Incredible film from top to bottom

Rating: 9/10 (19 September 2010)

The Return of the King is the final volume of the Lord of the Rings trilogy of films. This film continues the journey of the odd group of companions consisting of Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Frodo (Elijah Wood), Sam (Sean Austin), Pippen (Billy Boyd), and Merry (Dominic Monaghan). The story picks up where "The Two Towers" left us with Sam and Frodo continuing their journey to destroy the ring of power and the rest of the companions fulfilling each of their individual destinies elsewhere in Middle Earth. The film climaxes during the battle at Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor and the implied final stand for the world of Men. This film embodies the "good vs. evil" theme in one of the most effective applications seen to date. Much like "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers" this film offers incredible writing, cinematography, and editing. The use of setting and sound in this film really deliver the feeling and emotions that the productions staff intended. The setting of the film is Middle Earth, a fictional realm and is really the mountainous regions of New Zealand. The scenery offered is awe inspiring and definitely makes one feel as if it were not from this world. The sound in the film is full of emotion and purpose. You know exactly who is bad, who is good, and what their purpose in the story is just by hearing the sounds offered. Some of the battle scenes have you tricked into thinking you may actually be there. This film sets the standard for the modern day epic battle between good and evil. The characters are well thought out, developed and allow the viewer to develop and almost personal relationship with them. The film is incredible almost any way you analyze it, from the basic components to the acting and beyond. It is a film that any moviegoer should want to see, whether the like fantasy or not.