[Log4Girlz]

Hated the immortal ghost army/killing machine. Ruined the damn movie for me.

[Secret_Riddle]

ITT, posters confuse "I don't personally like it," with "it's not a good film."

RotK is the best possible conclusion to the first two films, and a stunning epic in and of itself. As for the ending, if cutting it down means cutting down the Grey Havens scene, then I prefer it the way it is. A roughly 10 hour trilogy asks us for 25 minutes to tie up a few loose ends; never really had a problem with it.

[Log4Girlz]

ITT, posters confuse "I don't personally like it," with "it's not a good film." RotK is the best possible conclusion to the first two films, and a stunning epic in and of itself.

With the unkillable ghost war machine as an important plot point? Bah.

[Enosh]

The eagles seemed to make short work of them at the end when they did arrive.

not really, if anything they kinda battled them to a standstill and made them focus on the eagles instead of fucking up everyone at ground, althrough been a while since I watched the movie

oh and that was after their most powerful one was killed

[Kung Fu Jedi]

As a huge fan of the books, I personally loved the way Return of the King ends as it at least attempts to deliver the ending of the books which had a lot weight to it. For those of us who have read, and loved, the books (and there are many!) if they had ended at the coronation scene, we would have been cheated out of a lot.

And why is it that in every LOTR thread someone has to bring up the eagles? It has been well established in any conversation of the matter that the eagles wouldn't have succeeded agains the Nazgul or Sauron if he were fully aware of them. THe only way to get the ring to Mt. Doom was through stealth. I'm not sure why this is so difficult for some to understand.

[Emerson]

What was the explanation there?

I'm not up to that part in the books yet, but you see that flocks of Nasguls patrol Mount Doom, making an aerial insertion pretty much impossible. Failing means hand-delivering the ring to the enemy.

Surprised nobody else answered in the meantime since we have bigger Tolkien-nerds than me on here. But essentially, the Eagles are sentient beings who are probably Maiar which are pretty much deities, just like the wizards are. They don't intervene in the war to great extent for the same reason that Gandalf doesn't fuck everybody up with magic. Gandalf was sent to be an advisor to men, not to win their war for them. And it's likely also true as several have mentioned that it wouldn't have been as easy as people assume.

As far as EE/TE differences in ROTK, I think they should have left the Saruman and Mouth of Sauron scenes in. The former is kind of necessary for story reasons, and the latter makes Aragorn's last charge at the Gate so much more powerful.

[Dash27]

All of those movies were amazing. I'm going to have to watch them all again now.

[Rlan]

My favourite part:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaqC5FnvAEc

[Reekers]

I love the trilogy, but the extra dvd's for the making of ruined the whole experience.

[Pandaman]

With the unkillable ghost war machine as an important plot point? Bah.

yes? it changes aragon from being a dude with a sword and a claim of lineage coming to Gondor into the unquestionable return of the king. Aragons kingship is cemented in that only the rightful king of gondor could absolve the oathbreakers.

[Tricky I Shadow]

Not to be a dick..... but really!? You may have a point if cinema itself was invented in 1990 or something.

I wasn’t being completely serious when I said it will never be topped, but I stand by my comment regarding the trilogy being the most impressive thing cinema has ever done.

[Theonik]

He already had his moment getting the girl before that. I actually find Two Towers kinda boring now. But Fellowship and Return are perfect.

I sorta agree. I found both the book and the film for Two Towers to be the weakest overall not that it's bad per-say just didn't feel as good.

[GCX]

I love the trilogy, but the extra dvd's for the making of ruined the whole experience.

Wait what?

The appendices are amazing and they showcase how much work, time, talent and thought went into crafting the trilogy.

[cj_iwakura]

"Fool... no man can kill me."

"I am no man."

Best scene in the film.

[JB1981]

The only thing I dislike about RotK is the army of the dead basically acting as a deux ex.

Is it really a deux ex though? It didn't come out of nowhere

[Snkfanatic]

my eyes piss tears to this entire scene every time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q19z6-tbIHY

Why...why did you have to do that. I'M NOT CRYING

[Septimius]

ITT, posters confuse "I don't personally like it," with "it's not a good film."

But it's not a good movie. It's epic, whatever that amounts to, but golly I was bored.

