A beautifully constructed and visually wonderful film.

Rating: 10/10 (13 January 2002)

I have not read any Tolkien before, so I went to see the movie with an open mind. I was blown away by the truly wonderful scenery, excellent characterization, and incredible special effects. (How did they manage to get the Hobbits to always appear to be 2 ft. smaller than the rest of the cast?) And The music was perfect - I must get the c.d. I am very much looking forward to the next episode. It is a film that stays with you long after you leave the cinema. Not a film for children, there were bits that scared me, and some very bloody battles which I would not think suitable for under 10's. My worst nightmare was enacted - walking along a very narrow crumbling stone wall with vast chasms at either side, and the wall begins to break up -terrifying. Romantic scenes were not too schmaltzy, and Viggo Mortensen - wow, gorgeous or what? The best film I've seen for a long time.