An Absolute Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (26 March 2002)

Now that the inevitable hype upon its initial release has subsided, the time is right to properly appreciate and marvel at director Peter Jackson's classic masterpiece. For masterpiece it most certainly is and my personal hope is merely that the forthcoming `sequels' live up to what has gone before! Firstly however, it is pertinent to dissect the various criticisms that have been levelled at the film from some uninformed quarters.
To slavishly emulate JRR Tolkien's original work would be virtually impossible; the book is far too detailed to allow such an undertaking but what has been delivered is a superb adaptation that maintains the spirit of the original publication. (Indeed, the original novel suffered from more than it's fair share of padding and the removal of sojourns such as the group's meeting with Tom Bombadil do not detract from the overall tale). The screenplay, in presenting the story, does indulge in poetic licence  but within the parameters of the overall theme. So to those who moan `it's not like the book', use a little commonsense eh?! Likewise, the `anti-climatic ending'  anyone with even a modicum of intelligence will appreciate that this is Part One of a Trilogy, an ongoing story, so if you're more disposed to a `crash, bang, wallop' finite ending then you're probably better off watching the latest Arnie release! Yes, it certainly leaves the viewer hankering as to know what transpires next but all will be revealed in December's forthcoming `The Two Towers'. And finally, as to the whole `Star Wars vs. LOTR' debate, for my money there really is no comparison. Effects-wise `Star Wars' may have been ahead of its time on original release but, please, take just a moment to consider the simplistic storyline and shallow `characterisation' before even contemplating the remote possibility it could compare on any level with LOTR! So, what is it all about?
At the beginning of time, nine magical rings are forged that bestow upon the various races within Middle Earth the power by which to rule. But a further, secret ring is also forged by the Dark Lord Sauron that has the power to bind all nine together and thereby plunge Middle Earth into a future of darkness and despair under his domination. Fate decrees that a young Hobbit, Frodo Baggins, inherits this magical ring who then undertakes to destroy it  and therefore Eternal Darkness  once and for all within the fires of Mount Doom, the place it was originally forged and the only location where it might be destroyed. So begins his perilous journey from within the comfortable safety of The Shire to the evil domain of Mordor assisted by a motley collection of fellow Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves and Gandalf the Wizard  all the while insatiably pursued by the terrifying agents of Sauron. So the adventure begins as we witness the intrepid band on their journey and all that they encounter on their way to the outskirts of Mordor, wherein the ring must eventually be destroyed..
Ian Mckellen is absolutely outstanding as Gandalf the wizard, the personification of the paternal grandfather we'd all like, the focal point of wisdom and guidance and his omission from the recent Oscar Winners was a grave misjudgement of the Academy's behalf. All round the casting is inspired but it is slightly disappointing that both Liv Tyler and Cate Blanchett's contributions are little more than cameo roles.
The imagery is breathtakingly stunning and the choice of location (principally New Zealand) genuinely inspired; wonder in awe as the camera sweeps into the depths of the mines thousands of feet deep or soars above the glorious landscapes - and the obligatory special effects are the pinnacle of the art.
At three hours duration the film may appear lengthy but I for one remained absolutely captivated throughout and I defy anyone with a smidgeon of imagination not to be enthralled likewise. Faultless save for a few of those annoying `humorous' interjections Hollywood seems unable to resist entwining into plots, Lord Of The Rings is simply, a thoroughbred classic in the real sense.