Tolkien would be proud

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2016)

Bringing Tolkien's richly imagined world to life, the Lord of the Rings trilogy is a triumph of an adaptation. The detailed movies capture the rich visuals and artistic design that J. R. R. originally put into his books. They stay faithful to the original story while still remaining exciting to watch. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is an example for all aspiring film adaptations.
The first thing I noticed when watching the films is how true to the book they are, especially the extended editions. Frodo Baggins inherits a mysterious ring, the source of a dark lord's power. It takes him on a journey through the land of middle earth to destroy it. It's malevolent owner, Sauron, is seeking it to secure his dominion over the peoples of middle earth. Frodo sets out for Mordor, the black kingdom of Sauron to destroy it; accompanied by Aragorn the ranger (someone who is not who he seems), Legolas the elf, Gimli the dwarf, A man named Boromir, A couple of his vertically challenged friends, and a mysterious wizard named Gandalf.
Unlike other book adaptations that heavily change the story to fit its needs, the Lord of the Rings stays remarkably unmolested, with only a few modifications here and there. Clearly the director, Peter Jackson, understood that Tolkien's world works because of the detail that he put into the books. The movies balance dialogue with action, so it's not just mindless orc bashing, but orc bashing with purpose. It somehow finds room for Tolkien's witty humor that contrasts the grim situation the fellowship must endure; Legolas and Gimli count their kills with the same enthusiasm as a gamer playing counter- strike.
The crew of artists and designers have done their job well; working with Tolkien's rich description and detailed world to bring the book to life. Minas Tirith is a sight to behold, the white rings spiraling up to a cathedral crowned with towers. The elegant, Gothic architecture of the elves contrasts the rough, black, and primitive towers of Mordor. The elves' clothes are silky and clean, while the costume of the dwarfs is furry and brown; the men's wardrobe is something in between.
I enjoyed these movies not just for the story, but for the imagery; some scenes gave me chills. The separation of the various races gives a special realism to the world. The clothes, the architecture and culture of the elves, dwarfs, hobbits, and men are all different and unique. Their costumes complement the values of each race.
The imagery of these movies is ever present when I return to Tolkien's books. The battles are epic and breathtaking; armies clash and war machines hurl rocks at the opposing side. The shooting location, New Zealand, is a majestic scene, it makes you want to book tickets immediately. Its blue peaks and gray rocks blanketed in lichen are perfect for the world of middle earth.
The films do have their issues, however. The multiple endings at the end of the Return of the King are confusing to many. The theatrical editions are missing some details that should have been left in. But those are small matters compared with all the things these movies do right. Tolkien built the world of middle earth, and Peter Jackson brought it to life. Tolkien would be proud.