Movie Review: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King


© Debbie Ledesma

Warning: Though I don't try to give too much away about the movie, if you haven't seen it or read the books, you might want to wait to read this article until you do.

Viewers have waited three years to see the conclusion of this epic Fantasy movie. The wait was worth it. Director Peter Jackson delivered a stunning conclusion to a Fantasy classic of movie making. some readers of the book might complain about its lack of faithfulness to the book, but the movie is excellent. The movie flows to its conclusion because of the character, plot, setting. and special effects.

Characters grow in the movie to achieve their destinies. Frodo slowly succumbs to the burden of the Ring while on the journey to Mount Doom. The other hobbits find their strengths. Pippin helps Gandalf against Denethor. Merry joins with Eowyn on the battlefield. Other characters gain strength too. Aragon must accept his role as a leader of men and put away his ranger days. The director and his film makers weaves the characters into a deeply rich plot that compare favorably to the portrayal of them in the book.

Tolkien wrote a book with a very complex plot. Turning this plot into a movie would be difficult. Mr. Jackson did an excellent job boiling the plot of "Return of the King" down to a whole that still makes sense. He included the important scenes from the book that gives viewers an epic story that reaches a definite conclusion. The movie begins with a flashback about how Gollum became the creature he is now. After, the story begins with Gandalf and his party at Saruman's tower. Perry finds a magical device, which leads him into trouble and a journey with Gandalf to Gondor. These scenes alternate with Frodo and Sam's journey to Mount Doom. Eventually, the scenes lead to battles and a satisfying end of the plot.

The setting of the movie creates a believable world that increases the visual impact of the film. New Zealand is where the movie was filmed for eighteen months. Grand sets combine with the vivid scenery of this country to bring Middle Earth to visual life. Viewers see rugged mountains, forests and many other natural places to add to the impact of the movie. Setting blends with special effects for a seamless story.

Finally, the special effects brings all of other elements of the movie together for a vivid adventure for viewers. The city of Gondor is magnificent in its tiered splendor. Gollum continues to be a imaginative character in his movements and expressions. Oliphants make a huge impression as they enter the battle. All of the battle scenes mix the live actors and effects for a lot of action. The battle between Sam and the giant spider Shelob is excellent. Visual effects creators did a great job on the film.

Go To Page: 1 2


The copyright of the article Movie Review: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King in Science Fiction & Fantasy is owned by . Permission to republish Movie Review: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo


Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

2.   Jan 23, 2004 5:23 PM
In response to message posted by The_Benji:

Benji,

Thank you for starting an interesting discussion thread.

I agree with ...


-- posted by Freedomstar


1.   Jan 22, 2004 1:57 PM
I disagree with Debbie when she describes the changes from book to film as, "a few minor revisions that can be lived with." The changes were many and radical. I feel that the entire tone of the film w ...

-- posted by The_Benji





For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Debbie Ledesma's Science Fiction & Fantasy topic, please visit the Discussions page.