[Jo Shishido's Cheeks]

I wasn’t being completely serious when I said it will never be topped, but I stand by my comment regarding the trilogy being the most impressive thing cinema has ever done.

Most impressive in what respect? Purely from a technical standpoint regarding the special effects? Or are you suggesting that they're the most impressive overall in terms of writing, direction, editing, music, etc...?

If you're talking about special effects solely then I'd likely agree with you, they certainly are a phenomenal achievement in computer generated effects. I'd argue practical effects work > computer generated effects, but I guess that's subjective.

But if you're saying either or all of the films are a greater artistic achievement than The Godfather, 2001, Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia, The Seven Samurai and on and on then you're crazy.

[elrechazado]

But it's not a good movie. It's epic, whatever that amounts to, but golly I was bored.

I've been bored by many movies that are objectively good.

[Kung Fu Jedi]

But it's not a good movie. It's epic, whatever that amounts to, but golly I was bored.

You do know that it was named Best Picture the year it was released right?

I can respect your opinion for you personally not enjoying the film, but to say it wasn't good is kind of silly.

[Tricky I Shadow]

But it's not a good movie.

Wrong. It's a good movie that you didn't like. I mean come on.

Most impressive in what respect? Purely from a technical standpoint regarding the special effects? Or are you suggesting that they're the most impressive overall in terms of writing, direction, editing, music, etc...? If you're talking about special effects solely then I'd likely agree with you, they certainly are a phenomenal achievement in computer generated effects. I'd argue practical effects work > computer generated effects, but I guess that's subjective. But if you're saying either or all of the films are a greater artistic achievement than The Godfather, 2001, Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia, The Seven Samurai and on and on then you're crazy.

I’m talking about the whole entire production. Just look at what they achieved in 3 years. Does it really need to be explained as to why it's all so impressive?

[Jo Shishido's Cheeks]

I’m talking about the whole entire production. Just look at what they achieved in 3 years. Does it really need to be explained as to why it's all so impressive?

Given the primitive nature of the film industry at the beginning of the 20th century, then I'm not sure it's a greater logistic undertaking or technical achievement than what Melies and Griffith managed to achieve.

Again, if you are talking about achievements in computerised special effects alone then you're probably right but it's bested by other productions in cinema in almost every other regard.

[PhoncipleBone]

I feel the opposite, I think the third one is the best of the three and Fellowship is the weakest, now they are all fantastic movies and a great trilogy.

Each film is both the best and the worst entry in the series. I honestly cannot pick which I would call the best or my favorite. I will say that Fellowship has a bit more special place in my heart because it was the first and blew my mind when I saw it. TTT and ROTK I knew what I was getting into for awesomeness.

You bow to no one scene gets me EVERYTIME!

Yup. And Shore killed it with the music there too.

Confession: I never watched the extended versions of the LoTR films. This thread is making me almost want to take the 40 quid pill and buying the BD.

Go buy it. EE or bust for me.

[Grisby]

Anyone else go to that special deal where they showed the first 2 EE films and then ended it at midnight with the opening of ROTK? Was the best movie theater experience I've ever had. Just my ma and my best friend and a shit ton of Ringers.

My favorite ROTK scene has to be when Gandalf is telling Pippin about his 'heaven' experience. Always stuck with me.

Hated the immortal ghost army/killing machine. Ruined the damn movie for me.

I thought it was neat because the ghosts looked like something from Frightners.

[Discotheque]

My favorite ROTK scene has to be when Gandalf is telling Pippin about his 'heaven' experience. Always stuck with me.

That's a great scene. I think it's what Gandalf is saying coupled with the instrumental version of Into the West that gets me.

"You bow to noone" may be my favorite scene in the trilogy though. It feels like an ending for sure but I think it would have been unsatisfying if it ended there. I'm fine with ROTK's actual ending. And the amazing end credits after too.

[The Anti-Monitor]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHAP7NvBOU0

1 minute in. That's what made this movies an absolutely unique experience.

Love all 3. Two Towers is the most fun, but this one is my favorite.

[Kentpaul]

The Lotr movies are the best trilogy to marithon through. Spending an entire day glued to Lotr is one of life's finer moments.

[Theonik]

Go buy it. EE or bust for me.

