Film Review:

THE LORD OF THE RINGS – The Fellowship of the Ring

Have you ever portrayed yourself fighting dragons and menacing creatures, waving swords and
defeating black magic while riding through mind-boggling fairyland? Well, while humbly
considering myself an armchair critic, I can say whole-heartedly that “The Fellowship of the
Ring” sent shivers down my spine all throughout the luscious storytelling taking you into an
enchanted world.

Directed by Peter Jackson, “The Fellowship of the Ring”, released in 2011, is the first film in a
series of three collectively entitled “Lord of the Rings”. It tells the story of the Hobbit Frodo
Baggings on his quest to return a powerful ring to the place where it was created so it can be
destroyed. Frodo is joined by heroes from all around Middle Earth – elves, dwarves, wizards -
who travel together to the devilish land of Mordor to destroy the One Ring, facing creatures of
evil such as trolls and orcs, but also overcoming their own weaknesses triggered by the
influences of the Ring.

It is not in the least surprising that the film has been universally lauded and it is the winner of
four Oscars and five Bafta Awards. The yet unknown cast gave a dazzling display of their talents,
starting with Ian Mckellan (Gandalf the wizard), the consummate thespian whose intensity
drives the film. Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggings) steals the show with such an impressive
performance that it is difficult to picture him otherwise than a three feet tall hobbit. Orlando
Bloom’s (Legolas) gracefulness in slinging his arrow definitely steals women’s hearts. But for
men, Liv Tyler’s few lines mark her out as an actor to watch, perfectly giving life to Arwen’s
ethereal being.

Unlike other fantasy films, where heroes are toing and froing to defeat monsters using the
same obsolete lines, “Lord of the Rings” delivers real moments of terror and dread as the
suspense builds up. It is a film of contrast, from the comforting landscapes of the Shire where
the Hobbits live, to the dark, gloomy Moria and the breathtaking tree homes of the elves. The
astounding soundtrack contributes perfectly to the creation of the heart-wrenching tension. A
particular weakness of the film could be its length, exhausting for those not caught up in the
story. Still, to me this does nothing to spoil the gripping atmosphere.

By and large, the film achieves a beautifully broad and dramatic scale, turning it into a definite
must-see. Irrespective of age, I strongly believe that this tale of bravery and determination is for
everybody and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Resources designed by Ramona Popa, teacher at SMART Academy of Languages