THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING | FIRST TIME WATCHING (Pt. 2 of 2) 

I get the feels ever since I saw this in theaters. So epic.

Me too every time!

Oh, I will cry. Every time.

That’s why they won all the awards!

This 💯 %.

The films gloss over this. Frodo's internal suffering, and the spiritual wounding he receives from carrying a demonic talisman for so long, doesn't come over that strongly. Frodo might be better understood by the 'film only' crowd if his heroism hadn't been so undermined in the films. A lost opportunity.

@@philippalinton5850 I disagree. They explained it fairly well. I’m glad they didn’t try and beat us over the head with it. Like I’m not a child, I get it.

@@philippalinton5850 they use Bilbo to show it, how even after the Ring was destroyed, Bilbo still yearns for the Ring and the viewer is left to draw the conclusion that it must still be weighing heavily on Frodo even more intensely than for Bilbo.

I feel like you pick up a lot more of this upon rewatching. Bilbo, Smeagol, and Frodo all continued to be deeply affected by the ring long after it left their possession. Also, Frodo's determination from the beginning to see even a glimmer of good in Smeagol because of how much the ring affected him.

That was beautifully said 🌹

@toast I enjoyed reading it lol

Meh, If Gandalf would've put Frodo and Sam on a Giant Eagle on day one, they could've thrown the ring into Mt Doom and been back by 2nd Breakfast. 🤣

@@MAGGOT_VOMIT They couldn’t do that, because the Ringwraiths, Nazgûls, Orcs could’ve easily spotted them and the mission would be jeopardised because the ring could be easily passed into Sauron’s hands… Hobbits move stealthily and aren’t easily noticed, they could sneak by without being detected, which made them perfect carriers for the Ring.…

@@MAGGOT_VOMIT Except they would've been shot out of the air or taken down by the Nazghul.

@@TheNonEdibleCheese

Such an emotional scene.

Best line in the whole movie.

Love SamWise! ❤

Yes, there are a handful of most powerful moments for me and this is on there, maybe #1 or #2.

Even more powerful given this was one of the first scenes shot in the whole production, before any of the actors involved really got to know their characters.

Love that moment, and when I saw it in theaters, the whole audience cheered when he picked Frodo up

Palantir

Yep, and the grief of one lost son, thinking he lost another (despite his actions and words he did love Faramir to some extent). Hes a walking embodiment of grief and loss. And really, i think is enyitely human. I think many of us would be him in that position, not the stalwart Aragorn like we would hope. Hes very tragic, and the performance of John Nobel cannot be undersold.

So that's why. I was hoping for even a glimpse of the reason behind his insanity but there wasn't

As I recall there’s sort of an oblique reference to Minas Tirith not being blind, which is a kind of iykyk kinda moment. But yeah they gloss over that.

Hahah that nasty little furry of a dwarf

Lol nah Gimil would defs say the Witch King was worth thousands of enemies

After everything leading up to the conclusions, it's a cathartic release.

It takes a true man to cry at these movies, if you don't then you don't understand the depth of what they teach. Respect brother. ✊

that's because they hit at what's important to you and what holds some value for you. and that's pretty much what people universaly (should) want - friendship, hope, love, courage, integrity.

But also Gimili instilled friendship with the heirlooms made from the 3 strands of hair from the Lady Galadrial. To show the friendship of both elves and dwarves to be forever.

Eh, all of those were rumors, not actually confirmed in the books or appendices. They just became sayings really. After all, they missed the last ship to leave middle earth. The only one that was really hinted at was Legolas leaving since he heard the gulls when they took the ships in the book and received the call to the undying lands. But it's a nice thought, just unconfirmed

@@bmxdoe um, I'm pretty sure that I read it in the appendices though.

@@bmxdoe regardless, it sounds true when putting it all together that Gimili and Legolas has been friends ever since the fellowship to the return of the king. And holding onto the three hair strands, it all seems to hint towards they'll mostly likely be combined with the rarest gems to make his heirloom to symbolize the friendship of dwarves and elves and cut away the bad things in the past between those two great peoples

Canonically we do not know of Frodo was supposed to be alive when Sam sails into west. The undying lands is not undying for mortals. It’s a place that Frodo can go to ease his pain before death. Galadriel was right. The quest did claim Frodo’s life. Just not in the way expected.

