One of the worlds greatest films

Rating: Null/10 (8 March 2003)

It all started years ago when J.R.R Tolkien wrote a novel about a fictional place. A mythical world filled with hobbits, elves, wizards and orcs. Middle-earth, a place where everything is determined by the fate of one ring. The control of this ring gives the person in command the power to cover the world in shadow, destroying everything that they know to be true. They have the power over all men, wizards, hobbits and elves that live in Middle earth. The monster that wants the Ring is the one spirit who can't have it, the ring's creator Sauron.
It is up to nine dedicated individuals to make sure that Sauron doesn't have a chance to destroy Middle Earth.
It is up to Frodo to destroy the Ring and to do that he must venture into Sauron's lair, Mordor and throw the ring into the fiery cracks of Mount Doom, the place where the ring was created. Aided by his faithful friends they set out on the first instalment of this three-part tale. They travel to the depths of Middle-Earth, encountering several different characters, some wanting to assist Frodo in his journey and some wanting to hinder his route. The latter are known as the ring wraiths, driven by their need for the ring which has the power to bring the depths of hell to the surface of Middle-earth.
Although parts from the book were replaced or missed out of the film, (Tom Bombadill didn't even get a look in), it is a precise version of the opening to the novel. Fans panicked when they found out that the Lord of the Rings was being transferred into a film, fearing that the parts of the book would be left out. Peter Jackson, the director of all three films proved them wrong by producing an accurate adaptation of the remarkable fantasy books.
The cast are fantastic, each deserving to be remembered as one of the central characters. Special mention should be given to Saruman the good-turned-evil wizard who is in league with Sauron and Frodo's friend, Gandalf the Grey (Sir Ian McKellen).
One of the central characters decides to give up their part of the journey to Mordor. Though when they go we still know that they are part of the force. From that point, I assure you, viewers who have not read the fictional works by Tolkien, will be distressed at the early disappearance of a favourite character. A character you would expect to continue the journey with Frodo. Someone who can be trusted not to take the ring from and use it to their own advantage.
Jackson maintains his promise by keeping true to the book. Giving justice to the incredible story created by Tolkien. He manages to balance the major themes, the all-action battle scenes and the touching scenes between the central characters. Showing friendship, trust, temptation and for some love.
Jackson's triumphant attempt at bringing one of the most successful novels to film is sure to be the highlight of this years film awards. Running a lengthy two and half hours but still covering the main points. If everything were integrated then the film would last an age. Although I suspect some would want that, wanting to live in the minds of the characters.
Unfortunately I have not yet read the fantastic books by J.R.R. Tolkien, so I went into this film with my eyes open to the possibilities, not knowing what to expect.
If you haven't read the books by the imaginative Tolkien then the mythical names and places may be a little confusing at first, though I assure you it will get easier with time and soon you'll be talking about it in your sleep.
You'll be rushing to the library to take out the last copy of the Fellowship only to find out that somebody got there just before you and will take weeks to finish it. All that's left on the shelf is some worn out book with corners bent that nobody else would even look at, but you find yourself picking it up and taking it to the desk.
Behind the scenes we can see that Jackson's Fellowship truly deserves the title of `A masterpiece'. A film up there at the top with the other great pieces of work produced in our time. From the depths of Moria to Isengard the home of Saruman, the special effects are astounding. As Saruman gives life to his new army we find ourselves fearing what is about to come, knowing that when he is complete there will be little hope left for Frodo and his faithful companions.
I have to say that I felt that the slowest part of the film, the part that let the film down a little was the beginning. Jackson tries to captivate our minds with the slow but relevant party for Bilbo Baggins's 111th birthday. Although this part is required for us to understand how Frodo receives the ring, I thought that it didn't hold the interest of the audience as much as the rest of the film.
The action is a little slow; it does take time for it to appear on our screens but once it does get going there's no stopping the bloodthirsty fights between good and evil. We sit there in our seats on tenterhooks hoping to catch a glimpse of an orc being eliminated.
All in all this is a very enjoyable film, although I suspect fans of the book got a lot more out of it than I did but nevertheless it is unbeatably going to be a smash hit for all ages. While the fight scenes are a little gory, it will still capture the imagination of everyone, and soon we will all be queuing up to see the next box office winner in a year's time. Waiting for the next masterpiece to arrive, will seem like an age, I promise you, you won't be the only one. (There are millions of us).