An awesome conclusion to a masterful trilogy

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2003)

Return of the King had such a tough act to follow, especially with its task of drawing such an epic tale to a satisfying conclusion, and it did not disappoint. Potentially, the final part where Jackson ties up a few loose ends was a little protracted but let's not nit pick here. This was a film with absolutely everything. Take away the benchmark raising special effects, especially at the battle for Minas Tirith and you are still left with a story that captures the heart and soul of Tolkien. The character and story development intersperses beautifully with the action and the tension as Frodo and Sam drive on towards the Crack of Doom is electrifying. The ultimate destruction of the ring and the crumbling of Sauron's Tower and realm will remain fixed in my mind forever. There is even unashamed outpourings of emotions with reunions and partings at the end. Peter Jackson has thrown down a very heavy gauntlet indeed with this film. If anyone succeeds in picking it up, then they will be as worthy of the title of King as Aragorn himself.