“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001) – Cate Blanchett’s Fantastic Adaptation of a Famous Fantasy Book

Writer/Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen and Viggo Mortensen

‘A Fantasy Masterpiece’

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about precious rings, it’s worth discussing “The Lord of the Rings”. Ever since it was first published during the 1950’s, “The Lord of the Rings” book series has gained a huge fan following. Packed with colourful characters, powerful storytelling and fantastical worlds, J.R.R. Tolkien’s book series has become a phenomenon. A fantastic fantasy book series boasting meaningful lore, it has become a world-famous franchise that people around the world adore. Given its massive fan following, it’s no surprise that the books have been adapted into movies that are entertaining. Peter Jackson’s epic film series has done an extraordinary job of bringing the world of Middle Earth to the big-screen. The film series launched in 2001 with the release of the groundbreaking movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”.

I admire all the films in the famous fantasy franchise but have always considered “The Fellowship of the Ring” to be the best. Released in 2001, the iconic film did an excellent job of introducing audiences to a fantastical world where rings are considered a prized possession. Peter Jackson beautifully adapted the classic book to the big-screen through using a variety of cinematic techniques. Boasting breathtaking special effects, soulful storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best literary adaptations ever made. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Ian McKellen who is extraordinary in the role of an aging wizard. For a film made in the early 2000’s, “The Fellowship of the Ring” has aged beautifully over time. Ultimately, it’s one of the best literary adaptations ever made that will satisfy fans of the fantasy book series.

Based on the book, “The Fellowship of the Ring” follows a hobbit that embarks on a journey to destroy a precious ring. Elijah Wood embodies Frodo Baggins, a cheerful hobbit that lives a peaceful life without any dire danger in the Shire. Frodo enjoys spending time in a peaceful land without any adversity. However, Frodo’s life forever changes when he’s given a dangerous task by the aging wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen). Tasked with carrying a dangerous ring, Frodo embarks on a journey to discover a fantastical world that’s frightening. As Frodo encounters obstacles that are dangerous, he questions whether he will ever destroy a ring that’s precious.

Peter Jackson is fascinated with the fantasy genre. Before he directed “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Jackson was known for his iconic fantasy movies. “The Fellowship of the Ring”, however, Jackson crafted his first literature adaptation. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a beloved fantasy book to the big-screen, but he succeeded. Through captivating cinematography, Jackson captures a hobbit’s journey to destroy a ring posing catastrophe. Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes as stunning as rings that Frodo grows to idolize. Jackson expertly uses forced perspective shots to capture a tiny hobbit on a journey in a world that’s larger-than-life. Throughout the film, the forced perspective shots convey how small Frodo is in the fantastical world of Middle Earth that’s humongous. Through this ingenious technique, Jackson creates a compelling character whom audiences can easily relate to. Jackson excels at bringing the world of Middle Earth to the big-screen. Using spellbinding visuals, Jackson builds a fantastical world that’s engaging.

Another admirable aspect of “The Fellowship of the Ring” that’s worth discussing is the production-design. For a movie made in the early 2000’s, the film’s production-design has aged over time incredibly. The special effects are breathtaking, and still hold up extremely well today. Jackson successfully uses motion-capture effects to recreate the fantastical world of Middle Earth. For instance, motion-capture effects elevate the fire breathing scene. During this unforgettable scene, Gandalf and the fellowship encounter a frightening dragon that prevents them from achieving their mission of transporting a ring. One admires stunning motion-capture effects capturing the spellbinding magic of J.R.R. Tolkien’s book. Moreover, another aspect of “The Fellowship of the Ring” that I adore is the musical score. Howard Shore’s music is grand, sweeping and emotional. It perfectly encapsulates the magical feeling of the legendary book. Through awe-inspiring production, Jackson crafts a mesmerizing world where rings are a prized possession.

Amidst the dazzling visuals, “The Fellowship of the Ring” finds ample time for storytelling. The film is beautifully written, and celebrates the legacy of a legendary piece of literature. Jackson’s screenwriting strength is capturing the powers of precious rings through symbolism. Throughout the movie, the ring becomes a strong symbol of addiction that drives characters down a path of self-destruction. It’s a precious object that can be dangerous when it ends up in the hands of the wrong person. Symbolism elevates the scene where Bilbo Baggins becomes extremely possessive of the ring calling it his precious object which he refuses to give to Gandalf. Through this ingenious symbolism, Jackson captures the powerful nature of the ring that signifies a source of addiction. Symbolism is a complicated technique. As Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” suggested, symbolism elevates classic prison dramas. Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” demonstrated symbolism elevates horror movies about isolation. Nevertheless, it works tremendously. Through a spectacular screenplay, Jackson celebrates a fantasy book considered a classic today.

One admires astonishing performances. “The Fellowship of the Ring” wouldn’t have become an enduring classic if it weren’t for the iconic acting.

Elijah Wood delivers one of his greatest career performances as Frodo Baggins. Before “Lord of The Rings”, Wood had never made a fantasy film before in Hollywood. It marked the actor’s first foray into the fantasy genre. It isn’t easy to embody a hobbit embarking on a journey to destroy a ring, but Wood succeeded tremendously. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the bravery, determination and fear of a hobbit embarking on a dangerous journey. It’s a phenomenal performance that launched the career of an iconic actor today.

Ian McKellen is magnificent as a wise wizard with pride that becomes a guide in whom Frodo can confide. In the iconic role of Gandalf, McKellen pours his soul into a legendary literary wizard with a voice that has strong control. Whether he’s raising his deafening voice at a dragon that’s frightening or silently warning Frodo about dangers of rings that are frightening, McKellen expertly uses his commanding voice to portray a character that’s inspiring. It’s a powerful performance from one of the finest British actors working today.

The supporting cast is spectacular, building relationships that are spellbinding. Viggo Mortensen is invigorating, capturing the determination of an inspirational leader that guides the fellowship on an expedition to destroy a ring posing destruction. Sean Astin is spectacular, bringing compassion to a loyal friend that’s willing to put his own life in danger to ensure that Frodo safely delivers a ring causing disaster. Finally, Christopher Lee merits appreciation. As the evil Sauron, he brings an air of menace to the movie.

Finally, “The Fellowship of the Ring” will earn everyone’s appreciation for celebrating a book about addictive rings that are frightening. Unlike most fantasy movies, the film tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses universal themes including identity, obsession and friendships striking a chord with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the book series to appreciate the movie. It delivers a universal message which would resonate with everyone that has faced obsessions at an early age. Therefore, “The Fellowship of the Ring” is one of those rare fantasy films everyone would find appealing.

Fans of the fantasy book series will definitely appreciate “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A spectacular fantasy blockbuster, it celebrates legendary literature about rings that pose danger.

Nearly 70 years following the publication of an inspiring fantasy book about hobbits carrying a precious ring with powers that are terrifying, it’s an inspiring tribute toward a world-famous novel that inspired children to get into the habit of reading building a legacy which has proven to be lasting by telling timeless stories about obsession which are worth adapting into strong films that are definitely worth watching.

5/5 stars