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For much of the twentieth century, millions of readers worldwide had their own vision of what author J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth would – or should – look and sound like. But their wildest imaginings could scarcely top the magnificent visuals and the sweeping scope of director Peter Jackson's masterpiece, THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy, introduced to the world in THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, then followed by THE TWO TOWERS and THE RETURN OF THE KING, which tied TITANIC and BEN-HUR for the most Academy Award wins (11) for one film.
Twenty years on, the trilogy stands as an achievement in cinema – virtually flawless films created by a cast and crew committed to honoring an author's vision and a worldwide fanbase's expectations.
Winner of a jaw-dropping 11 Oscars (including best picture), THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING is a finale that won't disappoint anyone who fell under the spell of director Peter Jackson's first two J.R.R. Tolkien adaptations. Armed with eye-scorching visual effects, outstanding actors, and some of the finest technicians in the business, Jackson does a superb job of wrapping up the saga of the battle for Middle-earth.
Sadly, well – it is the end, after all.
Those who know Tolkien will find KING to be the least faithful of the three films. Most of the journey Hobbits Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) take with the treacherous Gollum (Andy Serkis) is lifted from the last chapters of THE TWO TOWERS and Christopher Lee's wicked wizard Saruman, a major figure in the first two chapters, is absent from the story (it's explained that he's now stripped of his powers and being held prisoner by the Ents, the walking trees that first appeared in TOWERS).
Instead of picking up precisely where TOWERS left off, KING opens with a startling flashback that illustrates in nightmarish detail the origins of Gollum: he was once a fisherman named Smeagol who lost his humanity when he succumbed to the sinister charm of the Ring of Power. That same Ring, of course, is now in the possession of Frodo, who is on his way to destroy it in the volcanic rivers of Mount Doom.
The nearly impossible journey into the domain of the Dark Lord Sauron is made even more difficult by Gollum, whose schizoid personality is now almost out of control. Frodo is also teetering on the edge of madness, and Wood is unafraid to show the Hobbit's shadowy side.
Meanwhile, the White Wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) is forecasting troubled times ahead. When a Hobbit remarks that everything is quiet, Gandalf notes, "It's the deep breath before the plunge. Sauron has yet to reveal his deadliest servant." The warrior Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen, who will never be better cast) is preparing to take the throne in Minas Tirith, "the city of kings," but he's facing opposition from Denethor (John Noble), a stubborn steward who does not look forward to leaving his home in the palace.
The conflicts between the human and near-humans are pushed to the back burner, however, when Sauron's army of ghoulish Orcs and giant trolls attacks. The Middle-earth fighters must contend with nearly unstoppable, elephant-like Mûmakil (which keep lumbering onward, even when their legs are riddled with arrows) and screeching, airborne reptiles that swoop down to scoop up soldiers – and horses – in their talons. Realizing their forces are no match for the hordes of monsters and monstrosities at Sauron's beck and call, Aragorn and companions Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) travel down the Paths of the Dead to seek assistance of a most unusual kind.
The stirring war scenes in TOWERS turn out to have been just a warm-up for what Jackson and his crew concoct in the battle of the Pelennor Fields and the incredible siege of Minas Tirith. As the filmmakers seamlessly combine live action, digital animation, and exceptionally fine fight choreography, you can't help but gasp at the sheer spectacle of it all. Legolas' breathtaking climb onto a Mûmakil and the showdown between the fearless Eowyn (Miranda Otto, whose character takes on greater significance in this episode) and Sauron's malevolent, merciless Witch-king are among the most satisfying moments in the entire RINGS series; the same can be said of Frodo's spine-tingling encounter with the bloodthirsty Shelob, an enormous spider.
"There is no going back," Frodo tells himself near the end. But that's just not so: students of fantasy and generations of moviegoers to come will be going back to the LORD OF THE RINGS films for many years to come – and what treasures they will find. (James Sanford)
Note: These are the extended versions of the LOTR films
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Omaha (Alamo La Vista), 12750 Westport Pkwy,La Vista, Nebraska, United States
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