I'm 73, same here

Its beautiful.

One of my favorite scenes of this movie.

You were the same age I am now when this first came out in theatres; we came full circle good sir

55 here too, lol and teary eyed as well.

🥰🥰🥰🥰

They also wanted Liv to kiss his double, and she was like, no way in hell I'm kissing his double after everything.

Fuck the extended edition.

both seeked a heroic death but were spared, and now get to spend a peacefull life together - love it

Eowyn is such an underrated heroine, love her character.

Yes - remember that Gandalf told Frodo very early on that "Gollum could still have a part to play before the end!"

And Sam's. It takes four hobbits with totally different arcs towards the Ring. In the end only Bilbo and Sam can give it up. Frodo and Smeagol can't though each makes an extraordinary effort to fight & remain a Hobbit. Smeagol sadly has never any help at all to deal with his pain. Which is why to me "Gollum's Song" by the goddess like Emiliana Torrini is a much-needed followup reaction. As would be Shel, Heart or Led Zeppelin doing "Battle of Evermore" or the latter doing "Ramble On".

​@Cr Hu Yeah, I wish they'd share their reactions to the three end credit songs, especially since they react to music too. "May It Be" will probably play at my funeral.

No one could have thrown the ring into the fire. Tolkien said as much.

Bilbo was the only one to ever willingly give up the ring.

It was part of Tolkien's genius to NOT make Frodo the Hero who Destroyed The Ring. It was that powerful and diabolically tempting. Not even Tolkien could have willingly thrown the Ring into the fire!

The ring will not allow itself to be destroyed willfully. People dont understand that

But you gotta keep in mind, there are so many details. It will be hard to remember and catch most details until you watch it at least a second time or third time.

well peter jackson was an avid fan and inspired by the animation. there was/is simply no one who did/could do it better.

Completely agree but don’t sit on Christopher lee

@@pricey1635Ian Holm, Cate Blanchett and John Rhys-Johns were also well known

funny thing Viggo (Aragorns actor) was basically a last minute addition cause the original actor for the role either left or was forced to leave i dont remember

​@@ggman2397they replaced him cause his Aragorn was just not working.

We need both

To Theoden and Eowyn 🍻

I agree, I love Theoden and the book writing of his charge is one of the most epic pieces of the story. His speech always gets to me more than even Aragorn's. Theoden was willing to sacrifice himself, and all of his people, to stand against the darkness. They were content with the fact that none of them may return home.

And he also went to help Gondor even when Gondor didn't come to help Rohan. Also they kind of make him look like a dick that he always orders Eowen to not fight and stay safe but he's looking out for his people there too. His heir is dead and he wants her to lead after he dies. So he trusts in her abilities and wants to make sure she'll survive him.

The biggest thing about Theoden in my mind, is that he makes the right choice, even when he knows it will cost him.

Yes. I still get goose pimples when he gives his speech to his army and they charge into battle. And yes, i cried in the theater when his character died on the battlefield

That’s the best part of the movies. They do an incredible job of incorporating the exact themes and messages from Tolkien’s work. The greatest story ever created brought to life by a group of people who truly cared.

John Tolkien's greatest story was brought to life in Peter Jackson's incredible film trilogy. I love the books so much and re-read them every few years. Yes the films deviate from the books a bit but who cares. As you say, Patrick, Jay and Amber understood the heart of Tolkien's message. This trilogy is a masterpiece.

@@bonquishquish2164 Not according to Tolkien's son....

Couldn't have said it better. We can talk about each character or story, but the main thing is getting the weight of the whole thing and appreciating it as you go.

Spot on.

Same here, 52 and agree with everything you said.

And there is a special edition aswell lol

@@iainpreston345 You mean the extended versions?

68 years old. My favorite movies of all time. ❤️

71 watched three times. It's a must watch again you'll always pick up something new

Frodo is much stronger, braver and wiser in the book. He is just as much a moral compass, since he willingly takes on the burden of the Ring despite the cost. And Book Frodo never believes Gollum over Sam or sends Sam away. 😤

@@philippalinton5850 Ultimately though, the ring corrupts Frodo by the end as it does with everyone.

