An Awe-Inspiring, Milestone Fantasy Classic

Rating: 10/10 (8 February 2008)

LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring is an absolutely spectacular film. I have never been this thoroughly integrated into such an astoundingly detailed fantasy universe. This film not only satisfied my long-deprived thirst for a fantasy classic, but mixed in grand emotions of awe-inspiring power and exceptionally epic scenes of tension and action to make it so much more. This undeniable triumph in movie-making matches the enduring power of other fantasy classics such as Star Wars.
The astonishing success of the film is mainly down to director Peter Jackson. He doesn't just capture the masterful vision of J.R.R Tolkien, but also embraces it with utterly jaw-dropping life, beauty and realism before flinging it onto the screen, all the while flawlessly crafting his own personal details and dark yet humorous film-making style into the film. He mixes drama, fantasy, horror, romance and adventure together in a breath-taking way. His work here is terrific, and it is mainly down to the passion and life which he has brought to the film that it is as utterly amazing as it turned out to be. He also helps to write a stupendous screenplay, which ensures not only that the journey which makes up the heart of the story is thrilling and dangerous, but that the characters are powerfully developed, so that we feel strongly for them in their moments of turmoil.
The production design is also outstanding. The world of Tolkien has its own distinct style and character. The production crew have brought this to the screen with almost scary ease, whilst creating environments with such an absurdly large number of details that each frame is jam-packed with things to observe and delightfully devour. Also, each location is new and fresh. For example, Moria, which is the absolute peak of the brilliantly talented production crew's talents, is a long abandoned environment, with skeletons strewn across the floor of its crumpling tunnels and an eerie, grey light shining constantly. It also proves to be the perfect arena for some intense, heart-pumping and haunting action.
The visual effects in Fellowship of the Ring were a superb leap forwards in the development of special effects. Unlike other fantasy movies, there isn't a single moment in this film where I felt like I was watching a visual effect. The superb battle sequences are dramatically enhanced by the tremendous effects on display, yet never seem like they are falling victim to them. The creatures such as the cave troll and the monstrous Balrog are breath-taking to the point that that my mouth was hanging wide open throughout almost the entire Moria section.
The filming locations used in the movie are especially grand and powerful. New Zealand has a raw, exceptional beauty, and the crew uses this for maximum effect. For example, the Shire is peaceful, rural and full of life; exactly the type of place where you would expect to meet a happy, joyful race of people such as the Hobbits. However, New Zealand is also extremely believable when it comes to creating a world which is under constant threat from a sinister and deadly force. It is immensely helpful to have such expert cinematography, as the beautiful scenery on display throughout the film feels truly magical and fully draws us into this fantastical world.
Most of the production values (locations, visual effects, excellent choreography etc) contribute to the superb action sequences. There are several epic pieces of action scattered throughout the film, such as the opening battle between the huge armies of Middle-Earth and the Dark Lord Sauron and the final raw and intense fight between the Fellowship and the Uruk-Hai of the traitor Saruman (Christopher Lee).
But the best action comes when the Fellowship enter Moria. With a fantastic build-up (drums echoing through the tunnels, blurred shadows on the walls and arrows flying out of nowhere to almost hit one of the Fellowship members), this sequence doesn't disappoint. The action explodes onto the screen, and the fighting is visceral, intense and utterly realistic. After a huge battle, the tension is taken up a notch with the arrival of the majestically created Balrog. Wisely, the Balrog isn't revealed until the end of the gripping sequence in which the Fellowship flees it, when it participates in a truly iconic moment of cinema with Gandalf the wizard (Ian McKellan). This is one of the many moments in Fellowship which reminds you that they make very few movies like this nowadays.
The cast is also excellent. As Frodo, Elijah Wood brings decency, humanity and courage to a compelling character. McKellan gives a performance of great power and wisdom as Gandalf, whilst also making his character human. Viggo Mortensen is heroic yet also gripping and clever as Aragorn, whilst Sean Bean brings a sympathetic sense of conflict and honour to the flawed character of Boromir. Whilst John Rhys-Davies provides gruff honour, danger and humour as Gimli the Dwarf, Christopher Lee is chilling and thoroughly evil as the mad traitor Saruman. All of the cast give fine performances, and thoroughly bring their characters to life.
Filled with perfect direction and magnificent efforts from all of the brilliant crew and cast members, this is one of the best fantasy films ever made, and it is a masterful start to what is one of the best trilogies ever committed to the big screen. All hail Peter Jackson, and Lord of the Rings!