They did it, they finally did it.

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2001)

Being a long time fan of Tolkien, I was anxious to see what Peter Jackson had in store for us. Though my expectations ran very high, I was not let down. The seemingly impossible task of putting Tolkien magnificent world of Middle Earth to the big screen let us all wondering if the screen would be big enough.
After the not entirely successful animated version from 1979 by Bakshi, most Tolkien readers was left with the hope that someday, in the all too far future, someone would finally have the vision, the technology, the drive and the money to do it right.
Peter Jackson put up the vision, New Line Cinema put up the money, the rest is before our very eyes becoming movie (/literary?) history. Alan Lee's stunning artwork has been brought to life perfectly. Though some might disagree, which they are entirely entitled to, that the story has been altered, it has not been changed in any way that disturbs the essence of Tolkiens masterpiece. Many people are very sensitive to this type of alteration, but Peter Jackson has changed only subtle things that would make for a movie better suited to represent the original intent of the author.
Basically, everything in this movie works. The plot is well told and engaging. The characters are perfectly believable (I particularly enjoyed Sean Bean's rendition of the all too human Boromir and not enough praise can be given to Ian McKellen for his bringing Gandalf to life). The scenery is perfect too the degree that I suspect they have found a passage to Middle Earth. The rhythm, mood and flow is also no less epic, homely and intense, when called for.
All in all, perfect is the word that come to mind. Well, done mr. Jackson and associates! We look forward to seeing the first one repeatedly until the next one arrives.