This Trilogy is the Best Trilogy in Film History, so I don't think it's pushing it to say that one of its best scenes is also one of film history's best scenes.
+HighLordBlazeReborn As a Kiwi, I laughed and gave a tick, and then remembered Andrew Lesnie was the DOP. Without his genius, these films would not be what they are.
I was living in the UK when this movie came out, and all the scenery made me feel horribly homesick. THIS is the scene that made me start blubbing in the middle of the movie theatre.
To us New Zealanders, this scene hits extra hard. That isn't CGI, that's just magnificent shots of our mountainous landscape with Howard Shore's extraordinary composition. You have to be dead inside not to tear up a little bit when seeing this.
I loved visiting the shooting locations in NZ (they film lots of movie scenes for the mountain backdrops, not just LOTR). It really does feel like you are standing in a movie scene, the sense of scale was incredible (low plains with huge snow peaked mountains in EVERY direction. I encourage everyone to visit at least once.
I'm an American Veteran, and this scene has never failed to move me to tears. _"Hope is kindled."_ I still find it the Pinnacle of Inspiration over twenty years later. I'm both smiling and near tears.😅
I think what's so beautiful about this scene (besides the music and landscapes) is that each beacon along the way could have easily failed if they were compromised or abandoned, but every single one of the lighting camps held out hope and were always ready.
It wouldn't be abandoned or compromised anyway, yes it needs infrastructure (stables and stations), it needs transportation (caravans and horses) but Gondor can maintain such kind of alarm or communication system, it was founded by Numenoreans and existed earlier than Rohan that's why they have more time developed their country into a wealthy nation, just like the US having the largest economy in the world while maintaining some 800 overseas military bases in the world duh.
@@olidojosephd.9054 yeah well but they were manned all year 24 7 in the middle of nowhere. did those 2 people just bring a wagon full of rations with them?
@@ShakeITyEA More than likely it's handled on a rotational system. Every few months to a year, supplies are brought in and new people take over while the others go back home. I believe lighthouse systems in very remote locations work similarly, and this is also how the military maintains remote outposts.
@@ShakeITyEA For each of those beacons, the provisions would need to be carted up the hills, by a whole team of mountaineers - for each site. These teams would likely rotate between watch duties, and logistical duties. So it would not be a solitary job. It would be a duty performed with bitter hardship - and so vital that these teams be rotated and properly rested... Each of these teams would take an entire village to support them. I'd imagine being at the 'sharp-end' a logistical convoy, would make them rather attentive to their duties. Compared to mountain haulage, being encamped at the summit would be more akin to a recreation.
@@BenjaminPitkin The watchers and their support teams might have other duties as well: Watching for forest fires. Or for Mountain Orc raids - likely a nonstop problem. And quite possibly, they were the local government in each area as well - semi-independent minor nobles vassal to Gondor, guarding the the area's farmers, and supplying the beacons as part of their duties. So rather than a set of weird hardship posts stretched out along a supply line from Gondor hundreds of miles long, beacon-tending might be a regular duty performed by the guardsmen in each castle.
Day 431: I don't know what I was thinking when I chose this job on this bare-ass mountaintop. Food is barely at a minimum and I'm starting to get delirious especially now that I'm seeing the distant beacon getting lit. Wait a minute...
They already have pretty much the worst guard job out there. "What would you ask of me, my lord?" "Go to the mountains and sit up there near a big stack of wood. Hope there are provisions, and if you see a small fire in the distance, light your stack off wood on fire. Ta ta!" "......"
Generations of watchmen, the post probably passed down from father to son, for hundreds of years of relative peace this side of the great river Anduin. Father, what do you do for work? Well son, I gaurd a stack of wood and stare at a high mountain peak way off yonder. What did grandpa do? He did the same thing son, and great grandpa. And when you're all grown up, you can do the same thing.
“The Beacons are lit ! Gondor calls for aid !” “And Rohan will send positive energy and thoughts their way. Maybe make our profile picture of their flag for a short while.”
"Right, Mr J R R Tolkien, you're such a smart-arse, what was the name of the fifty-fourth step on the seventh rope bridge between Erelas and Mon-..." "Canfulas." "You bastard."
The reason why goosebumps occur at 1:57 is because of the musical chord change... all those brassy french horns proclaiming G major.... well, that and the f*cking epic shots of the snow-clad mountains. In short, I think this is my favorite part in the entire trilogy.
It's the trumpets at 2:10 that get me every time. Maybe because I used to play trumpet in band. Listening to something like this makes me wish that I never stopped.