And the baby Rosie is holding when Sam comes home was hers (the actress').

That line gets me every time as well.

@@allegorical of course it does, but far too many 'film only' people don't seem to realise that Book Frodo is a better, stronger character.

I really hated it that they left this part out of the film ...

Only the ringwraiths went to the shire after gollum mentioned it, orcs had not been near the shire for years before the fellowship of the ring, at the end of the books Saruman (not killed at tower in the books but let go by Gandalf) travels to the shire and is known as The Big Man and leads a group of Ruffians (Humans) who take over the shire and the production of all the tobacco forcing the hobbits to work for them. it is when the four hobbits return and come across them that they rally the surrounding area of hobbits and beat the ruffians etc.

I'm very happy they left out the Scouring. It would be so anticlimactic from a cinematic storytelling perspective. I'm happy the hobbits got to just come home to an unmolested Shire and enjoy the fruits of their toils. At the same time I still appreciate that Saruman's fate is left ambiguous in the theatrical edition, because killing him off in that fashion is just needlessly violent.

My favorite is when Sam says And that’s for my old Gaffer. Love it

@@christiansaenscheidt9056 didn't belong in the film. Wise cut. Similar to stuff like Bombadil or Glorfindel. These movies are a masterclass in developing a book series for film.

Tolkien notes that no single person on middle earth could’ve had the will power to throw the ring in the fire in the heart of mount doom. It’s influence would be too great. Likely the canonical reason. Also sams the hero of LoTR no Frodo.

I just see his expression while he's hanging, wondering if he should let go, as just exhaustion. In the moment he is so incredibly exhausted, physically and mentally, that he still almost just wants to let it all end. That one last bit of effort it would take to save himself from sharing Gollum's fate even seems too much to him. Sure, I think in part he realizes his own failing to dispose of the ring willingly, but I just see raw exhaustion and pain in his eyes. He's tempted to just allow himself to die, not out of shame or guilt, but just being completely spent from a whole year of carrying the ring.

Isildur was a great man and he was unable to get rid of it either. It’s honestly fortunate Gollum was there to wrestle with Frodo for it because that’s really the only way it could be destroyed, by accident.

“The hands of a healer.”

Frodo placed the ring on the stone in Rivendell. Giving it up to the group. He later was unable to give it up because of how long he had been burdened by it.

Since my math is from 6th grade and probably sucks, i haven't read this book in AGES. But the movies clearly depict Boromir giving it up. Is this a case of added movie BS, "he didn't actually carry it" theory crafting, or some actual Tolkien referenced touches? Cause when i first read your comment it hit home as true...but then the movie flashback warped me. I'm torn. Save me?

@@matthewhowsden1924 I don't think that moment happened in the books. Been a while for me too.

@@jimmiewyatt6819 He was also in the heart of Mt Doom where the ring is it’s most powerful and likely nobody would ever be able to resist it there.

Sorry to hear about your brother. I agree with your last sentence wholeheartedly. I also particularly like the conversation between Gandalf and Pippin about death not being the end, and the description of it. Always think of loved ones at that point and hope it's true.

Have to admit that is the most beautiful comment I've ever read.

So sorry for the loss of your brother. He sounds like a great guy!

Beautiful story. I'm sure he's with you everytime you watch it. RIP 🙏

There absolutely is.

Yup the shadow burden of the Ring never leaves them while in Middle Earth, Frodo was still tortured by it even after it was destroyed. The movie even shows how Bilbo was still burdened too, still asked about it and wanted it even after it had been destroyed. That's why they sailed

And of course, Tolkien strongly implied that God himself tripped Gollum in that moment.

@@sjh3217 Yep! Illuvatar only intervened in the world a few times, and that may have been on of them.

Well said, Sir. Well said. Frodo gets crapped on a lot in reactions (Not from these two!) 😁. People need to hear this 👍🏼

Tom Bombadil could have done it, if he really cared enough to.

Yes, the Ring was exerting maximum power when at the edge of the volcano. Look how hard it was for Bilbo to abandon the Ring, and that was inside his own home. He almost couldn't do it, and needed all Gandalf's help.

Sam went also, after having 13 children and a long happy life, Rosie passed away, and Sam went into the West.

