[Review of] The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

Home Theater Forum ^ | 28 Nov 2001 | "Ron & Chris"

[slhill]

I have a question for everyone. Many people choose to boycott a product because they find some aspect of its production abhorrent. It could be Cuban cigars; it could be Nike shoes; it could be Wagnerian opera in Israel; it could be Israeli products in Dubai. One common reason for boycotting products is a disdain for someone involved in the production. However, it is often argued that these sorts of boycotts, especially of artistic productions, are invalid and that what should be judged is the art. That is the reason commonly given for attempts to stage Wagner in Israel. So my question is, is anyone planning to boycott LOTR given that Ian McKellen is a prominent gay activist?

[KeepUSfree]

It does take a while to get going. It really isn't until the middle of "The Two Towers" that things start to heat up. And, I do agree that it appeals more to men as it is a "Good vs. evil/save the entire world" fantasy - something that is more of a male fantasy (call me sexist.... I think men and women think differently!)

[Mudboy Slim]

"One true love and a few true male friends...or they could end up like Hillary!!!!"

LOL...I wouldn't wish that horrid fate upon the WORST of my Enemies!!

FReegards...MUD

[MadIvan]

I remain sceptical about adaptations of novels like Lord of the Rings. I am a Dune maniac and still am waiting for the definitive film version. I hope they have success with Lord of the Rings; I am going to see it as soon as it comes out. If it works, what can I say, as a Dune fan I will be crouched in my seat, envying you LOTR fans and wondering when someone foolish enough to blow millions on Dune again will come.

Regards, Ivan

Dreamers of Dune
FreeBritannia.co.uk

[Varda]

Thanks for those reviews. I'm taking some teenagers to see the movie when it comes out. I'm looking forward to it but if it really is like Braveheart or Gladiator, it will be a long three hours for me.

[Eowyn-of-Rohan]

Thanks for the post. I've started reading "Fellowship" again, and having last read the Trilogy 15 years ago, or so, I don't want to see the movie until I have rekindled my own personal perceptions. While I am looking forward to seeing it, no movie could ever do justice to the Trilogy.

All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, Alight from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken: The crownless again shall be king.
-- JRR Tolkien

[Eowyn-of-Rohan]

What you need to do is this: Set aside 3 or 4 days, preferably rainy, cold and gloomy ones. Build a fire in your fireplace (if you have one). Put on some classical music and snuggle up with blanket on your couch. Start reading. Read until you finish all 3 books. You will like it.

[RobbyS]

.... and don't know women at all. Guilty as charged. Now, if most women would only admit the opposite to be true, then the divorce rate would be lower and feminism would not have taken its modern, unisex turn.

[Darth Reagan]

While the fans who read the original books are going to be enthralled with its faithfulness to the book,

I SO hope so.

I understand that the real changes from the books include the elimination of Tom Bombadil (don't know if the Old Forest will figure in, probably at some level to later explain the Ents), and Arwen has a bigger role than in the books (takes Glorfindel's place at the Ford -- and her line there really bothers me for some reason). I'm not sure what other changes there will be, but I understand that these are the main ones.

[Silly]

Frodo has already reached Rivendale

Did he visit the Hebrew Home? Oops, that's Riverdale...

[FairWitness]

Thanks for the ping. I am more than interested.

[csvset]

I can hardly wait. I'm curious as to why they didn't do The Hobbit first.

Liv Tyler mmmmm..

[Samwise]

(takes Glorfindel's place at the Ford -- and her line there really bothers me for some reason)

It bothers you because they're messing with a classic. It would be like someone touching up the smile on the Mona Lisa. Da Vinci didn't quite get it right. We'll fix it.

[Mudboy Slim]

"Arwen has a bigger role than in the books (takes Glorfindel's place at the Ford -- and her line there really bothers me for some reason)."

Any change from Tolkien's original classic is gonna bother me, but I can almost understand the Arwen move, as a Screenwriter may have seen the need to build up the character of Lady Arwen to make her a worthy mate for Aragorn...plus it gives us more opportunities to gaze upon the fair maiden, Liv Tyler!!

I can't remember the last time I was this psyched about a movie coming out...hopefully, it won't be too long before the video becomes available, too, seeing how "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King" are coming out in '02 and '03!!

Wonder if someone will attempt to tackle "The Silmarillion" next?!

FReegards...MUD

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

The didn't have the rights to the Hobbit, just The Lord of the Rings. Although, I don't think it would be hard for New Line to get the rights now.

[Mudboy Slim]

"Are these novels "Christian?"

Nope...but they are "spiritual" and delve into the age-old question of Good vs. Evil and Right vs. Left/Wrong.

FReegards...MUD

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

The Silmarillion would be quite an undertaking!

[Mudboy Slim]

Yep...probably another trilogy AT LEAST, but where would you end each movie?

FReegards...MUD

BTW...while I've come to see Bill Clinton as America's Sauron, I believe Morgoth represents the whole concept of Socialism/Lib'ralism/Collectivism/Fascism/Progressivism/Totalitarianism!!

[Nataku X]

They were written by one and have some strong Christian overtures, but I have no doubt at all that if it were not known that Tolkien was a Christian... the rage against LOTR would be just as strong as the criticism of Harry Potter in this forum.