Lord of the Rings, your thoughts??
 

Return of the King is coming out soon and we ae being hyped on it - and we have the new Special Edition Version out of The Two Towers!! Here is something to think about:

So the movies to this point have covered the story. Is that story though what the readers of the books find sufficiant. Is the add in's with the extended DVD's enough??

I have two friends who argue about this all the time. One is a traditionalist and says the movie is raping the grandure of the Books. By putting it to print we are minimizing the world of middle earth, and turing it into a CNN broadcast of the War of the ring.

While my other friend - that being me - see the movies shortcuts as needed. As nice as it would have been to have Tom Bombadil and all the singing, it is okay, we get right down to it. The only thing I did not like was Froto being at Oglalith (tired, cannot spell). He did not need to be there.

Anyway, your idea's??

I don't think it would be possible to do a literal take on the books and thusly feel that what Peter Jackson did with the films was just. While I wasn't thrilled to see Faramir portrayed as such an ass and the whole Frodo in Osgilliath thing done, they did fit well into the film.

On the whole, Jackson should be lauded for his work. While he may not always be doing the books justice, he is certainly doing the themes and most of the situtations as well as he possibly can. Both are good, regardless.

Book vs Movie
 

Speaking in general terms a book is almost always better than it's movie counterpart. I feel that this is also the case with the LOTR trilogy.

However - in this particular case I personally love the movies, and I don't think anyone could have done the job better than Peter Jackson. From what i hear the Return of the king had it's world premier in Wellington, New Zealand yesterday. Critics that were present are already claiming that this movie will be the greatest of all three. I can't wait to see it and I don't really care if all the details from the book arn't in the movie. It'll still be one of the greatest movie trilogies of all time (in my opinion)

I've never seen a movie follow the book it was based on perfectly.

Lord of the Rings would probably suck hardcore if they followed the book to the letter. There's some cool stuff that got left out unfortunately, but the movies also make it a little more interesting for people who can't sit through all the detail that Tolkein goes into.

And hey, maybe some people will see the movies and want to read the books to get more out of it.

Personally I'd like to see other good fantasy series turned into movies. Sword of Truth series? Salvatore's Drizzt books? All 500 Wheel of Time books? Those would make some cool movies.

Of course, cutting out Chrisoper Lee's scenes didn't make me a happy person...

How the hell are they going to cover that?!

People need to realise that novels and films are two *COMPLETELY* different mediums.
A direct "word for word" translation from book to film would ahev made an awful unwatchable movie. An interpreatation is needed.
While Jackson was not faithful to the nitty gritty details, he did something FAR MORE important. He was failful to the *tone* of the books.
That is a far more impressive feat than just acting out a novel.

Even though i can find loads of ommisions, and other things i consider mistakes in the movies, i must say i am deeply impressed by what Jackson has accomplished.

27 years ago, when i read the books for the first time, i thought that it would be impossible to make a movie adaption. Even after Star Wars in '77 i had my doubts..when i heard that a trilogy was going to be made, i was still believing that it was impossible...maybe a watered down Hallmark'ish thing would be made and be the laughing stock of all...

When "Lord of the Rings" hit theaters i was blown away.... :)

Laladien - it's not that it isn't possible to do a straight translation from book to movie, it's just: 1. Jackson doesn't have the skills to do so. 2. there isn't technology, nor actors good enough to do so. 3. 98% of the public (the other 2% being hardcore "nerds") won't sit down and watch a 30+ hour trilogy in a theater, much less at home.

I think the LOTR trilogy was portrayed on the big screen about as good as it can get without being centered towards one audience. The movies aren't perfect, but they are much, much better than the world could have expected. I'm happy with them, even though I'll admit they're not perfect.

-Lasereth

have you seen the original that came out in the 80s. These movies are a step above that movie. If you haven't seen the 80s version see it, it will give you a greater appreciation of the newer version trust me.

As I said in the one of the many other Return of the King threads...


and CSFilm is right, books and movies are two completely different mediums and have to be treated as such.

While I do admit that some of the "edited" stuff would do better left in. I applaud Jackson for taking a very difficult series of books and making a fantastic set of movies.