Imagine living atop a mountain your whole life, maintaining a constant vigil, and your moment finally comes to light the signal that just might save a kingdom from doom.
Imagine the signal gets halted because the pair of guys at one of the stations died months ago, and unsurprisingly no one bothered to check because the beacons were the last thing on everyone's mind.
They probably aren't on the mountains for their entire lives. The stations' provisions would eventually run out, and new guards probably come with a new set of provisions at scheduled intervals.
There was quite a scandal a couple of decades ago. Some journalist checked on the "Missile Man" nukes that would retaliate against any attack on the U.S. Many soldiers were lazy, unprepared, many had poor records from previous assignments. But top notch soldiers didn't want the duty. Sit around and wait, no room for promotion, for being active to get a promotion. I don't know how or if it was ever resolved.
The two guys at 1:33 deserve an acting nomination, they put everything into their 15 seconds of fame, as a kid I saw the guy waving his stick so crazy in desperation with myself hoping so much the next beacon would see them.
I imagine them sitting there day in and day out, straight up bored out of their minds and thinking, "Gods, I hope I get to light this fire soon," and after months of being stationed there in that same spot he sees the bonfire off in the distance and thinks, "THIS IS MY MOMENT!"
I COMPLETELY agree with you!! Their fervent gesticulating hugely magnifies the tension and emotion. It actually was a very necessary part of this scene. It still makes me tear up - the sheer sense of desperate hope against enormous odds which it evokes. Their waving around frantically just heightens it so much. God help us all now in the coming real-life darkness which is trying to destroy our own World. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I mean, fuck. I've got tears in my eyes. When you see Pippin fiddling around with the oil you can't possibly expect the next scene to come. Then it hits you and... damn. One of the most powerful scenes in the whole trilogy, and possibly any film.
I am a grown ass man, and I LOTR gives me non-stop goosebumps and chokes my eyes with tear every time! Among all the scenes, this one, the ride of rohirrims at Pelennor fields and Aragon's last speech in front of the Black Gates of Mordor are my favorite! The movie/book saved my childhood as the characters in the stories were like my friend. Such good memories! Cinematic masterpiece for me!
Also, I love the fact that it's Aragorn himself who spotted the beacon. That Aragorn was sitting there, watching the beacon. Like this man is so committed to protecting the kingdoms of men that, no matter where in middle earth he is on any given day, he always eats his breakfast facing the closest beacon just in case of the one in a million chance that someone actually lights it.
Oh GOD, SO well said! I was thinking the same too. There he is, outside but positioned so that he could keep a constant eye on it. It's an awful pity that the uploader didn't continue on a little bit more to where Aragorn races up the hillside, swings open the great doors, and frantically races forward and gasps "THE BEACONS!! THE BEACONS ARE LIT!! GONDOR CALLS FOR AID!" That last bit "GONDOR CALLS FOR AID" always really gets me. Viggo's frantic acting here is top notch. The situation is so desperate, so dire and the absolute desperation in his face and voice are readily apparent. "GONDOR CALLS FOR AID"
I cannot believe that more than 10 years have passed since this trilogy ended.Technologies improved so much and still we have just tonnes of useless films that cannot be compared to LOTR.
I can't believe 3 weeks have passed since a youtube user commented that he can't believe 4 years have passed since there was a comment pointing out more than 10 years have passed since this trilogy ended
This is my favourite scene in the entire trilogy. A brilliant combination of image and music makes it an audio-visual masterpiece. And it is so much about human solidarity, because this signal wouldn't have worked if they hadn't been ready to work together and pass it on. And it is so much about hope, which is like a light in the dark, like a fire in the cold. And when you look at these majestic mountains, you may think that this flame is small like a candle, but this is exactly what catches your eye and this is what moves your heart.
I always love the beacon soldier at 01:52 really doing all he can to make sure his counterparts see him waving his lighting torch, really waving it. “Hurry!!! This is not a drill!!!”
At the age of 9, my Dad (an English teacher) gave me his set of the Hobbit and the trilogy. The vastness of Tolkien's world staggered my imagination. I went on to reread them throughout my life. Thirty years later, we sat in a darkened theater and watched Middle-Earth come to life. Chills were going through me upon scene after scene, especially scenes like this one. God was kind enough to give he and I time to see them all before I lost him.
I truly believe this sequence shows genuinely what the power of film can do. You cannot get this from reading a book. Music and visuals that tell a story. Amazing.
