The Best Movie Ever Made, really!

Rating: 10/10 (30 September 2004)

This movie was just spectacular. I finished watching it for about the fiftieth time, and it never gets old, worn out, or boring. Its scenes are powerful, its dialogue delivered with Shakespearean grace, and its acting is top notch.
Sean Astin is the star of this film in my book. He took a simple character and over the course of three films built that character into someone special. When Sam started carrying Frodo up Mount Doom, everyone in the theater cheered, and so did I. It was beautiful.
Ian McKellen has also been given a monumental role. He fulfilled all my expectations after rereading the book, evoking all I ever imagined about Gandalf and the Siege of Minas Tirith.
The battles were perfect. The sense of timing, of detail, and emotional intensity was incredible. I have never seen such heartfelt power from a battle scene in any movie...ever. King Theoden's charge was probably the greatest moment in the movie, but there is stiff competition. The scene called The White Rider comes in a close second.
Recent movies like Troy have tried to recreate that sense of epic warfare, but they've not come close to intensity of Return of the King. This movie is the fastest three hours I've ever been blessed to sit through. From being a fan of Tolkien's work, this movie was richer because of it. For me...this movie is the best ever made.