A CELEBRATION OF TOLKIEN'S VISION

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2003)

While I will concentrate my comments on this third installment of The Lord of the Rings, to my mind it should not be separated from or compared to the previous two. This was not a sequel or an afterthought after the success of the first two. It took off right where the previous one left off without bothering to rehash the plot for "new" viewers. In effect The Lord of the Rings is simply a 10+ hour movie divided into three parts.
***WARNING**** -- POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD***
As an avid reader of Tolkien and at heart a "purist" when it comes to the story I am aware that Peter Jackson was forced to take some liberties in order for this film to appeal to those who have not read the books. Therefore I will refrain from commenting on the changes that are sure to exasperate those who unrealistically feel the movie had to reflect the prose in all ways. The strongest point of this film (and the other two) were the physical images. Minas Tirith, Minas Morgul, Shelob's Lair, the Oliphants, The massing of the armies on the Pellanor Fields, Mount Doom and everything else was pretty much as I had visualized it in my mind's eye; an astonishing achievement to me personally. Second was the spirit of the film. The arrival of the Riders of Rohan and the valor of King Theoden and Eowyn captured perfectly the essence of deliverance that Tolkien so adeptly created. The Heroism of Sam (the TRUE HERO of the quest) was revealed for all to see. The transformation of Aragorn from Strider to Elessar and Frodo from simple hobbit to tormented soul were a testament to great epic storytelling. The Love of Sam for Frodo, Eowyn for Aragorn, Elrond for Arwen and the great sacrifice of Arwen for Aragorn were all done with heart wrenching mastery. This (the 10 hour movie) was the greatest film I have ever seen.
Having said that of course I must now give my little petty critiques on what I think could have been better. Attempting to view it with the perspective of one who has not read the books, I think it might be a little confusing to see the great victory on the Pellanor Fields be instantly followed by yet another battle where they are once again being overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the enemy. It was not explained that the assault on Minas Tirith was but a finger of the "Claw Of Mordor" so some viewers might be confused as to the extent of the overwhelming superiority of Sauron's Military might. The madness of Denethor is not explained so viewers might be wondering just why the Steward of Gondor is such a basket case. The Houses of Healing were not shown so we see Merry, Eowyn and Faramir suddenly healthy and happy after their grievous wounding. Hopefully all of these will be dealt with in the Extended Edition and resolved.
Again I consider this the greatest 10 hour movie ever made and if it does not get awarded with Oscars I will no longer give any credibility to that Institution. Particularly deserving are Peter Jackson for directing; Sean Austin as best supporting actor for his heroic portrayal of SAM; Bernard Hill for Theodon; Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn; Ian McKellen as Gandalf and MOST DESERVING is SMEAGOL/GOLLUM for whatever category he fits into. BEST PICTURE is a GIVEN and it should be presented to include all Three Movies as one monumental undertaking.
In conclusion I strongly urge anybody reading this to see this 10 hour film as soon as they can so, like so many others, you can get a chance to live in Middle Earth and experience all it's wonders and mysteries. Then, to complete your experience and be treated to the astounding depth of the works of Tolkien - READ THE BOOK.
May the Stars shine on your face.