Commendable

Rating: Null/10 (29 December 2003)

CONTAINS SPOILERS
After the problematic Two Towers, it was heartening to see Peter Jackson returning to the heart and soul of the trilogy: the heroic journey of the hobbits. After being sidelined in the (theatrical release) of the last film, it was comforting to see Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin return with a vengeance (although I found Merry being at the Black Gate a bit jarring).

Many have complained about the "unnecessary" length of the film but I for one think it was too short... there was a rushed feeling towards the end of trying to tie up all the loose ends. Nevertheless, to stay true to the spirit of Tolkien, the film needed to end where it did. The story began with the Shire and it was meant to end with the Shire -- anti-climatic to some extent but I think much more in keeping with Tolkien's experiences of war.

Of all the three books, Return of the King, has always been my favourite. It gives closure and stresses the fact that evil must be vigorously challenged. Related to that, we see that evil takes on different forms which is why Sauron is never really seen -- always only a nebulous force that directs others to achieve the purpose of destruction. The simple-living, peace-loving hobbits are the true heroes of Lord of the Rings because it is they that go on the emotional journey and rise to the occasion, motivated by love, loyalty and friendship. Fans will miss the Scouring of the Shire for that reason. I believe Tolkien meant for it to symbolize the culmination of that journey. The hobbits have faced the enemy and emerged victorious. They are now equipped to deal with the crisis at home when they return.

I greatly missed: The Scouring of the Shire, the Houses of Healing (and the subsequent romance between Faramir and Eowyn), more explanation of the palantir and the confrontation with the "Mouth of Sauron".

All that aside, I will say that The Return of the King was a powerful and moving cinematic experience. Not flawless but emotionally uplifting. Peter Jackson is indeed a master of drama and tension. The relationship between Sam and Frodo was so beautifully portrayed by Sean Astin and Elijah Wood which makes it all the stranger that there would be the falling out that they do have in the film.
(I'm not sure why the Smeagol/Deagol sequence was included in the beginning of the film unless of course the film makers thought that they needed to give the amazing Andy Serkis added recognition)
All in all... a highly commendable cinematic achievement. For tacklling with the behemoth that is Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson deserves all the accolades that he has received
I now look forward to the EE...