Close to my heart

Rating: Null/10 (26 January 2003)

The books have been a long treasured item in my household, passed down from generation to generation. I first read LOTR when I was no more than eight years of age, and the pages inside of those books opened my eyes to all the magic and adventure, that nothing else I had ever read or seen had show me before. Every year since I still revisit these pages, and I still feel the wonder, bravery and depth I discovered as a child. The first movie, and I smile now thinking about it, holds up to what I have imagined all these years. At the same time, it also brings more. The characters were the same old friends I had accompanied time and time again, old friends but new. I knew the perils they faced but they were presented in a fresh and exciting manner. The ending left me needing the rest, wanting to know what happens despite the fact I already do... This is why this Fellowship works for me, and obviously a lot of other people. Even with a considerable amount of story left out from the big-screen version, what we do have is a story of triumph, courage, strength and friendship strewn throughout with danger, foes and darkness. If I want the bits and peices left out, I can return to the books and use my imagination instead. And imagination is the key here. Peter Jackson and a large amount of other folk were using theirs to create this film. The vivid writing of Tolkien is translated as Peter saw it, and because of this vivid nature it resembles and fits with many, many other people's versions of the story. Fine writing, direction and standouts for me - the unstoppable Mr Lee playing my Saruman and Sean Astin as my Sam. Liv Tyler redeemed herself in my eyes, as I have only encountered her 'acting' skills in the flat,flat and flatter 'Plunkett and Macleane'. There is a lot of love in FotR, from all aspects. I can feel it radiating out of the screen and it makes me glad. Glad of Tolkien's writing, glad of Peter Jackson's creation. An overwhelming triumph on all accounts, and I thank PJ for giving this to not only Tolkien fans, but to all.