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rabid_tribble
Member
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2004 02:20
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*LOL* So here we are, the cliché (but still interesting) topic about The Lord of the Rings. In this thread, you can discuss all the things about the venerable books and movies that you love so much. Personally, I'll admit right now that I've unfortunately never read the books, having grown up in a mainly francophone culture where Tolkien wasn't as popular as other----more French----writers. *L* I probably will do so eventually, but so far all I'm familiar with regarding LOTR are the excellent film adaptations by director Peter Jackson. I really enjoyed all three films, each one more than the previous one, actually. In other words, The Return of the King is my favorite. After having seen the movies, I now have a better idea for instance where George Lucas got many of his ideas for his own legendary movie series. So, I'll stop talking and let all of you, Tolkien fans, take the podium. What are your favorite characters, moments, places, etc. about The Lord of the Rings? This is the thread to discuss all the things you love about Middle-Earth. RT
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hongjun
Member
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2004 17:53
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Hey,
What can I say go away and read the books RT, it is good to see the differences between the two and as much as I loved the film there are things that annoy me about me the films.
As an example on Weathertop the black riders come not because of being drawn by a fire, Aragorn lights a fire, as fire is the only protection against them.
That and in the book Frodo attempts to fight them, not that he succeeds, alas in the film he falls back and comes across as such a wimp. That alas is a weakness in the film and one thing that doesn’t come across well in my opinion, the fact that Hobbits are so unexpectedly resilient and brave, much more so that their size, life style etcetera suggests that they would be.
Hong
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kittykat
Member
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2004 03:05
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I'm glad they kept the part at Mount Doom similar to what it was the books, although I thought that Sam actually pushed Gollum over?
Probably what impressed me the most about the books was the fact that Tolkien was creating this whole middle earth world, making a detailed history for it, a language etc to me that's just brilliance!
KK
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joebuhlman
Member
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2004 16:40
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I just started reading the series a month back. I'm over half way through The Two Towers now. So far, I prefer the books over the movies by far! But, there was one part in particular that I liked better in the movie. And, that part was the fall of Boromir. They made it seem much more heroic in the movie! I won't say anymore at the moment. Shouldn’t we prevent spoiling it for people who haven't read the books? Or, at least put a warning before the spoiler? I don't want to ruin the experience for anyone.  Everyone should read the books! 
Ric
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deanna
Member
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# Posted: 7 Oct 2004 04:51
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*feels suddenly evil and wants everyone to fuss and fume*
I've not read abit of the books...let me say that up front. However I do realize the brilliance behind it all...
What I loved most about the movies? Arwen, I loved Arwen 
*hides now*
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justinviskoc
Member
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# Posted: 14 Mar 2005 23:11
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*chucks the rotten tomatoes at Deanna*
Arwen was in, maybe.. maybe.. two lines in the book. Jackson dramatized the love between her and Aragorn a bit too much for my liking. Dagnabbit.. Glorfindel's s'posed to save Frodo and not her. >,<
My favorite thing about the whole of Middle-earth is the mythology that Professor Tolkien created for it. The Ainur and all their differences fascinates me the most.
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katelyn
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# Posted: 9 Jul 2005 11:02
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Oh yes... we all know I love this series beyond what is considered healthy...
I ashamedly admit that this year was the first time I read Fellowship of the Ring. I can understand easily why so many book fans were so peeved at the adaptation. But they all have their moments. The way the book was written had a different kind of feeling than the way that the movies were shown.... but I can get over it and love them both because you can never truly compare the world of books to the world of film. It's not good, or bad... it's just different. And that's always worthwhile.
But, for this, I'll stick to the movies since that is more of my arena...
I will always love Eowyn and her quiet strength... if I dare to risk it, I would almost say she is my absolute favorite. But then there's Faramir... and Sam... Theoden... if I keep going, I'll list off every single character. I could write and write and write about the reasons each character should be someone's favorite.... because of their strengths, or inner conflicts, or whatnot. I am obsessed, I believe...
As for moments... I just watched the Return of the King extended edition yesterday or the day before for the first time. (Give me a break, I was in Africa. It did kill me to wait seven months though.) I think the most amazing part of it was the Houses of Healing... from Eowyn being found by Eomer (can we say heartwrenching cry from Eomer, anyone?) on the fields of Pelennor to Eowyn and Faramir first seeing each other. It is a beautifully crafted scene and I do remember holding my breath ... I was captivated. It is not often that this occurs!
