My faith in the power of film is restored!

Rating: Null/10 (19 December 2001)

I had been looking forward to this film for a while. I have been a big fan of Peter Jackson's film work. This year has been a monumental disappointment for movies. Well, my friends, this year has been redeemed by an astounding, thrilling, beautiful and, surprisingly, very moving film.
"Fellowship" is a transporting experience. I cannot remember the last time a film took hold of me like this. Just about every element in this film was nailed!!! From the amazing prologue to the heartbreaking, yet hopeful ending three hours later, I felt as if I was actually in Middle Earth.
Peter Jackson's direction was top notch. His ability to contrast breathtaking visuals and action sequences with quiet, character centered scenes was deft. Sure, I will admit the scenes in Lothlorien were a bit weak, but that is very minor.
The cast was very, very good. Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen and Viggo Mortensen's performances were 100% convincing. I was particularly taken aback by Sean Bean's Boromir. The scene in which he teaches Merry and Pippin sword fighting told more about his character than 10 pages of dialogue could have.
The cinematography was utterly beautiful throughout the film. Let's just say that I wish I could catch the next flight to New Zealand.
I think the best special effects are ones that propel the story and don't make the watcher ask, How did they do that? When a story is told as well as this, I just accepted everything that I saw onscreen. I can't pay a higher compliment to WETA, the effects company, than that.
All told, I will be seeing this movie several more times.
9/10 By far the best film of the year.