A true masterpiece, modern classic

Rating: 10/10 (19 November 2004)

** HERE BE SPOILERS **
It is Bilbo Baggins (Holm) 111th birthday, and he plans it to be a magnificent one. But he also plans to leave his home and possessions to Frodo (Wood). Bilbo's old friend, the wizard Gandalf the Gray (McKellen), has come and brings his famous fireworks. Among his possessions Bilbo has a ring, a ring he found during his adventures long ago, a ring he has grown very fond of. Reluctantly Bilbo leave the ring and it comes into Frodo's possession. However Gandalf is suspicious and his research confirm it, it is the one Ring. What's worse is that the enemy, the evil Sauron, also know where the Ring, his Ring, is and has sent his minions the ringwraiths to retrieve it. If they succeed, the world is doomed. If the Ring can be destroyed however, the evil can be beaten once and for all. So with his friends, Frodo, set out with the ring on an epic adventure.
This is a masterpiece, with all the pieces coming together and summing up to something greater than the all the pieces. At first, and at the foundation we have a classic and great epic story. The movie isn't totally true to the book (a movie based on a novel can never be) but the important events and feelings are all there. Then we have the cast. Those responsible for the casting should be awarded. Each and every actor/actress is perfect, both in appearance and personality, for their role. As you can see this is due to great casting and great acting both. I could mention the entire cast here, but I think special mentions should go to Mortensen, Astin and McKellen for outstanding acting. In addition to this Howard Shore has made an masterpiece of original score that is beautifully used throughout the movie, both to enhance the story and the feeling, and beautiful in itself (Enya's contribution is great as well). What more, Jackson's directing is very good, his sense of detail both in directing and seeing to that make-up, costumes, digital effects and scenery is as good as they ever can be. Credit, of course, to anyone involved in those areas. Naturally, these factors combined give a great feeling of an epic adventure. There is friendship, threat and action, there is love and a great evil. There is heroes. For once, the effort and resource has been made to give this fantastic story the detail and quality it deserves. AS mentioned, this is a masterpiece, I can think of no way to make it better.
10/10