And from a *nonzealous* religious viewpoint, I really enjoyed the introduction of "Grond", which was like a false idol. Many scenes or words just screamed of Tolkien's Christian beliefs and I think they were really done well, subtly and with so much grace.
Most of the extensions in all three movies really added a lot of depth to the movies for me... and increased the enjoyment, which I didn't think could be added to.
Um... oh man. I could go on and on. I just love these films. They have so many meanings, messages, morals, things that we can all learn to integrate into every day life and difficult situations. I'm sure I'm sounding pretty dumb to a lot of you, but if you think about it, it's true. They're there... simple, or hidden, but there if you look hard enough. Of course in some places they're more than obvious.... Frodo talking to Gandalf in Moria in FotR about the control we do(n't) have in our life, Sam giving a speech to Frodo in TTT about not giving in, Gandalf explaining to Pippin about life not ending at death in RotK (though RotK was overflowing with them....!!! ).
In short.. because I'm getting close to writing a book and if you can believe it, I deleted a lot of extraneous thoughts from the ends of paragraphs....
amazing! they certainly and most obviously have snagged me as a lifelong fan and admirer.
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shen_hua
Member
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# Posted: 9 Jul 2005 13:14
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Has anyone seen the animated movie version of the Fellowship and the Two Towers all in one? I'm not sure if they did the Return one or not... But did anyone see that animated cartoon movie thing? Or is it just me...
Also, I'm kinda disappointed that they didn't put one thing in the movie. I'll describe the scene I mean but I havn't read the books in ages so bear with me. It's in the Fellowship when some (if not all four) hobbits fall into a hole or something a someone attacks them. It's kinda early on I think. I'm sorry that's it's not a good description but I'm sorry. I've always wondered how they would show that scene in the movie. Does anyone know what I mean? Or do you just think I'm crazy... 
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blake
Member
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# Posted: 16 Dec 2005 20:02
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I personally like both the books and movies about the same. Peter Jackson is a brilliant director and Tolkien was a magnificent writer.
The only part I didn't like in the movie is that they cut out Tom Bombadil. He was one of my favorite characters, and I was really looking forward to seeing him. Of course, I know there will always have to be sacrifices when making a book into a movie.
--
Alivan
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katelyn
Member
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# Posted: 19 Dec 2005 19:37
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I agree. I didn't read Fellowship until after I had seen all three movies, but the one omission that sorely disappointed me was indeed Tom Bombadil! Sigh...
And I also agree - PJ is a magnificent director, whilst Tolkien was a magnificent writer. Do not attempt and compare the two!!
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marnal
Member
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# Posted: 21 Dec 2005 14:36
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Didn't miss Bombadil - he's annoying. And also cutting the scouring of the Shire was a good move - the story was already over, the scouring felt to artificially tacked on in the books. Tolkien was a master at imagination, world building and descriptive writing but sometimes he didn't seem to have much idea about structuring his stories. Hey, it's my opinion and I'm entitled to it.
Best thing in LOTR: The Rohirrim. No question.
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daecrist
Member
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# Posted: 21 Dec 2005 21:36
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But Bombadil was integral to the overarching plot to the books. He represented something ancient and good, not quite controlled but still a force to be reckoned with. There is precious little connection between Middle Earth and Valinor, but Bombadil provides one such link while at the same time providing weapons for the Hobbits that are used later in defeating the Witch King.
The scouring of the Shire probably was best left out of the film. I've heard people complain that the movie goes on far too long after it's over, though personally I enjoyed every extension and I wish they'd included more of the plot after dropping the ring in.
Anyways, back to the original point. The Scouring of the Shire was meant to show that nothing is ever truly left untouched by evil. In this case Saruman manages to turn the quaint pastoral Shire into a burgeoning place of industry and "civilization." I'd imagine that was some sort of commentary on the industrialization of England as a whole at the time and the passing of the old world, something Tolkien lamented many times. He was never a fan of industry either.
I personally loved the scouring and thought it made a perfect end to an already wonderful book. I also wish that the films would have included the scene where Frodo and Sam are congratulated by the gathered armies in Ithilien. Ah well.
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