Soldier - "The Beacon! The Beacon of Amon Din is lit!" Gandalf - "Hope is kindled" Soldier - "Rohan calls for aid! All Battalions move out!" Gandalf - "Shit"
On the way when they meet. Gondor Soldier : It's them, the Rohan, they must be very desperate to run away this far rom home. Rohirim : You dont have to walk this far, we are sending help to Minas Tirith. Gondor Soldier : But I thought Rohan is the one needed help. Rohirim : wait, what? Gondor Soldier : what? Meanwhile far away from there, Minas Tirith already burned.
This is a great analogy for when you're feeling lost or hopeless. Just light your pyre. Somebody will come to your aid, or light theirs and spread the word that you're declaring an emergency. Beautiful.
Fun fact, did you know that Tolkien took this idea directly from the Byzantine (Eastern Roman Empire) Beacons System? In the 9th century AD, the Byzantine Empire was constantly attacked by the Arab armies. To warn the capital city of Constantinople of Arab incursions, the Byzantines created a series of Beacons System Fortresses, set on top of Mt. Loulon, Mt. Argaios, Mt. Isamos, Mt. Aigilon, Mt. Mamas; Mt. Kyrizos, Mt. Mokilos; and lastly seen by Constantinople, Mt Saint Auxentius. The beacons were lit when Arab armies were spotted to transmit messages from the border with the Abbasid Caliphate across Asia Minor to the Byzantine capital, hence warning the city of imminent threat, and bolstering immediate defenses. Pretty cool huh?
+24SparrowJack To me, it's probably THE best. I mean... Even though only Pippin, Gandalf and Aragorn (of the fellowship) appear, it represents everything LOTR: the will to fight against the odds, the notion that hope can achieve great things. "Gondor calls for aid!" "And Rohan will answer" Damn right, Rohan will answer!
Yes. It's such a marvellous scene for an event that gets just a little mention in the book, and that's good - it doesn't work on paper as it does on the screen. This adaption is so brilliant because it understands what can/must be changed for a different medium, but leaves everything else (mostly) intact.
one of those "you had to be there to experience it" moments in cinema. I was 12 years old and although I was really young I was blown away by that scene.
Freezing your ass off while sitting on a rock, waiting for a signal that probably comes only once in a hundred years or so - worst job in all of Middle Earth for sure.
To be precise, "the beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit!! Gondor calls for aid!!!" I was searching up for that very clip after watching this one. And, I've always wanted to type out a whole lot of exclamation marks! 😎😁😁
This particular scene in the trilogy always makes me very emotional. The visuals are absolutely breathtaking but it’s the music that really does it for me. At 1:57 I know it’s the Gondor theme that’s playing but much like the lighting of beacons the music is also a form of communication between Gondor and Rohan. The Gondor theme starts with the low brass section as they first call out for aid and this is quickly answered by Rohan who repeat this patch with their horns. Then both brass and horn sections come together much like Gondor and Rohan as the theme progresses and they both prepare to fight against evil. Absolutely incredible work by Howard Shore (and string section).
It is amazing and one of my favorite moments in the trilogy, but I do have to wonder if Gondor initially thought the first lit beacon was coming from Rohan for them. It might take a minute to realize their beacon in the city was lit first.
When you feel sad, when you think you are alone, play this. There is always hope. Maybe not right away, maybe it takes a while. But hope and aid will go through. This means so much to me
Cedric Deckmyn sort of. If they hadn't killed the witch king he probably could have stopped them, he was a very powerful sorcerer and had the backing of sauron.
Cedric Deckmyn and also, the city was about to fall, and Rohan delayed it, if they hadn't the dead would have arrived too late, everyone would have died.
One of my favourite scenes. Back then, my heart soared when the beacons lit up one by one. I was tearing and wanted to shout with extreme excitement inside the cinema.❤❤
Even with all the action and other scenes, this is still my fav in the entire trilogy...the music and cinematography combined with seeing it in theatre was amazing. It literally sent shivers down my spine for the entire time.
For some reason i think this scene is why return if the king won best picture at the oscars just beautiful cinematography and the powerful orchestra give it such affect even with barely any full on dialogue its my favourite scene in the trilogy
I don't need to convince others of Andrew Lesnie's ingenious cinematography. This scene (among others) does it all on its own. Peter made Middle Earth a reality- Andrew made it beautiful. White shores are calling, Mr. Lesnie. Thank you for everything.
Right there, right at 1:58, absolutely incredible. Out of all the movies, one of my favorites. The music, the cinematography, it is all so intense. Shivers, every time.
