Oh, my word, this is simply the greatest spectacle on film

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2001)

One film to rule them all, One film to find them, One film to bring them all, and in the theater bind them...
**POSSIBLE SPOILERS (but if you've read the books, what the heck!) **
Spectacular, abso-bloody-lutely spectacular. An excellent cast and mind-boggling special effects thrust you into the center of Tolkien's first Lord of the Rings book. The danger, evil, and heroism are not merely portrayed, they are palpable, surrounding you at all times. The three hours will pass as but a few moments of the day to all but the most churlish, the least imbued with a sense of wonder.
As a LOTR (and Tolkien) buff, I noticed several departures from the book, notable but not major. First, Frodo is supposed to be quite a bit older than Sam, having reached his forties or so when his adventure begins; Pippin and Merry are younger, and Sam should be the youngest. Frodo's manner of leaving the Shire is wrong; it was well planned and Pippin, Merry, and Sam secretly plan to go with him, not as chance as the movie shows. However, all of that would have required a much longer first installment. I don't believe the Riders come that close to Frodo before Bree in the book, either. The Council did not behave badly in the book, and of course much less time was spent on Saruman in the book as well.
So what? It works in the film, and the most important themes are beautifully drawn. CGI usually gums up films, with a few exceptions, but here it is put to brilliant use. The cave troll and the Balrog look as though they were filmed right alongside the actors in the scenes. When Frodo puts the ring on, the imagery conveys the same sense I had when reading the books. And the scenery! New Zealand is displayed in beauty and splendor; more than once I wondered why this spectacular scenery isn't used in more films.
I've only seen this film the one time, but you can be sure I'll be heading back -- very soon -- to see it again. Go see it ... film history is calling you.