Thrilling

Rating: 10/10 (2 January 2002)

I saw the movie a week ago and still haven't been able to come up with a better word to describe LOTR than "thrilling". For once, words fail me.
Although I have read the books, I didn't go along expecting to see a totally faithful adaptation but Jackson included far more than I had hoped for and retained the sense of wonder I felt when first reading the books over 20 years ago.
The production design, acting and effects were all first class and Jackson's vision was truly breathtaking. I could single out various performers but that would do a disservice to everyone involved. The New Zealand setting was beautiful (and this from an Australian !!) and although there were a few scenes when the CGI were obvious, they didn't detract from the whole experience. Like some other reviewers on this site, I found the cinematography in the fight scenes somewhat offputting but these are minor grips when compared with all that is good about LOTR.
The best compliment I can give this movie is that I saw it with my parents who are both in their 60s and who NEVER like any movie I like and we all loved every minute.
Bravo New Line for having the guts to put up the money and then let the director do his stuff with what appears to be minimal interference. Can't believe that this came out in the same year as the equally expensive but totally stupid "Pearl Harbour" - talk about from the sublime to the ridiculous. LOTR should win Best Picture at the oscars - the Academy can then rest easy by rewarding a film that made stacks of money (surely the Academy's main motivator - think Forest Gump, Titanic) with the added bonus that it has artistic merit.
See it and be transported to another world for three magical hours.