If he were to follow the books exactly we'd end up with a 87 hour movie. And maybe I'm speaking for myself here, but I have neither the inclination nor "ass stamina" to sit in one spot and watch an 87 hour movie. I'm thankful that Jackson remained relatively true to the series and managed to cut them around 3 hours.

I hear a lot about "being true to the series," but would you really enjoy the film more if we had 15 minutes of Bambadil and crew frolicking in the forest dancing and singing?

The LotR movies have so far been immensely better than I would have expected. The Balrog is probably going to be permanently imprinted on my brain forever. Jackson and Co. did an astonishing job of visualizing the books and making the characters moving and complex. Elrond's speech to Arwen about immortality was magnificent.

If almost four hours of the Two Towers extended version isn't enough for a person, they will never be satisfied, IMO, and should get back to power leveling their rogue elf on EverQuest. He calls himself a "traditionalist," but perhaps he simply has too much psychological attachment to Lord of the Rings.

"Ass stamina" is an excellent phrase, by the way :thumbsup:

I just got back from a screening of Return of the King. All I can say is "wow!"

I haven't read the books so I can't draw a comparison but I was quite satisified. There are some nit-picks here and there but overall excellent.

After the film, an interview with Peter Jackson indicated the possibility of The Hobbit being made into a feature in the foreseeable future.

I personally loved reading the books. And the movies, well... I think they are AWESOME! Im just really stoked right now because i just got my fandang ol' midnight showing tickets!!!

Like others have stated, attempting to transfer the books to the screen more or less word for word would be terrible, both for quality and economics. I think they've been quite sufficient with the movie adaptation.

I agree completely. Yet I wonder how many hours of "Friends" I watched when I was married. (2 years worth). Could something like the LOTR be turned into a TV series so nothing would be left out? Would anyone watch an hour a week for a few years?

I rewatched my DVDs of the first (extended) and second (regular) volumes this past holiday weekend. I don't think I'd have "ass stamina" sit through 6 hours in a theatre, much less 87. God bless the pause button.

i've actually seen a trailer that was made for it, saying it was coming out in 2005 or 2006. i think i still have it on my computer, or burned to a disc somewhere. might be just a something some fan boy cooked up really well, or it could be something that was made while filming the LotR a a tease.

making lord of the rings the trilogy was a gamble. if the producers knew how popular they would be and how much money they would make, maybe they would have wanted to make 6 movies and keep everything from the books. i for one would have watched them happily. I lost my mind over the book(s) as an adolescent and still love them today. I've enjoyed the movies and appreciate the job jackson et al have done, but i'm a nitpicker, there are a lot of subtle changes that end up changing characters and focuses. some might say i'm crazy, but the pace is a little rushed for me.

I've never seen the trailer you're referring to. Jackson made some detailed comments about where things stood with The Hobbit and it's still caught up in the legal departments. Nothing in production.

Very well said CSflim. I absolutely loved the books, but I would have been bored to tears if they remade it word for word, scene for scene, chapter for chapter. Even the fanatical Middle Earth fans would have been. Peter Jackson has done a remarkeable job keeping the overall story and feel of the book, but making it entertaining for the audience.

Personally, I'm extremely impressed with Peter Jackson for even taking this task on. It was a lose-lose situation, but because of his vision - and New Line's willingness to do it his way - he actually turned it around! To anyone sane, it was a certainty that LotR movies would only piss off the hardcore fan, and wouldn't draw the ever important (and paying) mainstream film fan. Think David Lynch's Dune...

I appreciate the movie for what it is,
and I also appreciate the book for what it is.

However, even though I'm a very avid reader, I've found the books a VERY hard read.
Much of it is in old English, and the details can sometimes be overwhelming, awkward & cumbersome.

I like the movies better because they pace it better,
and the scenes are excellent...it's nice to see they finally did a fantasy right.
They've cut out all the gibberish, and gotten to the meat of the plot,
and enhanced it with the visuals.

The only thing I'm disappointed so far with is the change of plot with Faramir.
But otherwise I've enjoyed the movies much more than the books.

