A truly miraculous experience

Rating: Null/10 (18 December 2003)

After I was truly blown away by The Two Towers, I could only dream of what I could expect from The Return of the King. Always a fan a Tolkien's work, I had considered the first two films absolute masterpieces, incredible and unsurpassed (or unsurpassable) cinematic achievements, and was far from disappointed with the end of the trilogy. It's hard to believe that the quest is over, and that the whole trilogy ended up so brilliantly, but there it is. I really wasn't going to post on here, just because there are always so many, mine wouldn't make a difference, but this film moved me so much, I just had to let everyone know.
Let it be known, first and foremost, I'm not a "Ring Nut," nor did I attend the midnight showing in New Zealand in costume (or anywhere else). Still, I did go on opening night, and I was definitely pumped, (and I really believe in the difference between crazy scary LotR fans and cool LotR fans). From Smeagol's first encounter with the Ring to the Cracks of Doom and beyond, this film is as close to perfection as I've ever seen, or that I imagine I'll ever see. I really wish I could describe how this movie made me feel, even days later, but it's beyond words. It's beyond awards, it's beyond Hollywood. The idea that anything else this year (or any other year) could beat this film in any Oscar category is truly laughable. Music, effects, acting, editing, directing, adaptation, screenplay, cinematography, name it.
The only few and little complaints I've heard about this film are unfounded and hardly credible. From the Fellowship to the Return, there is so much character and relationship development and story it's above scrutiny. With one gesture, one expression, nearly every actor on screen evokes an entire pantheon of emotions, letting everyone watching know exactly what they're thinking and feeling, and making a truly believable world. Most notable are Ian McKellan's inspiring Gandalf, Sean Astin's incredible Sam and of course, Elijah Wood's ever-burdened and continually tortured Frodo. The development of Frodo's character from start to finish alone is a paramount achievement. The screenplay is poetic and poignant, something I'm positive Tolkien would more than approve of. The cast and crew truly seem to respect the material they were working with and the expectations they were facing. Also, the ending, though long (although you'd never know it while you're watching until you glance at your watch on the way home, heck, I never wanted it to end!), is perfect. Don't forget there are three movies' worth of resolution to make up for. It could not possibly have ended better. It was a perfect bookend to the prologue at the start of the Fellowship of the Ring. Nobody felt cheated, everyone found out and loved what happened, and Frodo finally found peace.
For me, the Lord of the Rings are incredible films with intense action sequences and stunning visual effects, but they're far more than that. While I know Tolkien didn't intend any blatant symbolism (especially about Sadam Hussein and the War in Iraq or ecology and tree-hugging), I do know that fantasy has inherent allegorical qualities, no matter how hard you try to deny it. Frodo's quest means more to me than I think any other cinematic experience, so while I felt a little silly getting crazy over what is ultimately "just a movie," I realized that I learned and grew from it, so I don't feel dumb after all. There are truly lessons to be learned from the Quest to destroy the One Ring about society, relationships, loyalty, and of course faith and hope. I defy anyone to deny that.
I know there are those who will argue that this is without a doubt the greatest movie (and trilogy) ever made, but there are those who will defend it as well. Moreover, they'll tell you to keep your Godfather, your Citizen Kane, and your Matrix. Sure, they really are great films, it's just that The Lord of the Rings are beyond comparison. They're on a completely different level, another plane. Just watch this movie and I am positive, if you're not narrow-minded (or otherwise retarded) you will truly be uplifted, moved and inspired. The makers of this film did everything just right. I can't imagine a better end to the Ringbearer's quest.
All in all, it was pretty good and I can't wait to see it again... :)