Welcome to New Zealand - we are Middle Earth

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2002)

Fun fact: New Zealand, as a whole, doesn't have much of a national identity. New Zealanders (Kiwis) don't have much of a history, at least, not one that we're overly proud of. Our high school students have to be practically forced into learning about the Maori land wars and other events that shaped our nation. As a country we're in pretty good shape, but our national identity and culture has long been shaky.
THANK YOU PETER JACKSON! And everyone else involved with making "The Lord of the Rings." For the first time in a long time, I've been signing onto message boards and guestbooks answering location with NEW ZEALAND!! with a newfound pride. I have long loved my country, it is so beautiful, but few others around the world have appreciated it. I recently noticed a surge in popularity of American flags and symbols (particularly after Sept 11) but recently, finally, people have really started to be proud of our country again. We have proved that we are capable to playing with the big boys in Hollywood. We have a future in our film industry. And it's all thanks to this incredible movie.
I do have some review information that is relevant :) I've seen Fellowship 5 times. I'm dying for the Two Towers trailer to be released so I can see that. I can't wait for the next film, or the stars to come back to Wellington NZ for reshoots in May/June. I'm so excited. I loved this movie more than any film I've loved before. I give it 10/10. Because although I found some faults with the film, my overbearing national pride has filled up any blanks. Bear with me. It's the first time in my life I've experienced such national pride. The first time that other people have appreciated my country. New Zealand is a small country, but we are a good people, with beautiful landscapes - and if you are considering visiting New Zealand, I extend the warmest of welcomes.
(And yes, it is true that everyone in NZ knows someone who was involved in the film ... it's a small world down here in Middle Earth).