to his delivery of dialogue, it was one of the finest performances I have ever seen in any film (it was terrible that McKellan didn't pick up an Oscar for his performance)while solid performances were also given by the rest of the cast. Probably the most commendable things about this movie was despite the fact that good should always triumph over evil but Peter Jackson's direction constantly gives the impression that the bad guys may just come out on top, as so many obstacles have to be overcome by Frodo and the fellowship. This is what keeps the audience hooked for the whole three hours. It is such a refreshing change to see a big-budget epic that truly is an epic, it shows that going to the cinema can be an enriching experience. Jackson extracts the maximum of the cinema medium and creates a story so compelling that I am especially eager to see the next instalment in the trilogy. Never have I been in such anticipation to see a film.