Captures the true essence of the books but non-readers of the books will fail to grasp this

Rating: 10/10 (14 January 2002)

As a very longtime fan of Tolkien's work, I can genuinely say this film did not disappoint me in almost any way. True, I was surprised at a few minor details but that has more to do with my own personal interpretation of the books than any mistake made by Jackson or Walsh.
I have noted that a lot of people who have seen the film without reading the books seem to be troubled with some aspects. Many complain about the film being a typical ''Save-the-Elves'' fantasy film. What they fail to realise is that JRR Tolkien invented the fantasy genre. True, he took a lot of elements from Norse, Greek and Egyptian mythology but species that we are now accustomed to in games such as D&D such as Orcs, Elves and Dwarves were invented by Tolkien.
Another common complaint is the slightly shallow ending to FOTR. However, this mirrors Jackson's faithfulness to the book. The movie ends more or less exactly as the first book does. True, it may be disappointing not to have a more conclusive ending but it leaves many things open for the Two Towers in December 2002.
**************** SPOILERS *************** Right, now this bit is only for people who have seen the film. If you go and see it again whether you liked it or not, watch out for some minor details which enhance the quality of the whole picture.
For example, when the Fellowship passes under the two giant statues of Anarion and Elendil, look at the eyebrow of the statue on the right and you will clearly see Gollum spying down on them. If you have trouble locating him, he makes the birds fly off in fright.
Outside that, most of the acting is marvellous as most of the actors settle well into the roles. Alright, so Eiljah Wood occasionally seems somewhat wooden but at other times, he portrays Frodo's melancholy perfectly. Surprisingly, relative unknowns such as Mortensen, Bloom, Boyd and Monaghan easily rise in skill to equal or surpass in acting skill stars like Sean Bean, Tyler or Weaving.
The CGI moments on the whole were successful but the cave troll somewhat disappointed me. I don't know why but its longevity, meant to show its toughness, kinda made the whole scene childish to me.
*************End of Spoilers************
Well, that's it from me. If any fans wish to e-mail me to discuss the movie, I'll be happy to reply.