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The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Starring: Elijah Wood
Genre:
Fantasy
Run Time: 208
min.
Release Date:
December 2001
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by:
Chad Wilson |
There are few stories that truly reach
people on fundamental levels and empower the story with such a deep
vision and breadth that it sweeps the viewer off their feet. LORD OF
THE RINGS is such a book and while no film can ever completely
capture everything the book offers, it can make it worthwhile. Director
Peter Jackson's rendition of
The Fellowship of the Ring is both a worthy big screen movie
and a grandiose film version of fantasy literature’s most famous tale.
The Fellowship of the Ring is merely the first part of the
Lord of the Rings trilogy (to be followed by The Two Towers
in 2002 and Return of the King in 2003). Set in the mythical
world of Middle Earth, the story is a true fantasy tale. Bilbo Baggins
the Hobbit has finally decided to retire. In his absence he leaves his
fortune and a magical ring to Frodo Baggins. No later does family friend
Gandalf the Wizard arrive to tell Frodo of the magic ring’s true nature:
the most powerful evil weapon ever created. The ring belongs to a
terrible creature named Sauron, the Dark Lord. Defeated thousands of
years ago, the ring’s discovery has awakened his spirit…and his desire
for conquest. Frodo is reluctantly forced to undertake a journey to
destroy the one ring, but only by casting it into the fires from which
it was forged. With a fellowship of men, elves and dwarves to aid him,
Frodo must contend with darkness from without and within in a desperate
quest that will hold the fate of the entire world in the actions of one
small person.
So much more is part of the richly detailed Lord of the Rings
that a simple synopsis doesn’t do the book, or the film, justice. From
the very start, relayed in a language that the late J.R.R. Tolkien
actually created, it is clear this story contains detail and depth
beyond most others. Peter Jackson made many clever decisions for the
first film. Not least of which was substituting a simplified yet
engrossing narrative for the aggravatingly slow first quarter of
Tolkien’s original work. While some modifications will no doubt breed
controversy, all adjustments ultimately work for the film rather than
detract.
On its own merits, The Fellowship of the Ring is a fine film.
Parallels made to Star Wars are well deserved, with this
sweeping fantasy fable actually reaching heights the former lacks. The
movie is richly detailed, filled with interesting characters, fine
performances, excellent settings, and remarkable special effects. The
emotion within the film is no less impressive, a tribute to both
director and actors. Truly remarkable is that all this masterful
movie-making maintains focus and composure despite the incredible three
hour length. You’ll be glued to your seat the entire time as the next
turn around a hill or run through the forest brings another peril or
mystery.
Without a doubt one of the Fellowship’s greatest strengths is
suspension of disbelief. Traditionally, fantasy stories (and especially
fantasy films) have failed to present an air of believability. This film
makes the fantastic seem everyday. So in tune are the characters,
costumes, sets, and special effects that one must remind themselves this
is a fictional world.
Casting for the film is flawless. Ian McKellen
improves upon his considerable talent displayed in last year’s X-MEN, perfectly executing Gandalf in all his many moods.
Elijah Wood (GREEN
STREET HOOLIGANS) fits
right into the mold of Frodo the hobbit. Sean Bean simply is Boromir, a powerful performance which includes a clever, easily
missed scene handling a broken sword which pays homage to Bean’s work as
Richard Sharpe in the 1993 Sharpe television series. Other
performances continue the trend of fine work including Viggo Mortensen
sufficiently scruffy Aragorn to Christopher Lee's
brooding, twisted Saruman. Even Live Tyler
surprises with a moving portrayal of the immortal elf Arwen.
Among the shadows of Fellowship also lie some evils. Peter
Jackson seems entranced by that which is dark. A nearly Matrix-esque
oil covers the film at times. While certainly trendy and only an
advantage for realism, it is heavy-handed in use. In particular, Frodo’s
injury by the Ring Wraiths and Galadriel’s test. Both are presented with
much darkness, more than is present in the books. If aware of such
trends, the transgression can be understood and dismissed. Others might
find it far too typical of most modern works to easily succumb to
darkness as an excuse for lack of originality.
In spite of any minor quibbles, the film appeals to both hardcore
fantasy fans and those just looking for fine entertainment. None of
Tolkien’s efforts are lost in the film adaptation. Every battle is a
desperate struggle and ever tear is a heart-wrenching loss. On film,
more is added to the mix. Sight-stealing panoramic scenes and wonderful
helicopter shots fill the entire experience with wonder and glory. Aside
from some altered scenes in any book-to-film transition, and some
excessive indulgence for trends, Fellowship of the Rings is
film making at its finest. With amazing special effects that meld into
the film rather than divide it and strong performances combined with
woven music, this is the film to see. I’ve seen it with non-genre fans,
movie skeptics, family members, and good friends. Everyone has walked
away satisfied.
A truly deserving adaptation of Tolkien’s literary masterpiece. My
highest recommendation given to both book and film.
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Image from The Lord of the
Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
DVD cost: $9.99
Purchase:
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Film Review Stew
Favorite?
Yes.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
Two sets of Bag End, Bilbo
Baggins's home, were built. One to accommodate the Hobbits, the other
33% smaller for the full size Ian McKellen, right down to smaller
versions of the books on the bookshelves.
Movie Quote: "Even
the smallest person can change the course of the future."
Other Actors/Actresses
from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
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