Just as a middle part of a symphony

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2003)

All in all, a wonderful adaptation of the middle part of the Lord of the Rings story. The first 5 minutes get the viewer back to tempo and tension of the first movie ending. What follows is an incredibly intricate weaving of the many story lines that together resonate as a true symphony.
Smeagol/Gollum portrayal is breathtaking (and I do not mean the computer graphics). The slight change in the character of Faramir towards being more tempted by the ring is minor (since it only furthers a trace suggested by the book) and it works miracles. Frodo is fittingly shown as having a lot in common with Smeagol. The character interaction between Frodo, Smeagol and Sam tells us so much in so little space. All other members of the fellowship grow immensely too.
If only there was more development between Gimli and Legolas. But since the extended version of the FotR gave more of this, I hope to see Gimli in the caves and making a deal with Legolas in the extended version or in the Return of the King.
The ending of course-- I cannot suggest a better point at which to end the middle movie so I am not going to complain. I am glad that the movie really has the feeling of a middle part of the movie and that it does not try to work as a stand-alone story.