Simply stunning

Rating: 9/10 (16 January 2002)

It's not exactly the same story as the book. They cut out some parts that really wouldn't have transferred brilliantly to screen (like the long conversation Gandalf and Frodo have before Frodo leaves the Shire). The effects, apart from where Frodo jumps onto Gandalf's cart, are amazing and convincing while the score sums up the action perfectly.
The acting is stunning, containing Sean Bean's best performance in ages. Ian Holm is effective as Bilbo Baggins, while Ian McKellen isn't too hammy as Gandalf. Elijah Wood IS Frodo, while Sean Astin manages to be unlike any other character he's played before.
Overall an excellent adaptation that remains true to the spirit, if not the form, of the books.