A satisfying end to a great saga

Rating: Null/10 (7 January 2005)

With The Return of the King, Peter Jackson caps off the greatest saga in film history. Forget Star Wars, there are no ewok moments here. This is the final chapter in an epic tale and it is told with all of the skill of the previous chapters, and then some.
Spoilers: Frodo and Sam have reached Mordor and must face not only the treachery of Gollum and the spreading disease of the ring, but the full might of Sauron's realm. Gandalf and Pippin must flee to Gondor, where they enter the heart of the conflict. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Merry must lead the men of Rohan to aid Gondor. Through it all, the little hobbits demonstrate courage and strength beyond their size.
The siege of Gondor is a wonder to behold. It takes the drama of Helm's Deep and expands it exponentially. The battle comes in many stages, with triumphs and tragedies, much like real combat. Jackson continues to show that even just wars have their prices. Eowyn gets her chance to prove her worth on the field of battle, while Theoden finds the glory he had lost. Sam demonstrates that this is as much his story as it is Frodo's.
ROTK is the longest of all the films, yet never seems to stand still. The characters once again get their moments and earn the final pay-off. Sean Astin really steps forward as Sam, as he becomes Frodo's engine, propelling him to the end. Gollum is refined and shows that his part is more than villainy. John Noble is a delight to watch as he portrays Denethor's madness. Bernard Hill and Viggo Mortensen get to deliver rousing speeches and truly act as Kings. Miranda Otto gets to engage in the fight, while Merry and Pippin move beyond comedy.
Once again, every aspect of production is in service of the story, and what memorable service it is. Weta has become the ILM of the 21st Century, while showing Hollywood how effects should be used. The writing proves that great literature can be adapted to film, if respect is shown to the source. Peter Jackson shows that he is a storyteller first, which all great directors must be. Howard Shore brings back the epic score; one that can stand alone, yet always supports the scene at hand.
This film won every accolade and deservedly so. Yes, the Oscars were really for the entire saga, not just this film; but, the Lord of the Rings is one story, comprised of three segments. It is fitting that the rewards come at the end of the story.
The Lord of The Rings proved that fantasy literature could be adapted to film and adapted well. It showed that great acting can be had in a genre film. It showed that special effects can enhance a story, without just being eye candy. It demonstrated that good storytelling will always connect with the audience. It is a masterpiece worthy of a classic work of literature.