Wow

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2002)

I'm not sure that there are words to describe what I thought of this film, but I'll have a go. Everything about it was amazing - the landscapes, the script, the effects (and they don't normally concern me too much), the music (can you wear out a CD?!). But what really got to me was the emotion emanating from this film - whereas most films get into your head, this one got into my heart (corny, I know, but true). The reason for this? The acting. A film may have all of the above listed things, but if the actors aren't right then you'll never accept the film. Every single character was perfectly portrayed, including Arwen and Galadriel (who a lot of people didn't seem to like). In fact, I think extending Arwen's role was a change for the better - at least in FOTR (I'm reserving judgement on her role in the next two installments). I must make special mention of four actors though. Firstly, Elijah Wood. A perfect combination of vulnerability and determination, and those eyes - I could just drown in them! Secondly, Sean Bean. Boromir was always one of my favourite characters, but I truly sympathised with the character in the film. Thirdly, Ian McKellan - he is Gandalf, what more can I say? And finally, Viggo Mortensen. His performance just blew me away. Apart from being gorgeous (!) I loved the way he portrayed Aragorn's fear that he wouldn't be good enough to be King. And boy, can he swing a sword!
In summary, go and see this film. I've seen it five times, and I'm not stopping there. Simply the best film of all time.