The Extended Edition of TTT has a lot of interview with Phillipa, one of the 3 writers of the films. She's pretty forthright in explaining why they made the plot changing decisions, and for the most part, her explanations are pretty satisfying. I don't envy her task of trying to distill these great books into a watchable set of movies.

Guess I'll be the odd man out.

I loved the book, I thought it was well written and got me more hooked on fantasy literature and RPGs.

However, the overwhelming media attention of these new movies coupled with the annoying lead actors really have me put off (I HATE how Frodo looks). I absolutely cannot wait for the hoopla to be over, so I don't have to see the same damn faces and trailers everywhere I go.

Tisk, tisk, tisk.

I'm definitely never ever seeing the 3rd movie. I tried to be patient as possible for the first two and nothing but boredom and anguish resulted from it.

a shame since the last one is the best of the three

On the contrary, I feel that Peter Jackson visualised the characters the exact way I imagined them. The plot changes are acceptable, when you think about it, 6 movies is the only way to complete the story.

The whole trilogy is visually magnificient but still vastly overrated. They take themselves far too seriously and are not interesting enough to justify 3+ hours each.

question about lord of the rings
 

I keep reading that "another actor" was hired to play Aragorn, but was let go after the first day, he wasn't working out or wasn't old enough. Viggo Mortensen was then contacted for the part. Does anyone have any idea who this other actor was? Just curious...

Stuart Townsend
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,105651,00.html

Im so glad they didnt use him. Mortensen is much better suited to the role.

Damn, it would have been nice to see Townsend in another movie, but I definatley think that Mortensen plays the part very well. He just looks too young for the part, and Aragorn was anything but that. Can't wait for the 3rd movie to come out...only 2 more days!!

thanks for the tip and the link, Munk. I'm not too familiar with Townsend, but judging by pictures of the actor, Jackson made a good decision. Mortensen has been great, and this guy looks much too young.

too bad he cast wood, who is also way too young for his role

Ah Stuat Townsend looks kinda too evil to me...I've seen LOGE, I wouldn't trust my potato gun with that punk after seeing that movie...

Stuart Townsend would have made an excellent Faramir, and a pretty good Legolas (damn glad they got Orlando Bloom though. He's downright pretty - just right for an elf.)

He reminds me of JDepp, which is a compliment, but as for the role of aragorn? maybe

Lord of the rings: Return of the king COMES OUT TONIGHT!!
 

hey guys, WOW, the last installment, im so sad!!! Anyways, post your thoughts, and wishes for the 3rd movie, and by tonight/tomorow, we can bitch and jump for joy here!

all i can say is, wow, i CANT wait..

ive waited for this day for so long!

i havent read the books, nor seen the animated films, nor know anything that goes on in ROTK. So this shall be all fresh to me!

im going to see it at 12 midnight, this shall be a night to remember :)

:) loved it... (saw it last week with the industry folks) can't wait to see it again.

sad to see THE END on the screen....

Return of the King?


I'm right here.

I know someone who isn't gonna watch it until another 2 weeks because she thinks it'll be too sad to let the trilogy go so quickly... it's been three years... so fast...

Like Cyn, I saw it a couple of weeks ago as well at an industry function. It's brilliant (and a little sad, as it's the end), but I'm still surprised by the incredible press it's receiving. I can't remember the last time there has been this big of a love-in by the press on a film!

Now I can't wait for the extended edition DVD to come out, so I can sit on my arse for 12 straight hours! :D

hehe... the collectors extended directors cut special uncensored 10th year super edition is gonna be a boxset of 500dvds.
and cost 1000000$ and only the 7 kings of the world will be able to buy them.

Yes, it does come out tonight. And I cant go see it. $&!@^#@$!ing finals.

I saw the midnight premier of both of the other movies. Im pissed I cant finish out the trilogy :(

I wanted to see it tonight but I have to wait till Saturday.

/me will be dancing until 7 tomorrow night, when i can give the ticket guy my ticket, and rush to my seat!!!

I'm seeing it tomorrow which is today for you Americans or something, already bought my tickets to another screening this Saturday.

im from australia and it doesn't come out here until boxing day so i still have a wait

EPIC.

