A Brilliant and Monumental Conclusion To A Timeless High Fantasy Trilogy
5
By Ollie_Knox
"The Return of the King" is by far the most moving, inspirational, and epic of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings Trilogy movies. The movie plot is compelling with themes of friendship, strength, and loyalty. Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee continue their quest to destroy the One Ring at Mount Doom led by Gollum. Gollum becomes more cunning and sneaky than ever. Gandalf the White, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli regroup with Merry and Pippin in Isengard, and they learn that Sauron is planning a full-scale attack on the largest city of men, Minas Tirith in Gondor. The rest of the Fellowship prepares for another battle to hold Minas Tirith against an onslaught of the armies of Mordor. A distress called is sent to Rohan, and King Theoden is able muster a large army of Rohirrim, to set out for Minas Tirith. After the free people's victory at the Battle Pelennor Fields, the Fellowship what remaining forces of Gondor and Rohan that they have and storm the Black Gate to distract the Eye of Sauron's gaze and buy time for Frodo to finish his quest. The movie set for Minas Tirith, The City of Kings, is very gorgeous. The lighting of the beacon is authentic. The costumes, weapons, armor, props and movie sets are very well tailored by the film crew. The special effects for the army of the Dead (oathbreakers), Gollum, Shelob the spider, the mumakil, the eagles, Sauron's Eye, the fellbeasts and the trolls are breathtaking and incredible. The movie visuals for Minas Tirith, Pelennor Fields, Osgiliath, The Grey Havens, Mordor, The Black Gate, Mount Doom, Minas Morgul and Shelob's Lair are spectacular. King Thedeon's speech at Pelennor Fields and Aragorn's speech at the Black Gate are some of the best movie battle speeches ever. The heroism and romance are incredibly moving. Gandalf's speech to Pippin about death being another path to take in life is so emotional. Sam Gamgee's devotion to Frodo is something that can show what true friendship is. The battles are amazing and always heightening the tension. The tension for the siege on Minas Tirith is so highly anticipated. The acting and the cast crew are superb. Sir Ian McKellen is flawless in his role as Gandalf the White. Viggo Mortenssen is at his charismatic in his role as Aragorn. Sean Astin captures Samwise Gamgee perfectly and is able to provide the character's heart. Andy Serkis provides a stirring and great performance as Smeagol/Gollum. Orlando Bloom as Legolas and John Rhys-Davies as Gimli carry their roles very well. Elijiah Wood gives a great performance as Frodo Baggins descending into corruption with an incredible talent. Dominic Monaghan (Merry) and Billy Boyd (Pippin) still make a great duo. David Wenham is particularly good in his role as Faramir. John Noble gives a brilliant performance as the tragic and broken Lord Denethor. Bruce Spencer was wonderful in his role as the treacherous Mouth of Sauron in the extended edition. Lawrence Makoare was incredible in his role as Gothmog, the orc lieutenant from Minas Morgul. The rest of the cast including Bernard Hill, Mirianda Otto, Karl Urban, Ian Holm, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving are perfect in their roles.The Battle of Pelennor Fields is still the most spectacular and epic battle sequences in Hollywood movie history. The visual effects of battle at Minas Tirith are stunning and perfectly executed. Orcs are not the only participants in the battle. Trolls are heavily used as warriors and beasts of burden. The men from Harad and their mumakil play a significant part in the battle. We see just how powerful the Nazgul really are as they do a lot of damage in battle while on their fellbeasts. Even though the free people win the battle, there till so much grief with all the destruction and the losses of human lives. The incredible scope of the battle with the special effects, sounds, and many close-ups of pieces of the action make for an exciting scene. The final stand at the Black Gate is so emotional involving and is done so with vision beyond imagination. The many endings that follow are brilliant with The One Ring finally being destroyed Sauron’s absolute defeat, Aragorn become King of Gondor, Arwen becoming Aragorn's queen, the hobbits returning home to the Shire, Samwise Gamgee marrying Rosie Cotton, and Frodo Baggins sailing into the West with Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel, Celeborn and the remaining elves. This is indeed a brilliant and monumental conclusion to a timeless high fantasy trilogy.
Thanks for correcting Library Icons for at least this Version!
5
By Another Beatles Listener
I am accustomed to the correct imagery; this is more convenient
for cross-reference as within some multi-media collections; and
some of us would indeed prefer such cover art as did represent,
during purchase, what we were buying; surely this makes sense.
That said, I was and am astounded at the spectacular, glorious
achievement of all three Lord of the Rings films in either Edition!
The cast and acting for Gandalf and his Posse are beyond belief.
Scenery; costume; music; respect for the story? All Is Radiance.
The reverence for love, friendship, and all that is right . . .
this, all the while, is what ultimately sails these films “westward”.
Five stars, despite such issues as I mention primarily elsewhere;
if anyone would so prefer, please see my further comments as
via the Reviews for “Fellowship” in that film’s Theatrical Edition.
Thank you!
