The ideal motion picture

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2001)

Three people make this film sublime: Tolkein, Jackson, and the shadowy guy at AOL Time Warner who had the bravery to give the licence to a comedy splatter-movie maker from New Zealand.
The music is effective but unmemorable. Apart from that, every aspect, every frame of this film is solid gold. The casting is flawless, and each cast member gives everything under Jackson's passionate, intelligent guidance. Frodo and Gandalf in particular are mesmerising. You will see not just the finest special effects ever (to be expected) but their most moving and artistic use. And don't forget that this is the adaptation that for fifty years Hollywood said couldn't be done.
This movie fills you with a passion from about five minutes in until long after the credits; an enchantment worthy of Gandalf himself.