I can not view this film in the same light as other standard 'trilogies'. The simple reason being that most trilogies take a concept and tell three different stories, while The Lord of the Rings splits one 9-hour story into three movies. That said, this is one of the grandest films ever made, and if this list was based on quality alone, would probably make the Top 10. Peter Jackson's direction is one for the ages here, and the production values are amongst the best ever. I will proceed to offer my opinion, while borrowing heavily from imdb in writing the plot summaries for parts 2 & 3.
The Fellowship of the Ring
The trilogy kicks off with some background story exposition that fills us in on the basic reason behind the quest. In the ancient times of Middle Earth, a dark lord Sauron fashioned a ring that would hold powers over all other rings. This ring would prove to be the mode of his existence long after he is destroyed. Receiving the ring as a parting gift from his uncle Bilbo, young Frodo Baggins is unexpectedly thrown into the midst of what will become the greatest battle of good vs. evil in the history of Middle Earth. Forming the 'Fellowship of the Ring', Frodo is joined by Sam (Astin), Peregrin (Boyd), Merry (Monaghan), Gimili (Rhys-Davies), Aragorn (Mortensen), Boromir (Bean), Legolas (Bloom) and Gandalf the Grey (McKellen). Together they set off to assist Frodo in his quest to destroy the ring, all the while overcoming the forces of evil led by Saruman the White (Lee).
The Fellowship of the Ring
The trilogy kicks off with some background story exposition that fills us in on the basic reason behind the quest. In the ancient times of Middle Earth, a dark lord Sauron fashioned a ring that would hold powers over all other rings. This ring would prove to be the mode of his existence long after he is destroyed. Receiving the ring as a parting gift from his uncle Bilbo, young Frodo Baggins is unexpectedly thrown into the midst of what will become the greatest battle of good vs. evil in the history of Middle Earth. Forming the 'Fellowship of the Ring', Frodo is joined by Sam (Astin), Peregrin (Boyd), Merry (Monaghan), Gimili (Rhys-Davies), Aragorn (Mortensen), Boromir (Bean), Legolas (Bloom) and Gandalf the Grey (McKellen). Together they set off to assist Frodo in his quest to destroy the ring, all the while overcoming the forces of evil led by Saruman the White (Lee).
The Two Towers
(paraphrased from an imdb plot summary written by simon_hrdng)
The story continues as the 'Fellowship' has now split up. Boromir has been killed, while Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn continue their journey joining up with the people of Rohan and King Theoden (Hill) in their battle with Isengard. Pippin and Merry are missing after being captured by Uruk-hai, and Frodo and Sam (Astin) continue their mission to Mount Doom, with their guide, the mysterious Gollum (Serkis).
(paraphrased from an imdb plot summary written by simon_hrdng)
The story continues as the 'Fellowship' has now split up. Boromir has been killed, while Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn continue their journey joining up with the people of Rohan and King Theoden (Hill) in their battle with Isengard. Pippin and Merry are missing after being captured by Uruk-hai, and Frodo and Sam (Astin) continue their mission to Mount Doom, with their guide, the mysterious Gollum (Serkis).
The Return of the King
(paraphrased from an imdb plot summary written by simon_hrdng)
The evil wizard Saruman is no more, and the battle of Middle Earth is about to begin. Frodo and Sam reach closer to Mount Doom in their quest to destroy the ring, as Gollum's true intentions become even more clear. During this time, King Theoden and his men, including Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn and hobbits Pippin and Merry, prepare to do battle in the ultimate battle between good and evil.
There isn't a weak link to be found in the cast. Every performance is credible. Besides the aforementioned direction, the cinematography, score, editing and sound mixing/editing are some of the best offerings ever. Very few films can boast about production value the way these can.
Watching The Lord of the Rings was a pleasure. I can remember lying on my bed after watching the final entry, as the credits rolled and thinking how great of a film I had just experienced. I admit, the 9-hour commitment seemed daunting at first, but when it was all complete, I was indeed grateful. Truly one of the greatest films to grace the silver screen.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
(paraphrased from an imdb plot summary written by simon_hrdng)
The evil wizard Saruman is no more, and the battle of Middle Earth is about to begin. Frodo and Sam reach closer to Mount Doom in their quest to destroy the ring, as Gollum's true intentions become even more clear. During this time, King Theoden and his men, including Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn and hobbits Pippin and Merry, prepare to do battle in the ultimate battle between good and evil.
There isn't a weak link to be found in the cast. Every performance is credible. Besides the aforementioned direction, the cinematography, score, editing and sound mixing/editing are some of the best offerings ever. Very few films can boast about production value the way these can.
Watching The Lord of the Rings was a pleasure. I can remember lying on my bed after watching the final entry, as the credits rolled and thinking how great of a film I had just experienced. I admit, the 9-hour commitment seemed daunting at first, but when it was all complete, I was indeed grateful. Truly one of the greatest films to grace the silver screen.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Oh man...I was a fan until then...I hate LOTR! But, overall, a good list so far!
ReplyDeleteI know I'm gonna get some flak for this, but I stand by the inclusion. I happen to lurve em ;)
ReplyDeleteWhile modern blockbusters like Spidey 3 and Pirates try flimsily to be "event" films, the LOTR movies actually pull it off. With The Lord of the Rings you're not talking about fantastic art, you're talking about fantastic cinema. And what's wrong with that? We'd be lucky if all films that promised such an experience, delivered like LOTR does.
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