Rave Review

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2001)

I was lucky enough to view this film at the Australian first screening, before the American release date, and all the high expectations, hopes and anticipation for the film, was not only met, but totally exceeded everything I could possibly have hoped for. Every single performance from the incredibly emotive Sir Ian McKellen down to the very briefest cameo appearance from Peter Jackson and his children. Not only a redemption of the fantasy genre not only in film, but in literature (particularly after the insanely dismal failure of D&D), but an absolute triumph of film making, aesthetically sublime and emotionally turbulent, exquisitely made and painstakingly cared for by its unparalleled cast and crew. Peter Jackson has crafted an amazing film, with the visual effects not once out of place, but seamlessly integrated throughout the entire piece. This whole film was a wonderment to behold. Congratulations to Peter Jackson and the whole cast and crew of the Lord of the Rings trilogy - you have created cinema history.