Writer/Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis and Sean Astin
‘A Fantastic Finale’
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about precious rings, it’s worth discussing “The Lord of the Rings”. Published in the 1950’s, J.R.R. Tolkien created a beloved book series that readers have cherished. Packed with colourful characters, timeless themes and sweeping action, it’s a book series that has gained a huge fellowship fan following. The book series has been adapted into memorable movies that are celebrated. Each unique film adaptation has stood out and offered a memorable interpretation of the source material. Peter Jackson did an extraordinary job of adapting all three books in the series to the big-screen.
I’ve always been a huge fan of the LOTR franchise and admire all the movies. While I appreciate all three films in the famous fantasy series, “The Return of the King” stands out as the most epic achievement. Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning movie brought the famous fantasy franchise towards a satisfying conclusion. It became the first ever fantasy film to win the Best Picture Oscar, and in hindsight it’s easy to see why. Boasting breathtaking action, sharp storytelling and phenomenal acting, it has stood the test of time as a fantasy classic. Jackson successfully brought a legendary entertainment franchise to a satisfying closure through a great deal of hard work, time and commitment. 20 years following its legendary release, it remains one of the best fantasy films ever made that has created an inspirational legacy worth celebrating.
Following the events of “The Two Towers”, “The Return of the King” follows adventures of a hobbit embarking on his final journey to destroy a ring. Elijah Wood embodies Frodo Baggins, a brave hobbit carrying a dangerous ring with great power. Assisted by his courageous friend Sam (Sean Astin), Frodo is determined to complete a dangerous mission of destroying a ring that’s precious. However, Frodo’s abilities to accomplish his goal is thwarted by a frightening battle involving kings. Trapped in a nerve-wracking situation, Frodo starts to question whether he will ever be able to accomplish his life-threatening mission.
Peter Jackson is fascinating with stories of precious rings. Jackson achieved appreciation for introducing the famous franchise about rings in 2001’s “The Fellowship of the Ring”. With “The Return of the King”, however, Jackson crafted his first fantasy franchise finale. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to bring a world-famous fantasy franchise to a closure, but he succeeded tremendously. Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes as breathtaking as rings that terrorize. Through captivating cinematography, Jackson captures a hobbit embarking on a journey to destroy a precious ring posing catastrophe. Jackson expertly uses cross-cutting capturing a hobbit embarking on a journey to destroy a ring. The film expertly switches back and forth between Frodo’s journey to destroy the ring and battles led by Gandalf. Through this clever cross-cutting, Jackson celebrates a book about precious rings. Cross-cutting is a tricky technique. However, it works tremendously in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Jackson celebrates a fantasy book that’s spellbinding.
Another admirable aspect of “The Return of the King” that’s worth discussing is the action. From a technical perspective, it’s arguably the most impressive film in the Lord of the Rings franchise. Jackson successfully uses motion-capture technology to create battle sequences that inspire wonder. For instance, motion-capture technology elevates the final battle scene. During this unforgettable scene, Gandalf leads the charge in a final battle against evil creatures that are terrifying. One admires immersive motion-capture effects capturing frightening creatures that are destructive. Through captivating motion-capture, Jackson celebrates a book about creatures that are frightening. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Howard Shore’s music is grand, epic and sweeping. It demonstrates the spellbinding tone of the famous fantasy book. Using awe-inspiring production, Jackson brings the LOTR franchise toward a satisfying conclusion.
Amidst the breathtaking action, “The Return of the King” finds time to tell a story that’s compelling. Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Return of the King” is a fantasy film that’s satisfying. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses foreshadowing to celebrate a legendary book about precious rings. Jackson’s screenwriting strength is capturing negative impact of rings posing danger through foreshadowing. Throughout the movie, Jackson uses clever foreshadowing to hint at dangers that Frodo is facing in the future. Whether its subtle dialogue or visual cues in the environment, the film is filled with clues that foreshadow certain impending events occurring. Through this innovative technique, Jackson creates a compelling central hero that audiences can easily relate to. Foreshadowing is a tricky technique. Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” suggested that foreshadowing elevates classic Hitchcock movies. “The Shining” demonstrated that foreshadowing elevates horror movies about isolation. Nevertheless, it succeeds. Through captivating storytelling, Jackson celebrates a book about powerful rings that are frightening.
One admires astonishing performances. “The Return of the King” wouldn’t be an enduring classic without the unforgettable acting.
Elijah Wood delivers his finest performance as Frodo Baggins. Wood achieved appreciation for playing the hobbit in 2001’s “The Fellowship of the Ring”. With “The Return of the King”, however, Wood brought Frodo’s journey to a closure. It isn’t easy to embody a hobbit carrying a ring, but Wood succeeded. In his final outing, Wood brought out an emotional side to Frodo that audiences hadn’t seen before. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, determination and resentment of a hobbit that’s dedicated to accomplish a life-threatening mission. It’s a phenomenal performance from an actor that was born to play the role.
The supporting cast is spectacular, building spellbinding bonds together. Ian McKellen is magnificent, capturing the determination of a commemorated wizard serving as a source of inspiration whose valuable advice guides hobbits to achieve a mission. Andy Serkis is spectacular, capturing the larger-than-life personality of a creature addicted to a precious ring with dangerous qualities driving him to the brink of insanity. Lastly, Viggo Mortensen deserves appreciation. As a courageous warrior, he brings gravitas to the movie.
Finally, “The Return of the King” will earn everyone’s appreciation for celebrating a legendary book about a frightening ring. Unlike most fantasy films, it’s one of those movies everyone would be able to relate to. It tackles universal themes including identity, mental health and trauma. 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 facing addiction at an early age. Therefore, “The Return of the King” is a fantasy film everyone finds appealing.
Fans of the fantasy franchise would definitely appreciate “The Return of the King” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A fantastic finale, it brought the famous fantasy franchise to a perfect conclusion.
Nearly 70 years following the publication of an iconic book about hobbits embarking on tense journeys to transport a dangerous ring with powers that are frightening, it’s a spellbinding reminder about a legendary novel inspiring feelings of wonder in readers that has stood the test of time through motivating children to start reading that deserves to be celebrated by being adapted into strong movies that are worth watching.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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