Fellowship is a stunning new invention in cinema - a 'companion' film to the book.

Rating: 9/10 (19 December 2001)

Fellowship was a new experience in cinema - perhaps the beginning of a genera or at the very least a 'format'. Fellowship was not a 'movie', it was a 'companion'. Oh, and what a companion it was.
Never before has written description been translated so completely and perfectly to the screen. The settings and characters leap from our imaginations and onto the screen with such force and unity that one might go so far to say Peter Jackson was channeling the spirit of Tolkien himself.

That said, if you haven't read the books, you haven't a hope. As I said, this is a companion, NOT a film. It could not, and should not, exist alone. It uses the base of a wonderful book as building blocks to open up a new way to experience the horror and wonder only hinted at through the words. Where Tolkien's words somehow lack, Jackson's vision takes over. The image and sound compliment the words, interpret it, draw us farther into it - but it does not replace it. It could not dare to replace one of the greatest written works of fiction, and it does not intend to. Wide swaths of narrative are cut from the film because they wouldn't play well on screen, and for that matter they don't need to be visualized - the words work just perfectly. That doesn't, however, mean they're not important to the narrative - you need to have the background of the book to fill in the film, to complete the story.
If you have read the books, drop what you are doing to see the film and experience the book. It is one of the most satisfying entertainment moments you will have. If you haven't read the books, by all means, DO NOT see this film. Do not let anyone TAKE you to see this film. Do not let anyone TELL you about this film. DO read the book... In fact, read all three. It is some of the finest writing ever. Then, and only then, let the spirit of Tolkien draw you again into middle earth through this wonderful new invention - the "Companion Film" to Fellowship of the Ring.