Amazingly Filmed,Splendidly Acted.

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2001)

There is not alot that I can add that has not already been said. Peter Jackson's film adaptation of 'Fellowship Of The Ring" is an astounding cinematic experience. I will point out a few of the high points of this wonderful film. The casting is perfect. Sir Ian McKellen's enigmatic performance as Gandalf leads the accolades. appropiately wise,humorous,stoic and above all..real!Christopher Lee is utterly chilling as the fallen wizard Saruman.Although on screen less than McKellen this veteran actor holds his own in their scenes together and leaves you wanting more (which we will indeed get in "Two Towers".) Sir Ian Holm gives us a very "human" Bilbo Baggins. his is the most touching performance in the film, and Sean Astin captures Samwise's personality from his first appearance on screen. The location shooting,special effects and cinematography are some of the finest ever put on film and at nealry three hours I still wanted to see more. Many people have complained about some minor changes from the book.I for one felt the changes were perfectly acceptable for a screen adaptation. The written word and a motion piture are 2 different mediums and you cannot film a novel verbatim and hold an audiences interest. Film is a visual medium and must be approached as such.
Hre is looking forward to Part II!