Though I may not be doing the plot summary justice, I will try none the less. In the past, there was a ring forged in the fire in Mount Doom in Mordor called the Ring of Power. It grants the user extreme power, so much that everyone wants it. Frodo Baggins inherits the ring and goes on a quest to destroy the ring with three of his hobbit friends (Sam, Merry, Pippin), a powerful wizard (Gandalf), a ranger (Aragorn), an elf (Legolas), a dwarf (Gimli) and a man (Boromir). Inevitably, they split off and go on their own quests, however, the end goal for all of them is still the destruction of the ring and the salvation of Middle Earth. I hope that's accurate enough to move on from here.
To be honest, I have yet to finish the series, so I will not be able to make connections between the movies and the books. (I know. I'm a bad English major . . . get over it. But I do want to finish it eventually.) I will, however, do my best reviewing the films despite my unfamiliarity with the novels.
Fellowship of the Ring
This is definitely my favorite out of the three films because it seems more about building strong characters so that the remainder of the trilogy can be dedicated to expanding these characters a little and adding a much more intense plot line involving several battles.
That in mind, most of this portion of the review will be dedicated to the characters and the actors / actresses that bring these characters to life. I'll try to keep it entertaining though.
First, I want to talk about the Hobbits. I love them . . . not so much Sam, but I do acknowledge that he is a critical character and that Frodo would never have been able to destroy the ring without him. They're just so simple and enduring, and, like Gandalf says, always full of surprising qualities when it really counts.
Frodo, of course, is the main Hobbit because he is the chosen one because he inherited the ring from Bilbo. And, as the chosen one, he is entitled to become burdened, sick, hopeless, and dependent on others to keep him sane. As much as he feels the need to complete this task alone so his friends will be safe, he recognized that he will need Sam, but he was unwilling to ask Sam to accompany him. Credit must be given to Elijah Wood for not only playing the most important role in the series, but for also doing so brilliantly. It takes a talented person to begin as a character full of hope and promise and deteriorate to a sickly-looking, obviously-dying person still trying to push through to the end of his quest, a feat he could not have done without Sam, the friend who couldn't bear being separate from Frodo so much that he follows Frodo despite the fact that Frodo stated that he wanted to destroy the ring alone so that no one, especially his friends, would need to fear Sauron again. In the end, however, Frodo is grateful Sam followed him. Frodo is "the one" chosen to bear the curse of the ring and must therefore stand alone, but he still needs Sam for support. Had Frodo gone on along, he never would have made it.
From the beginning, Samwise Gamgee is the simplest of all Hobbits; quite happy and comfortable where he is in the Shire. In fact, there are several times while he and Frodo are journeying together that Sam talks about being able to make it home alright. Sam is also practical -- why else would his pack be the heaviest and why else would Galadreil present Sam with rope while everyone else is given a sword or a bow or anything else? Sam is also loyal and determined to protect Frodo in any and every way he can because he promised Gandalf to not lose Frodo. Even without that promise, however, I feel that Sam would still have followed Frodo through to the end, even if that end is death because Sam is completely faithful and loyal to Frodo. While Sam is not the strongest of the hobbits, he is still necessary to keep Frodo from giving into the will of the ring. Sean Astim, then, has an important job -- to remain as hopeful and joyous as possible because he knows that's what Frodo needs right now -- a companion to be positive and lift him up when the world seems increasingly bleak.
And then there is Merry and Pippin. While they each are their own character, I find it difficult to separate them. They are a packaged deal; attached at the hip even. And, when they are forced to separate from one another, there is obviously a hole there because their missing a part of themselves. They are obviously meant to be comic relief . . . like Laurel and Hardy or the Three (Two in this case) Stooges, but as the trilogy continues, they become strong warriors in their own separate ways. Before that, however, they are the best of friends which means that their roles must be played by actors who can play well off each other as well as provide a distinct personality of their own. Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry) certainly fill these roles grandly. The way they interact together is pure perfection. Moreover, they completely embody J.R.R. Tolkien's characters -- just they were written to be.
