Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring ---- **** (out of 5) (2001)
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin
Director(s): Peter Jackson
Screenwriter(s): Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh
Released on: December 19, 2001
Reviewed on: December 22, 2002
Rated: PG-13 - for epic battle sequences and some scary images
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING marks the beginning of what should be a trilogy of live action films based off of the works of genius written by J.R.R. Tolkien in the 50's. The book series began with THE HOBBIT as a prologue and then the actual trilogy came into play with THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE TWO TOWERS, and THE RETURN OF THE KING. If I were to write this review and compare it to the book, it would probably get something like a mediocre rating. But the production team had to break it all down to the main parts of the plot because the book had so much incredible depth that it would be near impossible to make it into a movie of the exact same quality without boring audiences for hours on end. And, even with a lot of things taken out, the film is still just short of three hours.
The Lord of all evil, Sauron, creates one ring that he pours his darkness and malice into... one ring to control and conquer the other rings given to men, dwarves, and Elves. During an intense battle, a warrior prince obtains the ring but refuses to destroy it. Over the years, the ring passes from owner to owner and uses its will to slip them all into evil and madness. One day, the ring finally passes on to a being that isn't power hungry. It is given to a small kind-hearted creature called a Hobbit. Hobbits look just like humans except for how short they are and how furry their feet are. This particular Hobbit that gets the ring, Bilbo Baggins, become a bit too attached to it after a few decades and he gives it to a young relative of his, Frodo Baggins. After given advice from a wise old wizard named Gandalf, Frodo learns of the ring's evil. He knows he must destroy it so he learns of the only method available. He must travel to the land of Mordor and cast it into the fires of Mt. Doom where it was forged by Sauron. He decides to form a fellowship of brave warriors to follow him and guide him in his perilous journey. To make their quest even more challenging, an army of unimaginable monsters is being created to hunt them down, steal the ring, and give it to Sauron, who will then plunge the world into darkness.
It really makes you appreciate a movie more when you know it has been created by a team that has poured their heart and soul into it. What really makes you take notice is how the director, Peter Jackson, is really a perfectionist. He loved the books and wanted the movie to be just as perfect for fans like him. I must admit that he really pulled off something amazing while having to deal with a story so vast. Unfortunately, he had to give up some character development and replace it with impressive action sequences to keep everybody entertained. If you want 100% juice, check out the LORD OF THE RINGS book trilogy and that will suit your needs.
All I really have to say is that this film is just excellent. Having to deal with one of the most complex book plots of all time and making a decent movie out of it, is really a difficult task. However, this managed to be pulled off and the result is one damn good flick.
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