Faithful and Satisfying

Rating: 10/10 (28 February 2003)

I have been a fan of the trilogy for years, and FotR has always been my favorite volume of the series. I was initially skeptic that this movie could bring to life on screen the images in my mind. I was completely wrong. From the smallest detail to the grandest epic sweep of the camera, Peter Jackson's movie translates Tolkien to the big screen magnificently.
Be warned: this is a translation, and not an exact one. Jackson has excised the non-cinematic material, tightened the time frame of the story, and made innumerable other alternations. These changes do not distract from enjoyment of the movie, however, at least not in my case.
This film is a great introduction for newbies to the world of Tolkien, and a fun and exciting ride for the experienced. I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind leaving our world for three hours and experiencing the magic of Middle-Earth.