The best adaptation of Tolkien's work

Rating: 8/10 (16 July 2011)

I have always been an avid fan of J.R.R Tolkien and his writings, and the Lord of the Rings is one of my favourite book trilogies. I also admire Peter Jackson and to me he is the perfect director of the whole adaptation (as well as his adaptation of King Kong and his upcoming two part version of The Hobbit). The first installment of the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, is the beginning of both Jackson and Tolkien's work. I normally explain the basic plot, but in this case it is difficult, because there is so much background and depth that a basic plot becomes an essay. However, here is the simplified synopsis: a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins must embark on a perilous quest to destroy the One Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron. Accompanied by a fellowship of allies, Frodo must go to the Mountain of Fire in the land of Mordor to complete the quest and foil the Enemy in his evil purpose. Admittedly, there are elements of the book that are removed or changed, but it is done for a good reason: to focus on the peril that surrounds the ring (those who are familiar with the books will know what I mean). The action scenes, characters and music are all superb and what could be a better setting for the lands of Middle Earth than the director's birth country, New Zealand? Additionally, the actors are very well chosen for their roles: in my opinion, the most notable being Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Hugo Weaving as Elrond and, of course, the wonderful Cate Blanchett as Galadriel. As a conclusion, I'd say this is a brilliant adaptation of the book and a must see for those who love Tolkien but haven't seen the films.