A new standard in epic storytelling

Rating: 10/10 (4 May 2006)

With LOTR:The Return of the King, Peter Jackson has shown all filmmakers with recent epic films on their conto that they are all missing that most important element: EMOTION. Combining good storytelling and characterization with rousing action-sequences and special effects that actually serve the story and not dominate it, the film succeeds also in creating a lot of emotional depth. One of the most beautiful and in the same time most painful moments(together with Gandalfs death in the first film) was the charge on Osgiliath by Faramir. Sent to his death by his father Denethor, who wishes Faramir had died instead of his older son Boromir, he only wants his fathers love and recognition that he does not receive. While this happens, Denethor eats if nothing matters and he asks poor Pippin to sing him a song. He does so and on his face you can see the despair and confusion. This is a very subtle and strong scene. In stead of a pompous battle scene with ditto music Jackson has the guts to do something completely different, also when you realize this is not in the book. Scenes like this really draw you into the movie, and even in the battle scenes, which have yet to be equalled, the film stands out through focusing on the emotional side of things. Mr. Jackson, I congratulate you and your crew for this unique and unforgettable landmark in genre-film history.