The more I watched the entire trilogy unfold, the more I grew to like Aragorn. He was never someone I disliked, but I began to feel more emotionally connected to him. I have to admit, though, I was annoyed at how he responded to Éowyn when he did not reciprocate her feelings for him. Of course he should follow his heart, but couldn't he have broken the news a bit more gently? I felt horrible for her. I know he always had a good heart, though, so I was happy for him and his newly crowned queen who clearly understood the meaning and value of true love. They, no doubt, belonged together. I'm glad her father came around, too. I love how this subplot added an element of tenderness in an otherwise action-packed adventure that wasn't always the best of times. I have seen Liv Tyler in a few movie roles and this one was by far her best performance, in my opinion.
After a pep talk from her uncle, I do love the way Éowyn carried on so courageously. I can't say I would have been that resilient after such a letdown from Aragorn and from a family tragedy. I really admired her strength (both physical and otherwise!), determination, courage, and how happy she seemed for Aragorn in the end. In fact, I think it takes courage to be happy. Her smile said it all. She was one of my heroes in this movie.
I really loved the banter between Legolas and Gimli. They had such great rapport with each other and their friendship was comforting to me. This was one bond I grew to appreciate more in "The Two Towers" and in "The Return of the King".
The most powerful bond of them all, to me, was that between Frodo and Sam. I don't think one could have made it without the other (although the same could be said between all members of the fellowship). But there was something deeply special about them. And while Frodo ultimately had the daunting task of destroying the ring, I actually think it was Sam who was the most prominent hero.
It was fun to see everyone rejoicing together when they were all back at the Shire, but that made the last part of the movie that much more emotional for me. I cried my eyes out long after the movie was over and I cried again when I watched it for a second time the next day. I could see and feel a part of myself in Sam when he had to bid farewell to his friend and carry on with his own life. Anyone who has been through a similar experience understands how incredibly difficult it can be to do this, even ten years later.
I was, however, comforted by the fact that Frodo was in good company when he departed and that all was peaceful with the friends he was leaving behind at the Shire. Frodo gave his buddies a reassuring smile as he was leaving, which helped ease the pain for me a bit. Just a bit. His smile reminded me of Gandalf's smile every time time he had a strong feeling throughout the movie that Frodo was okay. (As I reread this, I'm realizing I mentioned the smiles of three different characters. It is one of the first things I notice in people in everyday life, so maybe that's why I noticed it in the movie, too.)
I have commented primarily on elements of the story in my reviews, but the cinematography and film score were equally epic. Just like the fellowship itself, one would not have been as good without the other. It's the collaboration of everything and everyone that made this trilogy such a masterpiece.
I am so glad I watched "Lord of the Rings" and so grateful for my friend who mentioned it. I've had all three movies for a long time, but only now watched them for the first time - almost 20 years after their release dates. This is a testament to how timeless the movie is. It's still relatable all these years later. I believe everything happens for a reason and that I watched the trilogy at precisely the right moment in my life. This story will forever be a part of me.
Check out my reviews of the rest of the trilogy!
I am very happy you enjoyed it! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mihail. :-)
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