Since the release of the first book in the series, Lord of the Rings has become part of popular culture since the very beginning and it came to no surprise for a lot of us that a film trilogy based off the books would come out. Each film has been critically acclaimed and for the most part, while very long, it's still one of my favourite trilogies to date. Now the reason why I'm reviewing this now is because, for various obvious reasons, the Hobbit trilogy has begun (although I don't get why there will be 3 films as the book was very short as it is) and I will attempt to do a review of the first film in the series, but don't expect it to be anytime soon. But for now, let's take a look at the Tales of Middle Earth "Original Trilogy" or Lord of the Rings to you and me:
Fellowship of the Ring
So let's begin with the first film which was released in 2001. The film begins with a backstory of the many rings that were given to elves, dwarfs and man, but
unbeknownst to them, an additional ring was made by the Dark Lord Sauron which was dubbed, The One Ring. The elves, Dwarfs and Man united in a battle against Suaron in the event of destroying the one ring. However, even though Sauron was defeated, the plan failed when one of the leaders known as Prince Isildur, fails to destroy the ring after the ring's power corrupts him. In doing so, the ring causes Isildur to perish and is then received by Gollum before being taken by the most unlikeliest of creatures, a Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins (at this point, the events of The Hobbit would begin but as I don't know much about it, I'll assume that is the case for now). 60 years later, the ring is then passed over to Frodo Baggins, who along with his fellow Hobbit friends, Sam, Merry and Pippin and later on, Gandalf the Grey and a formed team of Men, elves and Dwarfs (known as the Fellowship) et on a quest to destroy the ring (beginning the trilogy). As the first film in the trilogy, it is long, but does stay true to the book and gives us a lot of fantasy, action, adventure and comedy (as and when needed). It's a great film and I enjoyed it. 9/10
Two Towers
Released a year later (because of all the films being shot back to back), we continue from where the first film left off with 3 storylines simultaneously taking place. With the fellowship separated Frodo and Sam continue to head for Mordor, in the hopes that they can destroy the One Ring with help from the Ring's former owner, Gollum who they meet later on. Meanwhile Aragon, Legolas and Gimli set their sights for the war torn land of Rohan, where they can hope to help fight in the Battle for Helm's Deep, which has them meet Gandalf who has ressurected himself into Gandalf the White. Merry and Pipin however, attempt to escape capture so that they can get help from the Ents and plan an attack on Isengard. The 3 storylines work well for the most part, but can get a little bit confusing at times, especially when it comes to trying to piece it all together. Still, the war towards the end of the film, makes up for it and despite the confusing 3 way storyline it's still a very good film. 8/10
Return of the King
Released a year later because of each film being shot back to back, it's now time for the greatest battle of Middle Earth which ironically is entitled "The Battle for Middle Earth". Everyone (except for Frodo and Sam) is ready to fight the evil forces of Sauron, but realise that even with his forces defeated, it won't be enough to stop him for good so the only hope they have, is for Frodo and Sam to destroy the ring and correct the mistakes of Prince Isildur, while dealing with the treacherous Gollum while doing so. It's truly a film that is set on an epic scale, and for the most part, the epicness of it works well and more or less, kicks the ass out of the last film's war scene by a mile. The best film in the trilogy that concludes the trilogy on a satisfactory note. Nicely done Peter Jackson. 10/10
So overall, it will take some time to get used to the stuff in the films, but when it actually starts off, you'll get it. It's one of my favourite franchises and one that will be around for a very long time. 9/10
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