LOTR has another convert

Rating: Null/10 (20 December 2003)

The last two LOTR parts I cared less if someone kept talking or distracting me, but this time I was annoyed, very annoyed even when somebody sneezed silently. The last time around, I had left a (very) -ve comment about 'The Two Towers' at this site and I received my first flame. Someone wrote me an email to let me know that I was a "Funny guy". Maybe I was and I still feel let down by the earlier two, but I'm a convert now. Reading the Book helps appreciating the movie better, much better.
'Lord of the Rings: Return of the King' is an awesome and spellbinding spectacle. The 201 minutes RUNNING time (w/o break) seemed like 20 minutes, except for the lack of blood flow in my foot. I could spend half the workday at work browsing the net for fun, but I've never got the same satisfaction, spending the same time at this movie. The sense of satisfaction may have been due to the fact that we had a conclusion this time, but there was no mistaking the spell that Peter Jackson casts on us, with his clear and clever approach to complete the Trilogy.
Graphics is the backbone of this Movie, without any doubt. The battles at Pellennor Fields have moved the CGI a generation ahead, since Helms Deep (in Two Towers). Without the Graphics I doubt a movie of this sweep could have been possible. While we've got used to Gollum, its still amazing how they've painted this fellow, character-wise and graphics wise.

Gandalf gets busy defending Minas Tirith (setting up this city by itself a HUGE achievement), as they others try to locate Frodo and Sam.

The focus shifts to Frodo and Sam, as they approach Mount Doom. Their friendship is tried and tested by Gollum. Sam shows courage, strength and character to stand up to his friend. In the end the Hobbits get a salute from everyone including the King (Aragon) himself. The last few minutes are very emotional and could make your eyes mushy, just like the time we had the farewell Party at School.
One question that kept me nagging all through was, where on (middle) earth is Saruman. How can the movie end without showing Saruman being slayed or defeated (in person)! - Seems we'll have to wait for the DVD now.