@@leeneufeld4140Sam visited the undying lands a few times including let Frodo meet his kids!! He was the only one ever to get that honor to go back and forth

Absolutely agree!!

Thank you so much for this absolutely fascinating exposition. I truly wish it were longer. LOTR trilogy are my favourite movies, followed by the first Matrix movie. I've never read Tolkien's books, but I will. His vision takes the breath away. How can a mere mortal think this up? He must have been touched by the divine. Utterly amazing.

Best comment! Thank you! ❤️

This makes me understand the movies and characters better after reading this. I never had the chance to read the books and I think I should, after all I'm a sucker for old legends and mythology.

Oh! I realized that I forgot to talk about why Gandalf must also leave! So, since we established that deities look after Middle-Earth, let’s talk about the creatures Eru created to help him in his task. The Maiar. They are like angelic beings. Probably the most powerful creatures after The Valar. When Eru Illuvatar created the world, one of The Valar got jealous of his power. He was named Melchor. He wanted the power to create life like Eru. So he corrupted the original creation song. But since, in the paraphrases words of Tolkien, “evil cannot create”, all of Melchior’s creations were twisted and dark. Even so, Melchor managed to rally some people against The All Father and The Valar. Many Maiar became fallen angels, siding with the evil Demi-god Melchor, who changed his name to Morgoth. He became the original Dark Lord. One particular fallen angel became his most devout follower: Sauron! Some of the fallen angels decided to take a monstrous form. They became Balrogs,great demons of flammes and shadows. But the Maiar who were still on the All Father’s side remained faithful. Eru sent them away from Valinor and into Middle-Earth to guide all of his creations on the right path. Since Maiar are powerful angel like creatures, they decided to take a less imposing, more trustworthy form on M-E. So, instead of a monstrous form, they decided to shape their bodies like that of wise looking old men. So, the evil Maiar became Balrogs and the good ones became Wizards! The order of the Wizards was commended to guide creatures of M-E, but never to dictate nor rule over them. They were to be helping hands, but never leaders. They were five. One White Wizard. One Grey. Two Blue and one Brown. This is why Saruman The White’s betrayal is so disheartening. He was the head of the order of the Wizards. He, more than anyone else, should have known better. And yet he sought power. In the mines of Moria, Gandalf The Grey was the only member of the Fellowship who could fight the Balrog… because despite their very different appearance, they were both the exact same type of creatures! Unfortunately, that fight claimed Gandalf’s life. His soul went back to his home in Valinor. Back to Eru Illuvatar. But since The All Father had sent him to M-E to fight Sauron, he reincarnated him to complete his mission. After the destruction of The Ring, Gandalf could finally go back to where he came from. Through all his adventures and travels, Gandalf The Grey impacted the lives of so many creatures in M-E. He walked the earth for many centuries, staying amongst every single creatures created by Eru. That’s why he had so many names. In Valinor, his original name was Olorin. Amongst men and Hobbits, he was known as Gandalf. But the men of Rohan also referred to him as Greyhame. Elves called him Mithradir. He had other nicknames such as Stormcrow, The Grey Pilgrim and many, many more. All in all, Gandalf is an unforgettable creature!

@@BJBee Yes, Tolkien’s legendarium is one of it’s kind. You just keep finding more and more information the more you read. He really made his Middle-Earth feel like a real place with a real history.

That’s exactly it - it’s because he was a ringbearer. Sam goes there too, at the very end.

#NailedIt

Tolkien said himself it was a parallel to him coming home from ww1 and everything not feeling the same.

Pretty much, war messed up Tolkien, Frodo being unable to go back to the real world after the journey & only way to ease his pain was to leave this plane of existence is how he felt post WWI

yep yep yep. his entire world view and perspective of reality has been forever altered

I pointed that out too lol

As a die hard Star Wars fan (of the original trilogy), I agree that this is the greatest trilogy of all time. It's a sad thought that it's probably going to be a long time before those two trilogies are beaten.

As an ex Star Wars fan, Thanks to Disney ruining the whole franchise, The Lord of the Rings is the best trilogy ever made. Tolkien is unmatched as a writer. After Disney tainted Star Wars for me, I refuse to watch Amazon The Ring of power series, I don’t want Amazon to ruin The Lord of the Rings for me, I already heard of so many bad things of Rings of power contradicting Tolkien vision.

