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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Less engaging upon re-watch but still very good even after 20 years of release
Having just re-watched "The Fellowship of the Ring," the first installment of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, for the third time, I am once again transported into the enchanting world of Middle-earth. Directed by the talented Peter Jackson and based on J. R. R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel. Released in 2001, it captivated me with its stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and a remarkable ensemble cast.
Set in a world inhabited by humans, hobbits, elves, dwarves, wizards, and orcs, the film tells the captivating story of Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit who embarks on a dangerous quest to destroy a powerful ring. Crafted by the Dark Lord Sauron, this ring possesses the ability to corrupt and control its bearer, potentially spelling doom for the world of Middle-earth upon its return.
The film begins with one of the best exposition scenes I have seen so far. It seamlessly integrates crucial details about the world and its characters, combined with the masterful delivery of information immediately captures my attention and set the stage for the epic journey to come. The first half of the film continues to impress. The well-written and engaging scenes, coupled with effective direction, have once again captured my attention. While I wouldn't label the plot as exceptionally amazing or groundbreaking, it still manages to hold its ground and doesn't disappoint. The atmosphere created throughout the film is particularly impressive, further enhancing my overall enjoyment of the viewing experience.
However, as I progress into the second half of the film, starting from the Mines of Moria plot point, I find myself slightly less engaged compared to the first half. There are moments in this portion that don't resonate with me as strongly, one example being Gandalf's sacrifice. Although I understand the significance of this sacrifice for the story and character development, I can't help but find Gandalf's decision somewhat illogical. Personally, I would have preferred if he had continued his intense battle with the Balrog, falling into the abyss together and remerging as Gandalf the White in the next film after defeating balrog. His decision to sacrificing himself without knowing the outcome feels somewhat illogical to me, even upon this rewatch.
Nevertheless, amidst these moments, there are standout scenes that continue to impress on my third viewing. Boromir's death and Frodo's gaze into the future add depth and emotional impact to the narrative. These moments serve as reminders of the film's ability to evoke strong emotions. However, overall, the second half didn't captivate me as much as I had hoped, even with the advantage of multiple viewings.
The ensemble cast remains excellent, and I continue to appreciate the well-written characters of Aragorn, Boromir, and Frodo. Among the villains, Sauron didn't quite resonate with me, but the presence and atmospheric impact brought by the Ringwraiths and Saruman are worth noting. Their portrayal and effective direction add an extra layer of depth to the film.
In this film various themes are explored throughout including friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, the battle between good vs evil, and the influence of corruption. While these themes add depth to the story, they don't necessarily provoke deep thought. However, the concept of corruption and its effects on individuals and society remain significant aspects of the narrative.
During this third viewing, I couldn't help but notice a couple of criticisms. Firstly, the film's magic system remains unexplained, making it difficult to predict the capabilities of the magical characters. This lack of clarity affects my understanding of certain aspects of the story. Additionally, the passage of time in the film feels somewhat inconsistent, with travel distances seeming shorter than initially suggested.
As I watch the fight scenes unfold, I notice their ups and downs. While some are impressive and exciting, others fall short of expectations. The use of shaky camera work, quick cuts, and excessive close-up shots makes it challenging to fully appreciate the intricacies of the fight choreography. This detracts from the overall impact and enjoyment of those moments in the film.
On a positive note, the soundtrack throughout the film, continues to enhance the atmosphere and adds to my enjoyment. Even after 20 years, the visual effects, CGI, set designs, costume design, and makeup still impress and contribute to the immersive world of Middle-earth.
Overall, as I conclude my third viewing, I must say that "The Fellowship of the Ring" remains a well-directed film with engaging scenes and a good plot, resulting in an enjoyable viewing experience. However, I still believe that the second half could have been directed better, making more logical choices to maintain the same level of engagement and enjoyment as the first half. Considering all aspects, while I don't deem it a masterpiece or exceptional, I can confidently say that "The Fellowship of the Ring" remains a truly good film. I rate it 7/10.