It's about human nature, set in a fantastic story...

Rating: 10/10 (7 January 2002)

I have never read J.R.R. Tolkien's books, but it's obvious from watching the Lord of the Rings that the movie attempts to put everything it can from the book onto the big screen, and it works.
The Lord of the Rings is really about the nature of humanity. Tolkien breaks up human nature into four races, the Elves, who represent our most noble aspects and possibility of quiet greatness, the Dwarves, who represent our baser instincts, our drive and courage, Humans, who represent our flaws and potential, and finally the Hobbits, who represent our innocent and communal nature.
From there, Tolkien erects this fantastic world in which to set his story, which is excellently portrayed in the movie not by narrative history, but in live-action scenes with backdrops never to be seen again in the entire movie, just to retell history, or visit a certain city along the journey of the main characters.
The shere breadth of the film is incredible. Tolkien didn't write his book with the limitations of film and budget in mind, so he crafted incredibly diverse realms, and these are beautifully portrayed in the movie.
Ian McKellen brings his presence and experience to bear, and indeed all of the actors do a good job at their assigned roles. Not just adequate, but good.
The bottom line is that the movie is done well, perhaps faithfully, and certainly worth viewing or purchasing on DVD in its own right. Those afraid to see it for "spoiling the book" are making a mistake. Even if the movie isn't exactly like the book (and what movie can be?), it's the best movie I've seen since Saving Private Ryan. Better than Gladiator.
It's a fantastic tale, you'll enjoy it.