The film excludes far too much from the book, and adds to many things.= not in the book.

Rating: 5/10 (15 December 2015)

This film as a standalone on its own was very well done, as it give a very interesting aspect on a world of fantasy.
However when you read the book you see many important things wrong in the transition. The first irritation that can be observed is the blending of not only personalities, but also appearances of Merry and Pippin. At times in the film it is very difficult to know which of the two is doing what. Then the exclusion of Tom Bombadil, yes I know no LOTR film has him, and his importance of showing a guiding figure, and being an adviser. Also the way he symbolizes good itself, and how the ring doesn't hold power over everything. The exclusion of Gandalf's letter is also annoying as it portrays how prepared Gandalf was if he never made it to the inn. Lastly, the changing of Arwen's role is horrid. Yes, I know that there is a love story in the book, however Arwen is given such a huge part whereas in the book she is almost non-existent. Then, there is the fact of adding things that don't happen in either this book or any of the books, and excluding things from the first one. One such example is the mention of Rohan giving Mordor horses in the book however in the film it is barely mentioned.