Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring: Middle-Earth at its Best

There is so much that this film gets right. Its exhilarating and fun. This is high fantasy at its best. A true masterpiece that is the first film to understand the word “epic” since Star Wars.

This film is beautiful. The vistas and landscape shots portray Middle-Earth as a place of surreal beauty. The geography lends well to Tolkien’s world. And, while the film has beautiful shots of people treking the landscape, the set design is elaborate and impressive. Bag End is a beautiful chestnut-lined, mansion concealed by a grassy knoll. The Mines of Moria look like they were chiseled from solid granite. Every locale seems real and, if they belonged to the realm of reality, would have been, each considered wonders of the world.

The creature design is on point. Orcs feel terrifying. Unlike most films, these monstrosities aren’t CGI creations, but actual human beings plastered with honest-to-God make-up. The hair, the prosthetics, the contacts…these things are visceral and look like something drawn up from the dark corners of my mind: a nightmare. The Nasghul are equally terrifying riders of the night. They are simply hooded, armored individuals, but their screeching is bloodcurdling and absolutely terrifying. On top of that, the score is riveting and sweeps the viewer off their feet. Well done, sound design.

And, while all of this is all well and good, The Fellowship of the Ring, is ultimately a character driven movie. All the characters have a sense of that they belong, with their removal, the film would be a lesser piece. Frodo is immediatly likable, affable Sam is adorable, and Pippin and Merry provide a wonderful comedic duo, giving well-timed release from the constant tension. Aragorn speaks of mystery and hidden nobility. Boromir is a badass. Gimli is a bag full of laughter. Legolas is alien and straight-up cool. And, Gandalf, as the wizened mentor, can be equal parts stern and as friendly as they come. When they succeed, I am genuinely happy. When they fall, I cry with them. This movie is a theatrical accomplishment for it makes me care about each and everyone of the characters in the space of 3 hours. I can still remember my 8 year old self crying when Gandalf sacrifices himself so his companions could live. The film speaks volumes on the power of friendship and personal courage, and it succeeds in preaching to the masses. 10/10.