Here here!

My top 3 trilogy: #3 The Matrix Trilogy #2 Star Wars Trilogy #1 Lord Of The Rings

Omg star Wars movies suck cinematograpyh suck .. George lucas thief dune and silmarlion i hate hım

That's the only major thing that I liked better about the books. You get to see the hobbits handle business on their own, and it really hammers home how strong they've become.

so they see this comment towards the top: Remember to think of this movie as a giant allegory for the journey of life, both on a personal level and also as a human adventure. Every character, group of people, conflict, torment, bravery, all of it was intended to show you in extreme terms human nature and what it takes to overcome much of it. One of the most important characters was gollum. Tolkien hinted in many of his works and an interview I read a while back that Gollum represents that good/evil inclination WE ALL HAVE inside of us. Along our life journey its that inner voice telling your nature what to do. So instead of seeing Gollum as a physical character, think of him as the evil inclination thing t TRICKS YOU into doing the wrong thing or failing in your mission. The hobbits represent the innocent element in the world. They are meant to be like children. Children have innate innocence that is beaten out of us through the harshness of life, drama, conflict, politics etc. Children also have idealism greater than adults do. They still believe deeply in highly optimistic ways. Never have you seen hobbits love the faith. The goal of every other character and army was to defend the world that the habits still saw the innate goodness of the world. This story is about protecting the most innocent of all in the world. The eye of Sauron as well was very unique. The idea of the all seeing eye was also a Tolkien hint as to the hidden nature of evil in this world always keeping an eye on the happenings of the world. If you flip over a dollar bill you will start to make the connection of what LoTR is really about and how it applies to the secret nature of those who rule over society as well. The "eye of providence" which was part of the official seal of the United States at some point was hijacked by those who seek to control. Tolkien used it as the ultimate symbol of evil both in his story and ours. Many other points I can make but a few to think about: The ring did not melt UNTIL Frodo took the hand of Sam who was there to save him. That allegory alone tells you what the key to destroy evil is, to have ONE good friend by your side in life. Until you have that there is no chance of desiring whatever the ring represents. Frodo falling over the cliff with Gollum also represents how close that evil inoculation can take you to your grave. In the end there are no winners. Another vital point I loved the most is that evil ALWAYS starts out with the upper hand, it never sleeps, it comes for your throat before you even know its coming. Also, Frodo had to go West because the stab he took by the wraith was going to kill him if he stayed. Sam was given the final task of finishing the story because most stories in history are written by witnesses who saw up front the heroism of others. Last point and my FAVORITE line in the movie (besides "my friends, you bow to no one", is when Merry and Pippen are arguing with the Ents (trees) who refused to fight Soroman because it wasn't their conflict, Merry then responds "BUT YOU ARE PART OF THIS WORLD". That's powerful because in today's world, no one truly cares about conflict, suffering of others outside their immediate sphere. By far that is the line I quote the most. Enjoy!

It's a gesture to the kind of peacetime values Aragorn will uphold in his reign. Hobbits are the tough plucky homey hard to corrupt brave people Aragorn wants all his people to become.

Sam Alert on the Telegram. It may be real, but be careful.

That's the moment that always gets me crying.

3. Bilbo is an android from the first Alien movie.

Eomer is Judge Dredd

Yes, this! :D Love Sam! But Frodo needs more credit.

Right, Frodo honestly needs to be more respected

Kinda like "husband and wife" were a SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP with DIFFERENT TASKS ... back before it was turned into a COMPETITION by a certain ideology that claims to be for equality but isnt.

It’s because Frodo failed in the end people won’t admit they could fail just like what happened to Frodo. They think of themselves as Sam the forever courageous and true. The fact of the matter it down to the last step they traveled the same path one tempted more than the other but the same journey. That being said most people are So easily corrupted it is nothing more than self delusion to think they are like Sam.

@@katarinad1309 Most of us wouldn’t make it out of the Shire, and that’s a difficult thing to admit to yourself.

I love that twist. Even if unintentionally, Gollum saved the world. Perhaps he even got his own little victory in being the last one to possess the ring.