(Am I ruining this thread because I already saw it?)

just got back from seeing it ...wont ruin it..... but i liked it


Just remember to judge the movie on its own merit.....dont compare it to the prequils

after seeing it (got home at 5am)... i have a new fav movie.

Wow, its magnificent. And i hate alot of people for lying (you will see in the movie).

well, lucky me.
i get to wait till i get back from my holiday...

since its a boxing day release here, and i´ll be in Japan by then, i have to wait until mid way through january.

maybe i could see it there, as long as its only japanese subtitles, not japanese dubbing. my japanese certainly isn´t good enough for watching movies.

Roger Ebert gave it 3.5 stars out of 4. That's higher than Fellowship of the Ring and Two Towers. That means this one is the best. :) I can't wait. Only a few more hours!

-Lasereth

This movie was absolutely excellent. Some of the best battle scenes I've ever seen. Great ending to a great trilogy.

Im donning my boots now. About to walk out and go see it. I cant wait. I dont feel sad that the end is approaching. Neal Gaiman said "Stories have to end it's what gives them meaning". This gonna be great!

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. It was easily the best out of the three, there was not one dull moment, not one negative point of the entire film. Just plain perfect. Of course die-hard Tolkienites will be disappointed but that's to be expected, no one can ever make a film that TRULY fulfills a captivated reader's perception of the book, especially a fantasy. Oh well. For what it's worth, an on-screen interpretation of a Fantasy novel, it's absolutely brilliant. I give it a 10/10. And I'm a bit of a film snob myself.

I saw the theatre marathon, where they played The Followship of the Ring extended and The Two Towers extended editions before playing The Return of the King, all in one sitting! And it only took twelve hours...

I have just returned home from seeing THE BEST FILM OF THE YEAR! Absolutely astonishing. This may be the first time in all my 37 years that I will pay to see a movie in the theater more than once.

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

The Star Wars and Matrix sagas have nothing on Lord of the Rings.


The only bummer is having to wait for the extended edition of RotK. Damn, I hope they dont drag it out until next December.

I hoped jackson could continue the streak and finish out a winner
he did
who the fuck is george lucas again?

wait, I remember, he's now officialy peter jackson's bitch

I just got back from seeing it too. It's sure to be a Best Picture contender, and I'd say it has the potential to win.

Great fucking movie.

Will said extended version actually have the anticlamax from the book upon their return to the shire? That was the only part i missed at all. Otherwise the movie was perfect.

ABSOLUTELY THE GREATEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!

I was totally impressed with EVERYTHING in the movie... it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more.... really, they didnt leave out anything at all!.... well.... actually, they did... and it will all be added when the Special Extended DVD Edition comes out!!! i cant wait!

I generally back up my opinions on movies and games, but there isn't much of an opinion with this movie: GO SEE IT NOW. This is easily a qualifier for best movie of the year, and it's head and tails above Fellowship and Two Towers. Yes, it's much, MUCH better than the first two. I think I might see it again. I didn't feel like seeing Fellowship or Two Towers again, but...damn. This movie is a masterpiece. It's incredibly better than the first two. I can't really tell why, but it's simply amazing. Peter Jackson knew how to finish the trilogy.

-Lasereth

I too just got back from seeing it. I think it can be summed up in two phrases that my friend Chris used this evening:
"If that movie had a vagina I'd stick my Penis in it."
and
"This movie is rated: Bring a towel."

The only thing i regret is sitting so close to the screen. We kinda ended up getting there only a half hour before the movie started so there was a long line meaning the theater was packed before we got there. We ended up having to sit in the third row. By the head I had a splitting headache. It was so worth it though and would do it again in a second! Will end up seeing it a few more time in the theater that's for sure.

The ending for the novel of Return of the King made me cry, I said to myself, "if the film can do the same, Peter Jackson has made gold". I cried, amazing, great stuff PJ you really did it, a film for the ages.
Spoiler: "My friends, you bow to no-one."

