Great Movie, and some thoughts...

Rating: 9/10 (21 December 2003)

I cannot echo strongly enough the overwhelming praise for this film. Many here have seen its worth and I would concur. I would like to add some thoughts to the discussion.
On Gimli: I have read for two years now the criticism of Gimli's humor. I would just say that ALL the people I have known, that have known battle and death (and I am not one), have stated, unrelated to this film, that there is always someone that addresses imminent death with humor. Gimli's realization by PJ is absolutely on the mark, and frankly welcome to me as a moviegoer as being real. Some just have a lust and courage for the better side of life, in the face the alternative, and whatever the outcome.
On PJ: He has never shown himself to be able to bridge the gap between being an actor's director in small films (Heavenly Creatures) and a horror/special effects director (Frighteners, Evil Dead). The first two movies in this trilogy reaffirmed my belief. HOWEVER, in this film, PJ has, as his characters have, grown to become equal to the task at hand. This film captures the spectacle of battle macro, as motivated by the frailties and trancendencies of the micro of those involved. Kudos... On Length: Unlike the first two, the time flew by. No lulls. Only VERY minor plot holes (again, unlike the first two).
On the Books: I am a purist, but/and what PJ, FW, and PB, did with the script in this installment is totally understandable and warranted.
On Acting: The Henry V, St. Crispin's Day speeches given by Theoden (Pt. I), and Aragorn (Pt. II) were as moving as Shakespeare wrote them, and Olivier's and Branagh's deliveries. Probably as relevant today as they were in Olivier's time.
On Relevance: In a mythical sense and all that allows from the artistically derived poignancy, this movie is what "Saving Private Ryan" was. Stepping back and allowing imagination to take hold, every theme (IMHO) that Tolkein wrote about was represented in this movie (need I say, a cause worth fighting/loving for, sacrifice, winning but not without loss, fellowship, destiny, and resignation to that destiny), and is as relevant today as it was 80, 50, 40, 30, and 3 years ago.
On The Ending: Going to miss them all!! Thanks for the farewell...
And (Finally!!) On the Oscars: This trilogy IS one of the greatest achievements in filmmaking. For the vision, for the risk, for the epic, for the technical achievements, but mostly, for the Gift. If few or no awards are forthcoming, that is the problem of the Academy, not PJ or New Line.
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Bring on Smaug!!