Closer to my own view of the book than I thought possible.

Rating: Null/10 (10 January 2002)

While we all see and percieve things differently while reading texts, I must say that Jackson and myself were on the same wavelength when we read FOTR. Much of that must be attributed to Tolkien's lengthy descriptions and interpretations of person and place. Whatever be the case, for me personally that was what surprised me the most.
I found the film to be great, even as one who got caught up in the hype. I was worried that my expectations were too high, as has happened with a lot of other films. But this did not happen this time. I was thrilled with what I saw, and look forward to seeing it again as well as buying the DVD when released. We still have 2 more to go, and I think that the filming of all 3 films at once was a great idea that some have criticized. Jackson was in the same frame of mind when filming all 3 segments, whereas he more than likely wouldn't have been if he had filmed them with a significant time frame between.
To rebuke other criticisms that this movie followed along with the book too closely, and while doing so spoiled some of the cinema magic - I say to them not to post any more comments. Tolkien is long followed by many LOTR freaks (myself now one), and that is what drew many people to the cinemas. Tolkien is also of the great fantasy writers, and to rewrite any part of his work would be a great insult to him, and to his followers.

If I have any criticism, it would be that some parts were changed, or left out altogether. Tom Bombadil? Why not? To me he was a big part in creating the mood for me as I read the book. A ray of hope in a dark world he was. And I speculate that Arwen's part, which was played by Liv Tyler, was extended more out of demands from the movie industry in some form or fashion because of her name. One comment that I agree on wholly is that the cast worked together so well because there were no "huge" stars in this film. The focus of this film was on the characters and not of the actors, which is how all movies should be.
All in all, a great movie in my mind, and one of the greatest I've seen. There is no such thing as a 10, but I'll give it a 9.8 or so. I can't wait to see the other two, and I hope with them that my expectations aren't too high because of the prescedence that is set by the first one.