Merry/Pippin and Frodo/Sam, however, are not the only pairs within the fellowship. There is also the duo of Legolas and Gimli -- a surprise friendship in the making being as elves and dwarfs are considered to be enemies in this realm. All through Fellowship of the Ring, these two characters are constantly against each other, playing into the "race" prejudice they have been subjected to their whole lives. Both Orlando Bloom (Legolas) and John Rhys-Davies (Gimli) add the necessary tension and snide, undercutting statements to one another throughout most of the film while ironically slowly becoming friends. But more on them later . . .
The last traditional pairing is between Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen, who plays a very convincing ambivalent Ranger running from his "responsibility" as king) and Boromir (Sean Bean presenting himself brilliantly as a strong, confident warrior believing that the ring can be used to save Gondor without being corrupted which does entice some mistrust from Frodo, but he redeems himself by protecting Merry and Pippin since he can't find Frodo to apologize to). Both are strong, brooding, "alpha"-esque males trying to work together as best they can despite the animosity between them. After all, Aragorn has abandoned the throne of Gondor for a long time and Boromir's family has been chosen to act as stewards until the king returns. Thus, Boromir has a strong sense of disgust for Aragorn, feeling he has neglected Gondor so long that Boromir claims that there is no need for a king in Gondor because Boromir's father was handling things just fine. By the end, however, Boromir proves himself to be both protective of the Hobbits, specifically Merry and Pippin, as well as to be capable of change, especially where Aragorn is concerned by treating him with respect and admitting that Aragorn is truly the rightful king of Gondor.
That leaves Gandalf, the final member of the Fellowship -- a role Ian McKellen played so intensely that he truly became the character. While Gandalf acts alone in the Fellowship, he has a unique pairing of his own with Saruman (played by Christopher Lee who has had plenty of time in his acting career, so playing Saruman was not a challenge for him by any means). They certainly aren't working together by any means; however, they do act as foils to each other. Gandalf and Saruman are pretty much the same wizards with the same abilities and strength (at least after Gandalf the Gray is resurrected as Gandalf the white; the only difference is that one is "good" and the other is "evil."
Anyhow . . .
Moving on from characters and casting . . .
The special effects and character design of the non-human beings was certainly magical. The Ringwraiths were designed impeccably. While they were the men given the nine rings, they deteriorated to becoming sort of grim-reapers*, messengers of death which makes sense seeing as the rings killed the men and gave them a life time service to Sauron and the other dark forces. Even in the scene where Frodo sees them as men when he puts on the ring, these men are skeletal and obviously deformed due to the power they were given to by the rings.
I also liked the set they created for each kingdom of elves. There was some sort of natural beauty untouched by men (essential seeing as humans do not reside there unless we count Aragorn as human rather than Dendreon). These sets are light, whimsical, ethereal and wonderful all at the same time, especially Lothlorien.
Finally, I love the visual representation of Frodo being invisible thanks to the ring. It was interesting and strange; I loved it. It's SO much better than what it looks like when Harry wears his cloak in Harry Potter.
Just saying.
And yes, I am completely aware I'm obsessed with Harry Potter.
And, even more impressive is the writing. I don't know which lines were provided by Tolkien or Fran Walsh (screenplay writer), but I love them all the same.
"Is it secret? Is it safe?' -- I like the line because of the delivery. It made me laugh.
"That's nice! Ash in my potatoes!" -- it just makes me laugh
"Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them?" -- Wonderful life knowledge to ponder over.
*Any guesses on where Rowling's character design of the dementors came from? Anyone? Seriously . . . it's pretty obvious
Merry/Pippin and Frodo/Sam, however, are not the only pairs within the fellowship. There is also the duo of Legolas and Gimli -- a surprise friendship in the making being as elves and dwarfs are considered to be enemies in this realm. All through Fellowship of the Ring, these two characters are constantly against each other, playing into the "race" prejudice they have been subjected to their whole lives. Both Orlando Bloom (Legolas) and John Rhys-Davies (Gimli) add the necessary tension and snide, undercutting statements to one another throughout most of the film while ironically slowly becoming friends. But more on them later . . .