1:57 Goosebumps-moment every time! My dream came true. At the 7th October 2018 in the "Salle Pleyel" in Paris, I met the first time Howard Shore personally after his concert. He played all memorable compositions of his career. I thanked him to having played one of my absolute favourite songs - The Lighting of the Beacons. I can remember that my voice was trembling out of joy and excitement. I shed some tears during the scene next to my girlfriend. Thank you Howard Shore for all your amazing masterpieces that will spark like lightings in our hearts of all LotR Fans
The scoring for the Ride of the Rohirrim shows Shore's genius and insight. Most composers would have just blared away with trumpets once they start the charge. Instead, the music shifts to a gentle air, as if to express what each man thinks, riding toward what will probably be is death, never again to see all he loves. So when the big sound picks up again, it has the momentum of an avalance started by a few falling stones.
I remember seeing this when it came out in 2003. I had tears in my eyes- and I still get emotional every time I watch it. To see something this epic and powerful on the big screen is an experience that leaves a lasting impression… that is the power of the movies, and that is why it is such a fantastic medium.
I just got to experience it again yesterday. If you have an Alamo Drafthouse cinema or similar theater, they may have showings of the trilogy around this time. The Alamo seems to do it each year, and it’s always sold out.
You could've given me 3 hours of this, and I'd still be happier with it than The Hobbit movies. They weren't "bad," per se, but they had the misfortune of being directly related to 3 of the most spectacular movies ever made.
I love the first movie. I saw the third in cinema but don't remember much of it. Didn't see the second except for like half of it but I don't remember much. The spiders and Smaug were excellently made, honestly. The CGI on the orcs (especially Azog) was lame, I hated how much Dane looked CGI (even though he wasn't), hated Tauriel, Legolas felt out of place, the trolls could've been better (CGI wise), as could have the goblins.. Although goblins and orcs are the same thing. Disappointed in Wargs; I like their wolfish appearance, which is closer to the books than the ones in LoTR, but they didn't look as real/good. Gollum also felt a little bit too CGI-ish. I liked Beorn, but I'm not sure about his bear form. I somewhat liked Radagast, honestly, and everything about his scenes in the first movie---except the kinda silly hedgehog part. But I did like spiders climbing over his house, although I don't understand why they climbed onto his house and down again. The bats were not good CGI-wise (once again, first movie bats). Thrain and Thror looked too CGI-ish. Thorin, Kili, and FIli didn't have beards. Bombur simply just looked stupid (that bear looks like sausages, for fuck's sake.), and Ori deserved a better haircut. I liked Bofur's hat. The CGI on the eagles were a thousand times better in LoTR.
Jackson set stakes so high the man himself couldn't even pass it again. Hobbit is good compared to most movies, but then it falls horribly short when you put it next to it's big brother Lotr
The second Gondor soldier is my favorite LotR crew cameo. It's Christian Rivers, the storyboard artist. According to him, the casting department would see him walking across the studio to get to work and would point out and say that was how Gondorians should look like. So when he asked PJ for a cameo, they knew exactly where to put him.
I'd go to the cinema just to watch this scene over and over again, it never grows old. One of the most important parts of the trilogy, and Peter Jackson knew it.
Still gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes, 20 years later. I remember vividly seeing it in the cinema. No other scene in any movie ever compares to this.
As a Kiwi, when this sequence showed in the cinema, the first time I saw it - the tears sprang to my eyes. It was magical. The cinematography, the music, the editing. All of it...
Epic at its best. All feeling and emotions (the rising of humans, the unity, the optimism and the resurrection of hope, and the visuals, the music) come at the perfect time in the movie and resonate altogether. One of the best scenes ever made.
jontrinh140wrestler There'd be a team manning each beacon, and they'd do shifts, one pair at a time. And they'd head back to the hut or cave downhill when not on duty, where they could eat, sleep and play cards or whatever. And maybe they only do a stint of a few months each before they send in a new crew to replace them. It's not like it's highly-skilled job.
Imagine living on top of snowy mountains all by yourself in medieval times, just in case there's a very tiny chance that the nearby beacon is lit so you can lit yours.
When I was younger I would regularly do The Lord of the Rings marathons, (extended edition of course.) One summer I did it and the next day I woke up and decided to do it again. Then the next day the same thing. I watched all three extended edition films in a row, for a consecutive week. Even with the many times I have seen this scene it still gives me chills of excitement, along with many other scenes of course.
![Lord of the Rings - Lighting of the Beacons [HD Test]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
