May It Be

Rating: 10/10 (21 December 2001)

I wasn't a big fan of Tolkien's work although I respected his achievement and scholarship (however tedious it might be to some of us). But to whomever gave this material to Mr. Jackson and permitted him to film it in the manner he has chosen and with the people he's employed, thank you.

I've seen many films in my 54 years, and this one brought surprise and wonderment with each and every moment. Congratulations to all involved.

I was familiar with Enya's song prior to seeing the film (an experience enhanced by seeing it in an Imax theater, if you have the opportunity to see it projected that large, it's worth any effort), but by the time the song was sung after the last images of the horizon stretching before the characters and the audience, I was as emotionally overwhelmed as I've ever been by a work of art.
This movie is easily worthy of garnering "the best" of the year, and it's been a particularly great year for film and a sobering year on the home front.
But, I would advise parents to use restraint in sending their children to this movie. If they aren't old enough to read the books, then they should probably skip the film.