Posted on 12/17/2003 2:17:15 AM PST by Snake65
An epic end to this ode to heroism and sacrifice.
Superb special effects, thrilling battle scenes -- especially of the Nazgul wheeling and diving on Minas Tirith like JU-87 Stukas -- chilling moments as Shelob hunts Frodo, and a message of courage and hope: that even the smallest of us can make a difference in the history of world.
My main quibble was Jackson’s removal of the “Scouring of the Shire” (and indeed any scene of Saruman). It’s always been one of my favorite parts of the book, the Shire has been reduced under Saruman’s brand of Socialism to a realm of “gatherers and sharers” (with precious little sharing, one hobbit notes). Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin lead a hobbit uprising, and prove that the hobbits have indeed grown up and are now able to take care of themselves without any aid from Wizards, Elves, Dwarves, and Kings. Tolkien wrote his tale, in part, to give the English a creation mythos and in dispensing with the “Scouring” scenes --even in a future DVD -- Peter Jackson has done Tolkien the first real disservice of the Trilogy.
That aside, I found this an entirely satisfying conclusion and if anything, too short. If the spectacle level of Two Towers was a ten, this takes it, like Nigel Huffnel’s special amp, up to eleven. I’ve no doubt I’ll see this many times.
~E.E. Knight, author of WAY OF THE WOLF and proud Tolkien-geek FReeper.
Very tired now...
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