Completely inspired.

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 2004)

I can't remember the last time a movie forced tears to my eyes within the first 15 minutes. As a film student, we're always taught to pick apart cinema - find faults and criticize - but there is nothing I can say about this film to deny it its honorable place in cinema history as one of the most inspired epic films of our time. It is visually spectacular and possibly the most sincere representation of Tolkein's vision anyone could hope for. The Return of the King provides a finish to the trilogy that simply cannot disappoint, particularly if, like me, you're a bit tired of the same old business of one hero that saves the day with the help of his underlings. TRotK reminds us of the importance of friendship, courage, and faith in ourselves and each other. There is no single hero. As in Tolkein's Middle Earth, these times we live in can often feel like the end of the world is at the door and I think this movie is a fantastically well-timed reminder that everyone, no matter how small, can change the course of the future.
Kudos to Peter Jackson, the writers, and every actor/extra/stuntman that breathed life into what was already a work of art. It is a beautiful film. GO SEE IT!