Remember what Gandalf said to Frodo in Moria: “Don’t be so quick to deal out death in judgment… even the very wise cannot see all ends.”

@@kdmathesen He also says "My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or evil, before this is over". Or the equivelant quote from the books; "My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end".

@@kdmathesen Indeed, the wise words come back around.

They wouldn't have even made it because they didn't know the way.

I feel really sad as Sam gets most of the praise while Frodo, who is the MVP, doesn't get recognized much. Though I was all about Sam also when I first saw this film, but every repeated watch makes me appreciate Frodo and everyone in the fellowship more and more. All of the fellowship was needed to get the job done. Though Frodo was the one who volunteered to this suicide mission, and he continued it even after knowing it's certain death and losing everything about him, even The Shire and taste of food. His pity towards Gollum also was integral part of the mission being successful.

You'll have to watch the Hobbit next it's the prequels about Bilbos adventure

Most probably the first thing he thought was "oh shit Im dead"

At the end of the first movie, Frodo says, "I'm glad you're with me, Sam." But by the end of the third, he says, "I'm glad I'm with you, Sam." Sam truly is the hero. Makes me want to be a better person and friend.

My wife has told me this is the song I am to have played at her funeral. I'm 62 and she is 11 years my senior. For that reason alone I tear up every time I hear this wonderful song.

Yes that song is amazing. I have it in my collection.

I agree

That song is so hauntingly powerful, especially in the context of the ending of the trilogy. Such a beautiful song and Annies voice never sounded better!

They should react to that song! Amazing song!

I thought the exact same thing!!! I thought it was so beautiful!

Theoden adapts and improves upon a medieval poem known as 'the Wanderer:' 'Where now the horse, where now the rider? Where now the armed warrior, where now the revels of the hall?' He's a serious, thoughtful, educated man who doubts his worth, but lives to see terrible times and does not fail, even though he fears.

I never seen anyone give theoden a bad rap

@GreaterSociety the movies make him out to be a bit foolish. Especially when he confronts Aragorn, "When last i looked, Theoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan." That sort of thing.

Frodo gets a bad rap too. The films undermine his quiet but authoritative brand of deep heroism.

@Alex Grimes Wasn't that scene in the two towers? This movie only makes him look a great warrior and a honourable king.

Totally agree

I'd love to be surrounded by people with their hearts and outlook on life. They're truly a treasure.

@@clarenceworley3714 I completely agree! They are so sweet! We all need people like that in our lives!! ❤️

They should react to Pirates of the Caribbean next. A classic by now.

I love his relationship with his niece. It's so loving.

Théoden is even more great in the books. Merry crawls to him as well before he dies, and says he is sorry for disobeying his command and riding with the army. Théoden says to him "Fret not. It is forgiven. Great heart will not be denied. " Then Thëoden apologizes to Merry that now they can't sit together in Thëodens hall and talk about Herblore.

The older I get the harder Theoden hits home for me. Just the sadness this man carries around that defines him the entire time we see him. It becomes clear early in the second movie that all he wants is to die, but he has a responsibility handed down by generations of his forefathers that he just doesn't have it in him to throw out. When he dies its a really emotional moment for me, because I'm equally happy and sad for him. His heart was broken when his son died - to hear him say my "body is broken" is almost a relief.

If you like Theoden, look up "Tolkien narrates the ride of the Rhohirrim" if you havent seen it already. Best video on RU-vid.

@@kellharris2491 heads up....in canon it is a little TOO loving, as in inappropriately so. That is why in the extended edition he says he *should* have been more of a father to her. He was not all above board with his ward.

Samwise Gamgie last of the Ring Bearers.

Thank you. I didn't know any of that. 🥰🥰

Aragorn ruled somewhere around 120 years, and when it came time to pass, he was granted the grace to lie down peacefully as if he was going to sleep. the final dialogue he has with Arwen is touching, sad, and hopeful.

Woooow. Thanks for sharing this. I never read any of the books unfortunately 😕. Just the movies since my youth. I loved you sharing this. Thanks 🙏🏾

Damn that nigga Sam was fucking

I've been watching a tonn of movie reactions lately and none come close to Rob Squad! From the pacing, editing, their insight and observations and authenticity. By far and away the benchmark for movie reactions, IMO!

