The Lord of the Rings is the best film of all time.

Rating: 10/10 (19 April 2004)

Minor Spoilers...
One word can be used to summarize this movie:
Perfect.
Well, at least it was perfect for me. Some people complain about an overly long ending, others complain about there being no Saruman, and the list goes on.
I, however, basically had no problems with those things and most of the other complaints people have had, which aren't many. Most people loved this film. I am no different.
This film deserved every Oscar it won. The movie was simply amazing. Everything from the beautiful battle scenes, the acting, and the story were top notch. I really don't think anyone can ask for a better conclusion to a trilogy and not be insane.
I loved how the subject of friendship was used. Sam's willingness to go until death for Frodo was just amazing. I don't know one person who didn't feel incredible emotion when Sam says, "I can't carry it for you, Mr. Frodo, but I can carry you!" Howard Shore's "Into the West" score combined with this already emotional scene just makes one weep. In fact, Shore's score for this entire film was amazing.
I also really loved the ending. Why? Wasn't it too long? Absolutely not. I felt that this was a perfect ending to a trilogy. We're not just ending one film here, but three films(or one very long film). There's much more to conclude than just saying, "Ok, the battle's won so let's all go home now. The End." That just wouldn't be good enough. It's imperative that we see Frodo re-unite with the Fellowship. It's imperative that we see the celebration at Minis Tirith. It's imperative that we follow up on Frodo and Sam's lives after all that's happened to them, especially the Grey Havens since the subject of people having to go to the Grey Havens to leave Middle Earth has been referred to throughout all three films. And, for fans of the books, this film could not have ended without Sam saying, "Well, I'm back."
The ending was an ending for every main character who was in possession of, tempted by, or involved with the One Ring. It was an ending to the Fellowship. So we must deal with every character in some way, some more than others(like Frodo and Sam). In my opinion it is ONE ending, because it deals with everyone involved with the ONE Ring.
That, and every scene in the ending was just absolutely beautiful. And I think once people watch it on DVD, a medium in which one can take breaks, then the people who didn't like the ending will grow more fond of it. Most people were just tired of sitting in the theater for three hours straight that they were ready to get out of there, despite the fact that this ending was needed. I think these films really need an intermission half way through when viewed in a theater.
[SIDE BAR] The absence of Saruman is something I do sorely miss. However, the way the scene is filmed where the "Voice of Saruman" chapter WOULD be is true to the book. But now, from rumors I'm hearing that we'll actually see Saruman get killed in the Extended Edition, I'm leaning towards the way the theatrical cut has this scene. The reason being because if we see Saruman actually die, then it's a completely different ending to Saruman's story. In the theatrical cut, from what we observe, he's locked in his tower to rot and wither away over time with no real confrontation from Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, etc. "And there he must remain...He's no power anymore" to quote Gandalf. That's exactly the opposite of what happens in the Extended Editions(if what I've heard is true). Sure, it'll be great to see Saruman in ROTK. But a totally different ending for him?
The reason I'm bringing this up is because the Extended Editions of the first two films only enhanced the story. It didn't change it. The plot was still the same throughout. Sure, there were different scenes replacing theatrical cut scenes here and there, but the outcome of the plot was the same. The Extended Editions should only enhance the plot, not change it. I'll learn to live with it just for the sake of seeing Saruman, but I don't think that's the best way to go about it. As of right now, I don't have a problem with Saruman missing from ROTK. [END SIDE BAR]
One minor flaw in this film was the demise of the Witch King. I really don't think the idea that only a woman could kill him was emphasized enough, because they say in the film that "No man can kill him." But referring to "man" could imply mankind. I don't know if there's any good way that this could've been said without ruining the surprise of Eowyn killing him. Maybe it could've been worded a different way. The dialogue could go something like this[referencing the book]: "It was prophecied [by the elves?] that no man can kill him. But I [Gandalf] have hope that perhaps someday someONE will." Because the way it comes off is like some girl power thing. I'll live with it, but I just thought the idea of it all could've been described and executed better.
The other plot line involving the Witch King was the one where the Sloth-looking orc asks him, "What of the Wizard[Gandalf]?" Then the Witch King says, "I will break him." But then we never see any confrontation whatsoever. The Extended Edition will cover this since there was a confrontation filmed. It was actually in the theatrical trailer. The way it is now technically works. We just assume the Witch King either never got around to it, or it happens off screen. But ultimately this is a bad edit, and they should've just left out that little bit of dialogue between the orc and the Witch King, and just have it be apart of the Extended Edition along with the actual confrontation.
Minor (and very few) flaws aside, this film is beautiful, emotional, and ultimately the best film I have ever seen. Actually, I really should say that The Lord of the Rings is the best film I have ever seen, because ROTK is only the conclusion to one long movie split into three parts which were all excellent. Nothing has ever been done quite like it, and it's something that will be treasured for generations to come.