Satisfied, but not amazed

Rating: Null/10 (26 April 2002)

I read LOTR ten years ago, but still remember most of it. When I left the theatre, I thought that I had seen a good film, with certain scenes quite stunning, but in total nothing breath-taking. Concerning the characters I was pleased with everyone, but Saruman. In my imagination he more represented the evil side by his look and speech, that most of all. He is supposed to seduce anyone merely by the power of his voice, which simply does not happen in the film. Also I was disappointed by omitting Tom Bombadil, the Master of the Old Forest. He is THE ancient character, as a matter of fact, far more powerful than Gandalf, for he does not vanish when wearing the ring, for instance. He precedes even the Dark Lord himself in age. And-he wins by song. On the other hand, Arwen and Galadriel "took" me really. When Arwen whispered to the river to save her and Frodo from the Nine, I hardly breathed. She was natural! The way she cried:"If you want him, come and claim him!", with her sword brandished high, that was SOMETHING. The other moment of this sort was Gandalf stopping Balrog at the Bridge of Kahazad-Dum, with all his might:"You shall NOT pass!" These moments, together with the temptation of Galadriel ("they shall all LOVE ME AND DESPAIR") and few others made me see the film three times already. Despite the fact that the structure of the film is not exactly excellent, following a scheme: talking-journey-battle... I can't wait to see the Two Towers.