The last traditional pairing is between Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen, who plays a very convincing ambivalent Ranger running from his "responsibility" as king) and Boromir (Sean Bean presenting himself brilliantly as a strong, confident warrior believing that the ring can be used to save Gondor without being corrupted which does entice some mistrust from Frodo, but he redeems himself by protecting Merry and Pippin since he can't find Frodo to apologize to). Both are strong, brooding, "alpha"-esque males trying to work together as best they can despite the animosity between them. After all, Aragorn has abandoned the throne of Gondor for a long time and Boromir's family has been chosen to act as stewards until the king returns. Thus, Boromir has a strong sense of disgust for Aragorn, feeling he has neglected Gondor so long that Boromir claims that there is no need for a king in Gondor because Boromir's father was handling things just fine. By the end, however, Boromir proves himself to be both protective of the Hobbits, specifically Merry and Pippin, as well as to be capable of change, especially where Aragorn is concerned by treating him with respect and admitting that Aragorn is truly the rightful king of Gondor.
That leaves Gandalf, the final member of the Fellowship -- a role Ian McKellen played so intensely that he truly became the character. While Gandalf acts alone in the Fellowship, he has a unique pairing of his own with Saruman (played by Christopher Lee who has had plenty of time in his acting career, so playing Saruman was not a challenge for him by any means). They certainly aren't working together by any means; however, they do act as foils to each other. Gandalf and Saruman are pretty much the same wizards with the same abilities and strength (at least after Gandalf the Gray is resurrected as Gandalf the white; the only difference is that one is "good" and the other is "evil."
Anyhow . . .
Moving on from characters and casting . . .
The special effects and character design of the non-human beings was certainly magical. The Ringwraiths were designed impeccably. While they were the men given the nine rings, they deteriorated to becoming sort of grim-reapers*, messengers of death which makes sense seeing as the rings killed the men and gave them a life time service to Sauron and the other dark forces. Even in the scene where Frodo sees them as men when he puts on the ring, these men are skeletal and obviously deformed due to the power they were given to by the rings.
I also liked the set they created for each kingdom of elves. There was some sort of natural beauty untouched by men (essential seeing as humans do not reside there unless we count Aragorn as human rather than Dendreon). These sets are light, whimsical, ethereal and wonderful all at the same time, especially Lothlorien.
Finally, I love the visual representation of Frodo being invisible thanks to the ring. It was interesting and strange; I loved it. It's SO much better than what it looks like when Harry wears his cloak in Harry Potter.
Just saying.
And yes, I am completely aware I'm obsessed with Harry Potter.
And, even more impressive is the writing. I don't know which lines were provided by Tolkien or Fran Walsh (screenplay writer), but I love them all the same.
"Is it secret? Is it safe?' -- I like the line because of the delivery. It made me laugh.
"That's nice! Ash in my potatoes!" -- it just makes me laugh
"Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them?" -- Wonderful life knowledge to ponder over.
*Any guesses on where Rowling's character design of the dementors came from? Anyone? Seriously . . . it's pretty obvious
 |
| Riingwraith |
 |
| Dementor |
Two Towers
As the Fellowship splits to go their different directions, troubles emerge on all sides. Gandalf is lost; Borormir is dead; Merry and Pippin have been captured by Orcs; Frodo and Sam are headed to Mordor. All the hope they had leaving Rivendell is gone, but the characters' relationships are getting stronger because without hope, all they have is each other.
Take Frodo and Sam for example. Frodo intended to go to Mordor all on his own; however, Sam followed, unwilling to abandon him. Frodo tells him, "Nothing ever dampens your spirits, Sam," which is exactly what Frodo needs -- some one to pick him up and act as a positive influence in his life because not even Frodo can resist the ring completely. This becomes much more necessary once Gollum joins them on their journey. Gollum/Smeagol and Sam enter a battle all of their own, each trying to "help" Frodo in their own ways: Golll is only assisting Frodo to get the ring back; Sam, on the other hand, sees through Gollum's ruse and determinedly decides to keep Frodo positive and from falling too far into depression and Gollum's trap.
And, since we're talking about Gollum, let me just say that Andy Serkis was wonderful, especially when I associate him as the gay boss in 13 Going on 30. It makes Gollum that much funnier, but Serkis truly was brilliant, especially in the parts where he is arguing with himself in different voices. I loved it. He was brilliFant.