This is my favorite reaction to LOTR ever! I can see you love the characters and were invested as much as we are. Your really should read the books. There is so much to this story that couldn't be included in the movie. However, I agree that this is the best movie franchise ever!!!

@@pfcampos7041 Rings of Power now messed it up....

Oh yes the best reaction without a doubt 💖

@@pfcampos7041 read the books as a kid. And tbh reading them again cuz I forgot a lot already so I thought to myself it would be amazing to remember little details again after so long ^•^

Wow I didn't notice they did that either. When you're pupils dilate you can see more light in the dark. But when they are constricted light is blocked and dimmed. There was definitely a metaphor there.

In the book, Gollum's eyes go green. That's when you know Gollum has overtaken Smeagol.

Definitely. If nothing else, the "From Script to Film"/"Cameras in Middle Earth" segments of the video appendices for all three movies are very worth checking out, because they highlight just how much love went into the production from the whole cast and production team, and how much camaraderie there was.

The special effects department, WETA Workshop, began as a small place whose department head said 'if you are not fully commited to this (LOTR) project, then you are not worthy of it. It began as a small workshop and became a world class Special Effects Company.

Absolutely! I can’t help but be tickled at Amber being right on the verge of becoming Ralphie’s dad vs. the furnace whenever the ol’ Stinker comes slinking back onto the scene. 🤣

@@0okamino random A Christmas Story reference found in the wild (just watched it for this year like a few hours ago haha - fav christmas movie)

@@thegnjoy Great for any time of year, but 'tis the season, after all. 😉

100% agree. Nothing comes close.

Agree it's the greatest trilogy ever made it touches the soul.

Not true, you just don't appreciate Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles enough... Sigh... when will they get the love they deserve.

Gollum saved Middle Earth. Frodo couldn't do it. The fulfillment of Gandalf's prediction from the 1st movie. Not only can the smallest change the course of history, but sometimes evil serves a purpose for the greater good.

@@robotto8858 True, and Frodo was the reason Gollum was there at the end. Everyone else wanted to kill him.

highly recommend the audiobook.

Don't expect the Silmarillion to be like LoTR;. It doesn't read like LoTR, it's more like reading a history book instead of getting lost in a story.

@@antionettestaab2365 I couldn't get into LOTR until I read The Silmarillion. For some brains, that book makes a big difference.

If I remember correctly in the books it was explained that anyone who was in posession with a ring of power had to leave middle earth. Gandalf had one as did Galdriel.. but the elves left anyways.

In the books, it explained that the ring damaged Frodo's soul too deeply. Like Bilbo saying he felt "thin", Frodo was more so.

That’s the first time he smiles fully since the first film. Every smile since he gets stabbed in the first film doesn’t touch his eyes, there’s a deep sorrow in him. But that smile on the ship, it reaches his eyes, his spirit. You can feel the weight of the ring leaving him. It’s gorgeous acting, makes me well up every single time.

@akse And Sam eventually go's, after living a full happy life with Rosie and his kids, because he briefly was a ring bearer too.

It's like others have said, but also that the wound from the Witch King never fully healed. It always hurt and on the anniversary of his injury, it hurt worse. The elves giving him a place on the last ship was his only chance to be free of pain. It says so much about their gratitude.

I do wish Elijah had read the book though. He might have fought harder for Frodo's character to be portrayed more accurately, ie stronger and braver. Sean HAD read the book, like Ian McKellan and Christopher Lee, and he argued with Peter about Sam's portrayal, I think.

A detail lost from the book-to-film transition: Theoden fights and defeats the king of the Easterlings, the guys who marched in through the gate as Frodo and Sam watched. It's why the Witch-King attacks him and why Eowyn and the hobbit comes to his aid. Theoden dies and Eowyn becomes the Rohirrim's heir, morally if not in law, so when she and Faramir marry, they rule a joint kingdom under the King. A good start, as it turns out.

@@stevetheduck1425 Eomer is the heir bro. Eowyn becomes Princess of Ithillien by marrying Faramir after Aragorn gives the land of Ithilien to him. And the guard who saved his his life in the book ( not Pippin alone ) goes with him to becomes his captain of his guard.