This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Related links: Official website
Additional information: The Two Towers (review), The Return of the King (review), Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry
To be honest, I wasn’t too interested in this series at first, but something about all the magic around it told me I should at least see what all the fuss is about. Now, I’m glad I did. Most films based on the “fantasy” genre don’t turn me on, which was why I was reluctant to be as much as interested in The Lord Of The Rings triology from the very beginning. Lately, I thought I’d might as well see it, considering what everybody has already said about it.
After an introduction to what the rings stand for and what they are capable of doing and the one ring that rule them all, along with a story about how this “über-ring” has been passed on from person to person, we end up in the village of the hobbits. The hobbits are a peaceful race, and very caring about their hometown. So caring that they don’t ever want to leave it. Bilbo Baggins is one that stands out, constantly exploring the different areas of the world. He is also the hobbit that has gained the possession of the one ring. One day, he decides to leave the hometown forever, and has to leave behind the ring to his son, Frodo. Frodo Baggins is told by the old man Gandalf what this ring is, and that the ring needs to be destroyed. He asks Frodo to bring the ring to the elfs and figure out what to do next from there. But because of the power of this ring, there are some nasty forces out to get it, and which will kill whoever stands in the way.
It was rather odd to see Elijah Wood and Ian Holm so disproportionate to the other actors, as well as Hugo Weaving in a role of the “good guys” (as opposed to agent Smith in The Matrix triology). However, it all came together like a charm.
I would absolutely recommend this movie, even though you’re not a fan of the fantasy genre. But I must warn you: it does wear a little because of the movie’s length. Do not watch when already tired.
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