The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Directed by: Peter Jackson | 178 minutes | action, drama, war, adventure, family, fantasy | Actors: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Bernard Hill, Miranda Otto, John Noble, David Wenham, Karl Urban, Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis, Brad Dourif, Bruce Spence

In December 2003 the time had finally come: finally the final chord of Peter Jackson’s film project of Herculean proportions, his adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’, would be shown in cinemas. Now everyone could see if this highly accomplished Kiwi filmmaker could strike three lightning bolts and if the huge expectations aroused by the unparalleled first two parts: ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ and ‘The Two Towers’ – would be answered. And answers Jackson did! It’s almost unimaginable, but ‘The Return of the King’ has become a more than worthy conclusion to a masterful movie adventure.

The philosophy of “bigger is better” is often applied to sequels, and while ‘The Two Towers’ and ‘The Return of the King’ cannot be called sequels in the traditional sense of ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ – because they are all parts are of one and the same story – this also applies to Jackson’s film adaptation. ‘The Fellowship’ had intense battles with orcs, a cave troll, and the terrible Balrog, but in ‘The Two Towers’ Jackson surpassed this with the overwhelming Battle of Helm’s Deep. And, it may seem hyperbole, but that was nothing compared to the incredible scenes, the infinitely large(er) battles that take place in ‘The Return of the King’. Jackson really pulls out all the stops: hordes of stomping and roaring “elephants” with big spikes on their tusks, trolls beating drums ahead of legions of orcs; terrifying flying monsters that make the ringwraiths suddenly appear from the sky; wargs; pirates; a dead army, and much more! As a viewer you are really short of eyes and ears and it happens several times that you have to gasp for breath after an intense scene.

All that overwhelming spectacle is a welcome bonus, of course, but it’s not just the action scenes that have increased in scale or become more intense; even the small moments are – paradoxically – greater. “Whoever does not honor the small…” must have thought Jackson, because he never loses sight of the personal aspect. As with ‘The Two Towers’, all the overwhelming action is always related to the human and emotional. And it has to be, otherwise the audience will quickly lose interest and viewers will be stunned by all the action, which happens in so many other “blockbusters” and spectacle films. A movie like ‘Transformers 2’, for example, is loud and packed with action and combat, but gets downright boring after a while due to a lack of engagement. No chance of this on ‘The Return of the King’. Because the subtle, human moments also stay with you. Like the moments just before the crucial battle in the fields of Pelennor, when the troops face each other and King Theoden encourages his men and taps the lances of the leading horsemen with his sword as he rides past on his horse. Or the sensitive, calm dialogue between Gandalf and Pippin in the white city of Minas Tirith, about the death and beauty of the afterlife, which takes place in the midst of great chaos, as the orcs and trolls are literally banging on the door and the end is in sight. is. Perhaps the most beautiful moment of all films together takes place after the all-important war with (the troops of) Sauron and the quest to destroy the ring, when the four hobbits quietly drink a pint together in their favorite pub “The Green Dragon”. Here in the Shire, everything and everyone around them is just as carefree and full of fun as before – and that’s exactly what they’ve been fighting for – but they themselves have changed forever. No words are needed. They look at each other with a melancholy look. They have shared indescribable experiences together, and have forged an unbreakable bond. They toast, slightly sad, but above all satisfied and satisfied, ready to start the future, which they have (partly) secured themselves. Beautifully acted, it captures the essence of the film in an elegant, subtle way.

‘The Return of the King’ is a triumph and despite the multitude of storylines and characters to complete their development, has a clear focus. Fortunately, it is now more and more clear (than in ‘The Two Towers’) about the story of Frodo and the destruction of the Ring. His mission is often referenced and Aragorn, Gandalf and co. do whatever it takes to clear the way for him to throw the damn thing into the volcano. And of course it all becomes more dramatic and more difficult for Frodo himself. Not only does the Ring get heavier and he threatens to fall under the spell of the innocent-looking jewel, but their guide Gollum becomes an increasing obstacle. He leads them down a perilous road and slowly but surely drives a wedge between him and his faithful comrade Sam. It goes to the point that Frodo starts to believe in Gollum’s lies and sends Sam home. Sacrilege, probably for Professor Tolkien, and the lovers of his book, because their friendship is supposed to withstand anything. This friendship is the heart of the film, and the reason the mission will (or can?) succeed. It does provide extra drama, and an emotional reunion, but the question is whether this was a necessary move for the director. Also Gollum has now lost his ambiguous character, which made his character in ‘The Two Towers’ so interesting. He’s gone completely bad now, which makes him a bit more boring. However, his “sneaky” way of separating Frodo and Sam is fascinating to watch. Fortunately, the moments of Frodo and Sam after their reunion are very intense and their journey to the volcano is beautifully acted. When Sam finally has to take Frodo on his back, because he can no longer move forward, and speaks the words, “I may not be able to wear the Ring, but you can!” chances are the waterlanders will flow freely.

The images in ‘The Return of the King’ are regularly breathtaking, the highlights being the first look at the layered white city of Minas Tirith by Gandalf and Pippin, and the ascent of it on horseback. Or the lighting of the beacons by Pippin, which light up piece by piece on the many mountain peaks between Gondor and Rohan. Accompanied by the majestic, heroic music of Howard Shore, these moments give you goosebumps for minutes.

Of course, joking comments can be made about the close friendship between Frodo and Sam, the over-the-top moments in the film(s), or the many endings (“The movie just won’t stop!”) in ‘The Return of the King” or the other movies, but no one can ignore this incredible feat. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ has become a film project that radiates love and enthusiasm for the source material and the cinematic art, and has become such an unparalleled spectacle, such an immersive adventure full of emotions, that you only have deep respect for it. can have for. As everyone bows to the brave hobbits at the end of ‘The Return of the King’, we should solemnly bow to Jackson and his team of film artists: “You bow to no one.” Big tribute!