Unprecedented Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (14 March 2005)

This film is the culmination of a tour de force. It will be a long time before any other trilogy of this magnitude comes out, and it will be a long time before any film can match "The Return of the King." This shows what even the most unassuming director can do if he is guided by his passion and artistic integrity.
The extended version is awesome! There are lots of cool new scenes, like Gandalf's confrontation with the Witch King of Angmar, and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli's spooky trip through the corridors of the dead--John Rhys Davies adds a humorous element to this scene when he tries to blow away the ghostly hands that are grabbing at him.
The acting by all characters is superb. The music goes splendidly with the film, and the visual effects are breathtaking. "The Return of the King" can be watched over and over again, and it is just as moving every time. Of course this is some pretty intense stuff, taxing on the emotions, but that is why the movie is so great. It is a wild ride that takes the viewers' hearts and mind through every twist and turn of this last and grueling leg of a long, long journey to destroy the One Ring forever.
The few complaints about this movie are generally directed at the many so-called "endings." Even Jack Nicholson complained to Elijah Wood about this. I personally think, however, that the film would not have been as good without the thorough closure that the last few scenes bring to the viewer.
Bravo Peter Jackson, and all those involved with "The Lord of the Rings." Because so much went in to this film, more than can ever be fathomed just by watching the "Return of the King." The actors and producers put forth exhausting efforts to create this masterpiece. The makeup crew, the miniature team, the visual effects team, the musicians, and the stunt team all worked so hard to create this truly awesome movie. They be thanked enough for creating this lasting work of art. Bravo and thank you to all.