Almost Perfect

Rating: 10/10 (19 September 2002)

I read the books at least 10 times. Seen the movie 5 times. Every time I read or see LOTR, I just love it more.
There are some comments that the ring doesn't manifest enough "power" to be of such concern. Tolkien was deeply affected by World War 2. Sauron was probably his parallel of Hitler before the war, an evil that everyone knows but dare not talk about it. The ring was probably a symbol of the dark power (German Nazi) that is awaking after World War 1 which Tolkien himself fought in.
Unfortunately, there are time limits to the film. There are some sub plots which were not shown in the film that I would have loved to see. Especially of the friendship between Gimli and Legolas. In the book, they are arch enemies when they first met to almost inseparable in the end. In the film, Jackson did not spend much time on this and it makes Legolas and Gimli like passenger of a larger plot.
Jackson's depiction of Boromir is better. A warrior who lost his way but his ambition driven by his love for his people. The pledge of allegiance to Aragon was totally unexpected and it was a GREAT TOUCH!!! It took my breathe away and I was in awe as Jackson perfected Boromir's character for Tolkien.
It will be interesting to see how Jackson will potray the Ents in Two Towers and the swamps of Marshes.
An all time best. Those who have not seen it MUST SEE!