Larger than Life

Rating: Null/10 (3 January 2004)

In the modern era, we tend to prefer stories about individuals and their personal struggles, but this has not always been the case. The Lord of the Rings - Return of the King is about big struggles and bravery and how an individual can affect the course of history. It is full of dangerous choices and people rising up to take on roles that are greater than themselves. Some succeed, and some fail, but everything that they do is larger than life.
Having read the book several times, I came into this movie with some trepidation, but I smiled through most of the movie because the grandeur of it all was just so incredible. There were many small story points that were changed or not mentioned, but it was so wonderful to see what was there that I forgave it all.
In the story, Frodo must finish his quest to destroy the ring with a false guide, and a growing paranoia that makes him distrust his true friend Sam. Gondor must prepare for battle with a steward who has already given up the fight. Aragorn must take up the mantle of the king and find a new army, and all must show bravery against an army of evil orcs, trolls, Oliphants, and Nazgul on flying steeds.
I can't recall another movie with as many stirring speeches, hard choices, and grand images. The computer program, Massive, more than justifies it's promise creating huge battle scenes that could not be filmed any other way.

The opening is a bit dark for younger viewers. It shows the murder that Smeagol committed to get the ring. Also of concern are loud music, scary monsters including a giant spider, and violent battle scenes. Even so, this movie justifies its rating for not being afraid of using grand words and images to discuss a grand subject. It doesn't back away from the enormity of setting in Tolkien's work. It creates a sense of awe in the watcher that make one watch open mouthed as each new magnificent scene unfolds.