Ordered it from amazon after reading a bit more of the thread. Only had the DVDs for the Theatrical versions so it was a no-brainer for a re-watch. Should be here next monday with post here.

[Lancehead]

One of my issues with Return of the King, and indeed all the three movies, is that Aragorn never comes off as this Heir of Isildur in whom a king of old is reborn. He never quite impressed as a majestic figure straight out of forgotten past.

[injurai]

FOTR > ROTK dude. Yes, I watched all the extended cuts too, still doesnt change that.

I agree with this, the beginning of the story isn't as muddled as the end.

[Edmond Dantès]

[QUOTE=Kung Fu Jedi
And why is it that in every LOTR thread someone has to brin up the eagles? It has been well established in any conversation of the matter that the eagles wouldn't have succeeded agains the Nazgul or Sauron if he were fully aware of them. THe only way to get the ring to Mt. Doom was through stealth. I'm not sure why this is so difficult for some to understand.[/QUOTE]Tolkien‘s own explanation is still the best, there‘s no need for scholar theories. He said it best.

[Discotheque]

One of my issues with Return of the King, and indeed all the three movies, is that Aragorn never comes off as this Heir of Isildur in whom a king of old is reborn. He never quite impressed as a majestic figure straight out of forgotten past.

I dunno, he seemed like quite the natural leader in the films.

[hosannainexcelsis]

It had some great moments, and the ending was cathartic, but Return of the King has some of the most egregous cheapening of the source material in Peter Jackson's hands, such as the bastardization of Denethor and Frodo expelling Sam - which made both of them act uncomfortably out of character. The extended edition made things even worse, particularly in its Legolas and Gimli scenes. A landmark technical achievement to be sure, but it's impossible to be disappointed at how it fumbled the narrative at places.

[Wilbury]

Haven't seen any of them in a while, but FOTR was always my favourite. From when they get into Balin's (?) tomb until the end of the film is near enough to perfect film making as you can get, it's just fantastic.

[Tookay]

I think this movie killed LOTR for me. It was just one massive slog, with certain characters at their most obnoxious (Frodo and Gollum) and battle scenes that never end. When a fucking war bores me to tears, there's a problem.

Hated the immortal ghost army/killing machine. Ruined the damn movie for me.

Same here. I expect bad guys to have random ass-pulls to live another day. Not good guys.

Not to mention, the whole "convincing the ghost army to join us" stuff reduced the titular "king" to the background for half of the movie.

[Lancehead]

I dunno, he seemed like quite the natural leader in the films.

Yeah, he seemed a great warrior and leader. But he's much more than that.

[Tookay]

"Fool... no man can kill me." "I am no man." Best scene in the film.

I'm of the opposite opinion. I thought that scene was wretched.

[Septimius]

I'm of the opposite opinion. I thought that scene was wretched.

I agree. It was like "GOT YOU FOR DOUBLE MEANING. Man can mean 'a member of mankind' but it can also mean the male gender, lololol"

[Emerson]

I'm of the opposite opinion. I thought that scene was wretched.

It came off as kind of stupid and "girl power!"-y in the movie, but in the books it was better.

[Edmond Dantès]

That's a great scene. I think it's what Gandalf is saying coupled with the instrumental version of Into the West that gets me. "You bow to noone" may be my favorite scene in the trilogy though. It feels like an ending for sure but I think it would have been unsatisfying if it ended there. I'm fine with ROTK's actual ending. And the amazing end credits after too.

Always find it strange that Gandalf would be describing Aman to Pippin, considering he would never go there and would suffer the Gift of Iluvatar like all others of the race of men.

[Kung Fu Jedi]

One of my issues with Return of the King, and indeed all the three movies, is that Aragorn never comes off as this Heir of Isildur in whom a king of old is reborn. He never quite impressed as a majestic figure straight out of forgotten past.

In the books he was the same, until the end when he took the throne. Up until then, he was a Ranger in the wild and had lived a long and tough life. The hobbits can't even believe that Aragorn the Ranger and Aragorn the King are the same man. But in the book, the transition from Ranger to King was much more dramatic.

[Edmond Dantès]

In the books he was the same, until the end when he took the throne. Up until then, he was a Ranger in the wild and had lived a long and tough life. The hobbits can't even believe that Aragorn the Ranger and Aragorn the King are the same man. But in the book, the transition from Ranger to King was much more dramatic.

