An incredible conclusion to an incredible trilogy.

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2003)

Where can I start. I attended to midnight showing of this film, and I must say, it was well worth it. Peter Jackson's film The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King is 3 and a half hours of Oscar worthy filmaking. As a student of film, this picture delivers on all fronts.
The first thing I must say is that it is the best film in the trilogy, and it is also very true to the spirit of the third book. Jackson did make some subtle sacrifices, which I'm sure diehard weird fans will cry about, but the film captures the elements of the story very well.
The final struggle to reach mount doom by the last two members of the fellowship, Frodo and Sam, is now in its greatest and darkest hour. Their unholy alliance with vile Gollum, is testing the friendship between both Frodo and Sam. I will not give the ending away, but the relationship between Frodo and Sam tests both of their strengths nearly to the point of death, but proves true that friendship and good can triumph over darkness.
The other charcters of the fellowship all come to thier own this film too. Aragorn, the movie's namesake, finally comes to meet his destiny as the King of all men, and Viggo Mortensen's performance is rousing and flawless. He was meant to be Aragorn. Gandalf is wonderful as ever, and the performance of his charcter is nothing short of astounding! A new charcter to this trilogy, Lord Denethor the steward of Gondor, is played flawlessly. I can't remember the actors name, but he captures the sickening madness of the doomed lord of Gondor. He is good, but yet very misguided and full of arrogance and pride that do any man in.
The technical elements of this film make Star Wars look like a student film. ILM is being given a run for its money by WETA Digital for sue in this film. The visual effects for the battles are breathtaking and very scary and suspensful at times. Although the film runs 3 and 1/2 hours, it dosen't let up. Tension and emotion build from beginning to the end. Terror reigns this time since Sam and Frodo have reached the dark land of Mordor. There are plenty of Orcs, Goblins, and Trolls to go around. My favorite scene though was the charge of the army of Rohan on the Pelennor fields. It does not dissappoint and is very exciting to watch! The other visuals I liked were the ones of Shelob, the spider gaurdian. They were absolutely terrifying, but done so well they make Jar Jar Binks look like a bugs bunny cartoon!
If this film dose not get best picture, I will be very angered. It delivers on all fronts, and it is the best film I have seen this year. No other director could have had this vision than Peter Jackson. His earlier films fully prepared him for this ambitious project and it has paid off very well. I think for years to come I think this film will have been the biggest gamble in Hollywood and Cinematic history that was the truest thriumph of a very loved story. I will see this again and again.
Rating: 10 out of 10!