First thoughts: Incredible, amazing movie-fucking ruined by asshole theater-goers that decide to giggle loudly every fucking time frodo looks at sam, sam looks at frodo, merry hugs pippin, pippin hugs merry, and let's not even talk about the bedroom recovery scene. ARRRGGGGHHHH...

I want to rip some fucking heads off right now I'm so pissed.

yeah, there were some real idiots in the theater, (we even had one who yelled out a random star trek comment) but you gotta admit the bedroom recovery scene WAS kinda funny, irregardless of context between the characters.

Yeah, I had lost all sense of humor at that point... :mad:

Yeah, that was easily the tear-jerker of the movie. I almost got teary eyed. It did induce a softball in my throat, though! I said it once, and I'll say it again. This movie is a masterpiece.

-Lasereth

BEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME....enough said!!!!

GO SEE IT NOW....RUN!!!!

Speaking from the "I haven't read the books at all" standpoint, this movie is freakin' AWESOME. I actually fell asleep during The Two Towers; it got so complicated for people who hadn't read the books. Good movie, but the plot development could use some work.


Then I see Return of the King. My God....one of the best movies ever made. And I HAVEN'T read the books. This one brings it all together seamlessly. The action scenes are supurb, the acting is the best I've seen in a VERY long time, and I wasn't confused during any part of the movie. I loved it!!!!!!

I am actually suprised we havent herd anything that isnt "the best movie of all time" But then again, it is, so what else can you say? I almost cried, time and time again, i cant belive its over.


Best movie ever.

Why can't you all admit that you DID cry and that didn't ALMOST cry. BE A MAN FOR PITIES SAKE! lol

aaaah... i've finally come to accept that it's over...it only took many many days...but still i get all teary eyed thinking about THE END coming across the screen.....

Best line:

Spoiler: That still counts as just one!

the movie was fantastic. One of my favorites. That line was definitely the best in the movie.

That one was classic

you've gotta love Gimli :)

and yeah, there were some assholes in the theater when I went. I went to the 12:01 AM Wednesday morning (Tuesday night was more like it) and so it was full of Tolkieninte dressed in Hobbit costumes who would clap at certain things that were all clap-worthy (for a Tolkienite). Then these fucking dickheads (who we call 'wiggers' in these parts) started clapping in the middle of the film cos they thought it was funny.

Assholes.

I'm definetly going to see it a second time in hope of better seats, I was up way too close.

Want to know more about the Tolkien Universe? Even if you haven't read the books, you can navigate yourself around this site pretty well...
http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/
~Crack

Just got back from seeing it. A truly excellent movie - certainly better than the first two. Why ? Oh, I don't know. The enormous scale of the battles, the amazingly cool designs (Minas Tirith ! The Oliphants !), the dramatical interludes (the fire beacons !), Mount Doom, the fall of Sauron, and the ending... My god, this movie rocks.

I agree with Mr. Deflok, the final speech at Minas Tirith did get me very emotional. I think I felt tears well up three or four times during this movie... I paid $5 for a ticket dammit, I have the right to show my emotions :)

And as usual, the whole cinema experience was somewhat ruined by some of the other people in the theatre - especially a bunch of children in front. People, even if you are absolutely sure your children can appreciate a three-hour movie without getting loud, obnoxious and irritating, at least make sure to TAKE THEIR FUCKING MOBILE PHONES AWAY BEFORE ENTERING THE THEATRE.

RotK good. Children bad.

I fucking loved it. everything about it.

Awesome. I too had trouble with kids at the theatre. No cell phones (a miracle), but the 8 year old boys laughed at all the serious stuff (like when: Spoiler: Theoden runs out of the tomb on fire and casts himself off of the cliff at Minas Tirith. Pretty gritty stuff, but loses it's oomph when boys are giggling about it. )

Where were these kid's parents? It's a PG-13 movie...don't they need someone over 13 to accompany them?

Serves me right for going at noon on a Saturday

i don't think that was theoden, isn't he the king of rohan ?

correct, that was Spoiler: the steward of gondor who did that

Deneathor, the fucking bastard.

Yeah, Deneathor. My fault.

