A Grand Epic. A film that has appeal for anyone.

Rating: 8/10 (9 November 2002)

When I was a child, I remember seeing magical films. Star Wars was so new
and special and was something that no one had seen before. It was a far cry
from the recycled plots and 'thrills a minute' attitude that many current Hollywood films are ruined with before they are produced. Once in a while, a film sneaks through the Hollywood machine unscathed. Director Peter Jackson had to make
his film in New Zealand, across the world from the financing studio, to keep their interference away from it. A group of artists was allowed to bring their vision to the screen without having to worry about test screenings and if there were
enough action sequences.
This film is magic. I challenge anyone with a pulse to watch this film and not be moved. You must be dead if you can walk away from this film and not feel how
special it is. Upon seeing this film I was reminded of classics that I enjoyed in my youth: Labyrinth, The Never Ending Story, The Wizard of Oz, Raiders of the Lost Ark and the before mentioned Star Wars. The cinematography is beautiful and
the score will move you to tears. The performances will be enjoyed for
generations. See it on a theater screen because the scope just isn't as profound on dvd, but close.