Completely and utterly blown away!!!

Rating: 10/10 (8 January 2002)

This film is without a doubt THE best film ever made!! Star wars?! what a rip off! You can see where Lucas obtained his 'vision' for his saga! Obi Wan - Gandalf. Luke - Frodo. Han Solo - Aragorn. Leia - Arwen. Comparisons will inevitably be drawn.
I went into this film completely cold. Hadn't read the book. Hadn't even been on the hype wagon until a few months before it's release and I must say, I was blown away. Unfortunately, on my first viewing, there were some rather rude children, and adults talking and laughing throughout, and this distracted me from the film. I have since seen this film 3 times, and it just gets better!
Ian McKellen should get an Oscar for his portrayal of Gandalf the Grey, some actors are born to play some roles, and with McKellen, you looked at him and though that he WAS Gandalf. The same goes for Viggo Mortensen. He played, well he didn't even play Aragorn, again he WAS the character.
FEW PLOT SPOILERS AROUND!
When I first went to see this film, I thought that the whole film would be about the fellowship going to FIND the ring, I had no idea that they HAD the ring and were safeguarding it for it's destruction. So this was a surprise to me.
Peter Jackson!!! What a job! he's only made 5 films and he can create something as beautiful as this! The SFX are fantastic, bordering on flawless. (and I hate these SAD people who actually watch the film and pick out the mistakes, that really BUGS me. Get a life you people!!!) Where was I...? Oh yes, Jackson. If he doesn't win Best Director, then something's wrong. I know it's an event film, but what was Gladiator? And I love that too!
The costume department, and make up effects guys should get nods for their outstanding accomplishment on this film.
The orcs, goblins, troll's etc were very scary especially the leader of the Urac Hai, he scared me witless, and the scene between him and Sean Bean and Viggo was filled with intensity!
The comic potential was used well too. Much needed in a film that is this dark. I think Legolas was a great character and I enjoyed the initial hatred between him and Gimli, towards the end the relationship became somewhat mutual. This film has opened during a time when the forces of good and evil ARE fighting. It's a strong reminder that everyone, regardless of their race or religion should unite to overcome such forces. It's the triumph of the 'little people' over the overwhelming evil. Good timing, even though it's coincidental. We all need escapism at the moment, and what better place to go than the world that Tolkien?Peter Jackson have created for us!!!
The film did drag when we were introduced to Galadriel. Blanchett, who I admire as an actress seemed a little too laid back and monotonous for my liking. Mind you , I havn't read the books, so who am I to judge, but as a film, she didn't hit the right chord with me.
Above all, this is a male film, and I felt that the love story didn't damage that feel, some friends have complained that Arwen doesn't even appear that long in the book, so why boost her character? I felt it worked.
There is so much to say about this film.
Elijah Wood? didn't go overboard on him, but he was strong, and I believe he is developed further - as will all characters! - in the Two Towers.
HUGE PLOT SPOILER HERE!!!! What happened to Gandalf, It took 5 mins for it to sink in! how could that happen? it was the biggest surprise shock I have witnessed since the killing off of Marion Crane in Hitchcock's Psycho!! Good thing that I didn't read the book!
Can we all wait another year for this epic story to conclude? no way!!! I'm going to read the book all in one go - I'll give myself a few weeks, locked away with a bottle of Jack Daniel's and some biscuits and enjoy!!!
All in all, this is a beautifully realised and splendidly shot film. I'm going to watch it for the fourth time in a week.
Go and believe the hype!! If you ARE disappointed, check yourself into the nearest loony bin!!!
13/10. what more can you say.