Excellent fantasy film

Rating: Null/10 (25 July 2016)

The One Ring, crafted by Sauron must be destroyed in the place it was forged, the volcanic Mount Doom of Mordor.
Thankfully, to his credit, director Peter Jackson delivers an adaptation in the heart and spirit of Tolkien's fantasy and the extended version offers even more of a bold, cinematic take as the Fellowship's heroes struggle to save Middle-earth. The Fellowship of the Ring is packed with danger and evil forces including haunting reaper-like Ring wraiths, pointy Orcs, a octopus- like creature, the Balrog a giant fierce demon and more.
Jackon offers adventure, heartache and conflict as a group of Hobbits leave the safety of the Shire. Unlikely hero Frodo (Elijah Wood), a Hobbit that commits himself to the task of destroying a ring is helped by Sam (Sean Astin) his loyal friend and acquaintances Pippin Took (Billy Boyd) and Merry Brandybuck (Dominic Monaghan). The characters are wonderfully brought to life by the acting talents on board. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) is an endearing hero venerable too, Legolas (Orlando Bloom) an Elf and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), a head strong dwarf aren't just standard warrior characters as they slowly develop an unlikely bonding. Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) is a wise guide and an insightful companion. Notable is Sean Bean as Boromir who gets a memorable story arc. As well as the main players there's notable actors Christopher Lee as the evil Saruman, Hugo Weaving as the powerful Elf Elron, otherworldly Liv Tyler an Elf who save Frodo from the scary Ring wraiths in a spectacularly filmed horse chase and there's also ethereal Cate Blanchett to name a few.
Along with Howard Shore's mystical power score, as well as some Elven language, character development and breath-taking set-ups that already existed notably the chase through mines of Moria with its Cave Troll and demon. In the final act The Fellowship go hand to hand with the strong skilled imposing Uruk-hai.
Jackson's extended version of The Fellowship of the Ring, reinserts scenes and shots that expand upon the characters and themes. It includes Isildur's death, more glimpses into Bilbo and Frodo Baggins relationship, Wood Elves leaving for Grey Havens, Aragorn singing, Galadriel offering gifts to the Fellowship which enrich the tone making them more powerful than the theatrical cut.
It's a swords-n-sorcery epic with warfare which ends of a cliff hanger. In retrospect it was frustrating waiting for the next part but since you can now watch the whole three-part journey without the wait coupled with the extended scenes, all is forgiven. The production values are high. Weta's special effects for the most part are excellent, this coupled with the fantastic make costumes, props etc. and sweeping beautiful locations create a breathtaking masterpiece.
Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring as well as being an admirable fantasy film sets the scene for the first-rate saga to come.