Another pair that grows closer is Legolas and Gimli. Spending so much time together has diminished their hatred, replacing it instead with a jovial rivalry over who can kill/defeat more Orcs etc. in the battles they fight together.
With Boromir gone, Aragorn needs a new person to be coupled with. In this movie, it's Arwen, but not because of their love of each other. Instead, it's because they still see hope in the world when it is clearly getting awfuller by the day. Elrond says there is no hope. The remainder of the Fellowship also lose hope because Frodo is no longer with them and they have to rely on faith alone that the ring will be destroyed.
The importance of hope, however, is something not to be neglected. It keeps the world from falling completely into the demanding arms of Sauron. . . . But more on that later because there is a lot I have to say there.
Outside of this, I don't have much to say. The plot is just . . . not my thing. I think it's the battle of Helmsdeep that kills it for me. I don't mind them journeying and trying to track Merry and Pippin as an attempt to bring some sort of unity with their Fellowship even though Sam and Frodo, the most important member of the Fellowship is missing. But I hate battle scenes. They really make me sick to my stomach. I know that's a lame excuse, but I don't do death -- even in movies where the people aren't real and some of the "people" are evil creatures.
I do, however, enjoy the movie overall; it's just the end that bothers me.
Also, what's with Gandalf the White? I've never understood how he "evolved" into a stronger being. Maybe I would get it if I read the books, but it just doesn't make any sense to me, you know?
The movie does, however, have my most favorite quotes of all time.
-I know. It's all wrong. By rights, we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the ending be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding onto something.
-What are we holding onto, Sam?
-That there is some good in the world, Mr. Frodo. And it's worth fighting for.
Return of the King
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After everything that has gone on since the end of Fellowship of the Ring, the characters deserve to have a bit of fun and celebration. Of course, Frodo and Sam are not included in this; however, everyone else, especially Merry and Pippen, finds a moment to celebrate finding food and pipe weed as well as most of the original Fellowship is able to unite once more.
This happiness and joyous occasion, however, does not last. Gandalf and Pippen travel to Gondor; Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli go on a quest of their own to collect a debt from some cursed ghost people; Merry, then, is alone. It's heat-breaking really. Merry and Pippin should have never been separated, but they are nonetheless.
There is a lot of death discussed in this movie. Arwen states that there are more important things than death. Frodo and Sam don't believe they'll make it home, so they mentally prepare themselves for their destruction. At the same time, however, Sam remains fairly positive (when Gollum isn't around) -- that tells me that Sam has not yet hit rock bottom so to speak. This is mostly because he has managed to hang on to hope.
. . . and, honestly, hope is what everyone in the story needs. For example, Arwen has hopes for her life as she chooses to stay in the human. Merry and Eowen need hope to be able to fight. Merry and Pippin need hope of seeing each other again. Everyone is hoping that Frodo and Sam will be able to destroy the ring and save Middle Earth. Aragorn gives the kingdom of Rohan hope so they may fight and regain what they had before Wormtongue was kicked out. Gandalf, however, appears to have lost all hope even if he started this mission based on nothing but hope.
"Is there hope?" -Pippin
"There never was much hope." - Gandalf
That being said, Return of the King is all about finding the hope that they have slowly, collectively lost all hope in Frodo's ability to succeed as the Ring Bearer.
Anyway . . . I am madly in love with the song Pippin sings. The Steward of Gondor's careless eating, however, makes me want to throw up every time -- it's disgusting, but powerful image wise.
And speaking of the Steward, I am a terrible person for laughing as he runs of the building on fire? Because I laugh every time.
All in all, I enjoy the films -- especially the meticulousness of the details by Peter Jackson and the cast. There aren't many movies that have such a perfect casting, but Jackson's Lord of the Rings definitely fits that bill. Each actor / actress understands their character inside and out. It's beautiful and perfect and I love it.
All that's left to do is wait for The Hobbit to come out as well as try not to get bored since the rumor is that it will take three movies , , ,
WHO'S EXCITED????
And because it makes me laugh . . .
Also funny
Also funny. . .
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