I loved it. I thought it was a perfect ending to the trilogy. Everything I wanted to say has already been said by other posters, but I do have one little question.

When Frodo was wrapped up completely in the spider silk, after being stung, didn't his face look a bit too clean? I know there is dozens of minor mistakes in the film, but this one stood out alot and I have been trying to think of a rational explanation.

OH damn.. that was a awsome movie. i'm goign to wait for the spec edition DVD

Absolutely mindblowing. Best part for me was when Pippin was singing. (Being deliberately vague about it; people who've seen the movie will know what I mean.) A very poignant moment.

My only complaint was that the ending was drawn out for too long, and I think it could have either been condensed, cutting the length of the film down 15-20 mins, or the time used for something else, such as the scouring of the Shire.

Oh yes! I totally dug that as well... Very powerful juxtaposition regarding father and son. Awesome stuff.

Yes. Sweet Jesus. The scene with Pippin's song was one of the most moving cinimatic moments I've had the pleasure of seeing in a theatre.

Does anyone know the title of Pippin's song? I would go look in the books to get a general idea, but I can't remember if that's actually in the book and even then.. I doubt they'd have the title.

Awesome movie, I have a few questions/problems with the movie though...


Spoiler: First thing, was the use of the undead army VERY antoclimactic for anyone elce? I mean almost from that point on the movies was ruined for me. I thought the whole thing was MAN vs evil, not undead. Plus how lame is it that they couldent be killed? Wheres the honor in that? I mean theoritically all they really needed was 1 of those undead and it could have killed Sauron's entire army ( I mean if it coudlent be killed right).
Now my question , I suppose I dont understand the realtionship between the ring and Sauron. because why would he be destroyed with the ring?

Loved it. I think it wrapped up the series perfectly. As a standalone movie it is a cinematic masterpiece. Truly memorable parts throughout the film. It did not disappoint me at all. It leaves me with one question: George who? What wars? Now as long as Peter Jackson doesn't go prequel crazy, I think we'll be alright. I'm still iffy about a movie version of The Hobbit. If its done on the caliber as LOTR than I won't complain.

Well done Jackson!

Tru. Dat. I'm not a crier at the movies but i came pretty close there.

I wish I knew the name of that song as well... something tells me it would be in the book, but i don't own a copy.

In answer to your questions 89transam:

This spoiler tag is for those of you who haven't read the book (tsk tsk) and seen the movies yet.

Spoiler: The Army of the Dead was in the book and it would be a slight to Tolkien to not put it in there. Tolkien was big on not breaking your oaths with your fellow man, the Men of the Mountain did this (my geek knowledge fails me here I don't remember their name) and Isildur cursed them until they repayed their debt whenever the Heir of Isildur (Aragorn) called upon them in their time of need. Without the Dead, the battle for Middle-earth would have been lost and been cast into a fourth age of Darkness. The Ring is bound completely to Sauron. When He created It, He put everything that was Him into the Ring, thus making It an essential living part to Himself. When the Ring was cut from His Finger, he merely dissipated and lost his human form, becoming an ethereal being essentially. He eventually regained enough of his metaphysical concentration to make Himself into the Eye and control His Armies and search for the Ring. His spirit stayed in the Ring and as long as It existed so would He. So therefore, the Ring had to be destroyed, because It Corrupts whoever bears it, case in point Smeagol, and even Frodo because he did not willingly cast the Ring into the Fires of Mount Doom, Gollum bit his finger off (that's a recurring theme) and he fell into the Fires. The main reason for the Destruction of the Ring was because of Sauron being bound to it, but also, no other being could bear it and not be corrupted.

This was the best of the three by far. i could help but fall asleep in the first to...I TRIED HARD...trust me. but this one kept my attention all the way through. i have 2 questions though. first: were there eagles in the book? i didn't know if this was just a patriotic american image or if it is as tolkien saw it. and secondly WTF was the end about. i was cursing at the movie to end for the last 30 minutes of the damn film. please splain these two items to me.

I loved the movie. It was amazing. I wanna go see it again!!

yes there were egales in the book


matter of fact they were vital


i have seen it three times now and will see it at least one more time