Awe-inspiring finish to a masterpiece

Rating: Null/10 (29 December 2003)

Wow. Truly an awe-inspiring finish to Tolkien's/Jackson's masterpiece. As I am a rabid ring-nut, I've already seen RotK five times, and it was worth every penny spent each time. For all the many out there complaining about the changed beginning and ending, along with certain liberties being taken throughout the movie, I have to say that you either love this movie or you don't. It must be understood that the movie cannot possibly be 100% true to the book; that's just the way it is. I, however, wasn't unduly upset about anything that was changed, because I trust Peter Jackson and can understand the reasons for his changes. The confrontation between Saruman and Gandalf will most certainly be in the extended, and as for the Scouring of the Shire, you must realize that by this point, the audience that hasn't read the books have had just about enough action. It was removed for the same reason that Shelob's Lair was removed from Two Towers: it would have taken away from the battles just previously fought, and served as a sort of anti-climax. Howard Shore once again pulled through and created a magnificent score that accentuated each scene wonderfully and served to continue the story, combining old themes with newer ones. Stunning performances given by most of the cast, especially Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen, and Elijah Wood, who I thought captured Frodo's anguish and suffering perfectly. Full marks given to the visual crew as well, who once again created a fully believable Middle-Earth. And also, although many have complained about the length of the ending, I can't seem to understand why. It was too long, too drawn out, this and that I have heard. But as this is currently about a TEN-HOUR long series, what sense would there be in having a ten-MINUTE ending? It has taken this long to tell the story, why shouldn't all the different resolutions be given their due? So overall, I have no complaints to give, and this is certainly my favorite of the three. Almost anyone could love this film, as long as they come with an open mind. BEST. MOVIE. EVER.