near and dear...

Rating: Null/10 (22 November 2004)

Warning: possible spoilers
This film is absolutely amazing. It is even better than the other two. Several times during the numerous viewings I enjoyed, I looked away from the screen and found myself surprised to be in a room with other people. That's how captivating this film was.
The opening is disgusting in a fun way, sad, and anger inspiring all at the same time. The music is impeccable, thanks to the genius of Howard Shore. I loved the characters, Pippin and Sam being among my favorites. Eowyn, who many girls claim as their favorite because she "kicks butt" is good as well, but Aragorn is simply amazing.
The scene about death being not the end, only another road, is a tearjerker, and Ian McKellan is brilliant as Gandalf. Shelob is delightfully creepy, as are large spiders, and only bearable because you know she is only in the movie, and it is impossible for the characters to enter our world, although many times we are immersed in theirs.
I would say that the only downer about this film is the end. You know when the beginning of the end is, but that does not give it predictability. It's like one last longing look at home before it's time to leave for good. The music at the Grey Havens is eerie, and joyful, and mournful all at the same time. It makes you want to cry and shout for joy. (I cannot rightly describe it; you'll have to listen for yourself). The end made me cry, not because it is all sad (it is sad, though.) The sadness is not full of finality, but a trust that good friends will meet again.
This film is truly something I will remember forever, and something I will want to show posterity one day.