Tongue-in-cheek (spoiler)

Rating: 10/10 (3 January 2003)

Just to make sure it doesn't go unnoticed by the book-experienced... Sam's comment in Gondor that "by rights we shouldn't even be here" was wonderfully tongue-in-cheek and a real nod to those familiar with Tolkien's books. I gotta quibble that Faramir was a lore master in his own right and his knowledge and sense of honor are keys to his ability to resist the ring; so, having changed Faramir in this fundamental way, I don't quite know where PJ will take his character--perhaps just throw it away which would be too bad.
There were "rewrites" of the book certainly but most didn't bother me. I could sort of see the story team saying "let's add some tension here or there for those who don't know the books." The Faramir gambit above did annoy me a little and so did the suggestion that Aragorn is falling for Eowyn and Arwen is off to the Grey Havens. I don't really see the point in changing key elements of a character's personality--especially since in these three cases we're talking about character archetypes whose lineage, honor and dignity define them.
But, it's a tremendous film for all of that I enjoyed every minute of it.