I saw these films when they originally released in the theater and I can specifically remember thinking once they formed the Fellowship, "please let the movie go on just a little longer," because structurally, you've reached a stopping point and time-wise, that's the length of a normal film. I didn't know that it was really only the halfway point and I was so happy that there was so much more left.
I loved this movie so much, after seeing it in the theater I bought the books and read them all before the 2nd movie came out. Can't wait for you to continue 👍
Yes, as you were mentioning, several names, places, etc. are covered but do not let that scare you. LOTR is very deep in lore; however, you do not need to deep dive into that to enjoy the movies. I think you are noticing already that the characters are well written and relatable. The movie adaptations are well designed and directed, and keep you engaged in the story. Just enjoy the story. If you want to understand and dive deeper later, you always can visit them again. Many do.
"There's so much information" I basically agree dear ladies, but trust me, this is nothing compared to what's out there in the entire Tolkien universe. There's an entire imagined world with a history that goes back in minute detail for thousands upon thousands of years beginning with it's creation and then all the events, wars, alliances, battles, tragedies, love stories, all the events, plus all the peoples, cultures, languages, writing systems, maps... When it comes to complexity and amount of information, LOTR is but a tiny part of everything! Expect to be given many details by us Tolkien nerds as you watch these movies, but I at least will try to only give you information which could indeed help you understand some things better. For now only this: not every elf can choose a mortal life. Elrond's father Eärendil (who was half elf and half men) did something really extraordinary thousands of years ago and one of the consequences was that he and his offspring was given the choice to decide whether they want to be immortal elves or mortal men. Elrond chose to be an elf, his brother, Elros however became a mortal man. Arwen being Elrond's daughter is given the same choice. But this family, the bloodline of Elrond is a huge and singular exception. Normally hal-elves are mortal, even if they only have just one distant mortal ancestor. It's like any amount of mortal blood will make one mortal. Anyway, welcome to the journey ladies, I hope you'll enjoy it!
Trilogy The Lord Of The Ring Extended Edition: (1) The Felloship Of The Ring Extended Edition (2) The Two Tower Extended Edition (3) The Return Of The King Extended Edition Trilogy The Hobbit Extended Edition Of The Adventures Of Bilbo Baggin: (1) An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition (2) The Desolation Of Smaug Extended Edition (3) The Battle Five Armie Extended Edition
One thing to keep in mind with Gandalf not taking the ring is he is a very powerful being. They dont get into it in the movies, but he is the same type of being as Sauron (Maia, kind of like an angel). If he had taken it at the start, he wouldnt have been invisible putting it on like a hobbit. He would have been able to harness its power and been able to vanquish Sauron. He then would have been corrupted by the ring and eventually put all of middle earth under his thumb. Basically, imagine an insane pope ruling the world who executes anybody who doesnt follow the rules and constantly cleanses who he deems unworthy. On top of that, it would be much harder to stop him. He isnt this hated evil being like Sauron, and in fact would be revered for defeating him on top of already being beloved. If he takes the ring, the Earth is basically fucked.