Still a minor in comparison to the likes of Turin, Hurin, Tuor, Beren, Beor, Earendil and Ar-Pharazon etc

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Still a minor in comparison to the likes of Turin, Hurin, Tuor, Beren, Beor, Earendil and Ar-Pharazon etc

True, but the same can be said of the Elves of the Third Age as well. That's all a discussion for another thread of course, but things have certainly... diminished in the later days of Middle Earth.

[Flying_Phoenix]

Greatest film of all-time.

Best part of the trilogy.

[Lancehead]

In the books he was the same, until the end when he took the throne. Up until then, he was a Ranger in the wild and had lived a long and tough life. The hobbits can't even believe that Aragorn the Ranger and Aragorn the King are the same man. But in the book, the transition from Ranger to King was much more dramatic.

Yes, in the books he was mostly a Ranger weary with travels, hopes and burdens. But every now and again he revealed his kingly side. For example, at the statues at Argonath, meeting Eomer chasing the hobbits, outside the Golden Hall in Edoras, journey through the Paths of the Dead, confrontation with the Mouth of Sauron, mastering the Palantir and challenging Sauron etc. Not only himself showing his heritage, other characters too at times told him for what he is. Gandalf and Elrond for example.

Still a minor in comparison to the likes of Turin, Hurin, Tuor, Beren, Beor, Earendil and Ar-Pharazon etc

I wouldn't say minor. I mean, here is a man who challenged Sauron by revealing himself and Narsil through the Palantir, who dragged all his friends (except the Elves) through the Paths of the Dead by his sheer will, and who has wisdom and strength of will to command the power of the One Ring.

[Edmond Dantès]

I wouldn't say minor. I mean, here is a man who challenged Sauron by revealing himself and Narsil through the Palantir, who dragged all his friends (except the Elves) through the Paths of the Dead by his sheer will, and who has wisdom and strength of will to command the power of the One Ring.

Good feats yes, but in no way did he command the One, he nor anybody from the race of men had the power to command the One. All would have fallen even the the most powerful of the Maiar. Tolkien himself stated that Gandalf would have been corrupted by the One and would have been more terrible than Sauron.

[Lancehead]

Good feats yes, but in no way did he command the One, he nor anybody from the race of men had the power to command the One. All would have fallen even the the most powerful of the Maiar. Tolkien himself stated that Gandalf would have been corrupted by the One and would have been more terrible than Sauron.

No, I didn't say he commanded it. But that he can. When Gandalf, Aragorn, Eomer and Imrahil meet after the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Gandalf says this: "For if we have found this thing, there are some among us with strength enough to wield it. That too he knows. For do I not guess rightly, Aragorn, that you have shown yourself to him in the Stone of Orthanc?"

If he wielded the Ring, then of course he would fall and become the new dark lord. There's no argument there.

[Dresden]

Still a minor in comparison to the likes of Turin, Hurin, Tuor, Beren, Beor, Earendil and Ar-Pharazon etc

I doubt they were as hot. Viggo is sexy as hell in the movies.

[Theonik]

No, I didn't say he commanded it. But that he can. When Gandalf, Aragorn, Eomer and Imrahil meet after the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Gandalf says this: "For if we have found this thing, there are some among us with strength enough to wield it. That too he knows. For do I not guess rightly, Aragorn, that you have shown yourself to him in the Stone of Orthanc?" If he wielded the Ring, then of course he would fall and become the new dark lord. There's no argument there.

This quote can have a sort of ambiguous interpretation. It doesn't necessarily say that Aragorn could wield the ring rather that Sauron could be fooled that a man who would stand up to him would have strength enough to wield it. So long as he doesn't know, that is enough to set the trap.

[Edmond Dantès]

If he wielded the Ring, then of course he would fall and become the new dark lord. There's no argument there.

Indeed. But I do wonder what he would have become with the One and what Sauron would have done. He would still be alive even if he lost yet another physical raiment. Would he be in the shadows influencing Aragon like he once did with Ar-Pharazon or would he be busy trying to rebuild his army. There‘s also the question of the Valar. What would they have done? Send yet another Maia to aid the remaining races of Middle-earth or just intervene themselves and send their army.