As a lifelong fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, I must say that my recent rewatching of “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” has left me utterly spellbound and profoundly moved. The performances, particularly by Sam (Samwise Gamgee, played by the inimitable Sean Astin), were so deeply emotional and moving that I found myself on the verge of tears more times than I care to admit.
The first time I saw “The Lord of the Rings” movies, I may not have initially rated “Return of the King” as highly as many others or considered it my preferred movie in the trilogy. However, without causing a stir and having tomatoes thrown at me, let me clarify that upon rewatching the concluding part of this tale, my opinion on the entire series has undergone a transformation. To put it simply, “Return of the King” now stands out as my favorite film among the original three for numerous reasons that left me utterly amazed.
I Have A Newfound Appreciation For Fantasy That I Didn’t Have The First Time I Watched Return Of The King
The first time I watched “The Lord of the Rings”, I had already experienced “Game of Thrones” and “Harry Potter” in the fantasy genre, but hadn’t explored much beyond that. Upon revisiting “LOTR”, my perspective had changed significantly. Now, as a fan of “The Rings of Power”, an avid reader of fantasy novels, and a follower of other shows within the genre such as “House of the Dragon”, I was well-prepared for the rich lore and magical excitement that this series offered.
In my previous discussion, I shared that I started revisiting Lord of the Rings (LOTR) having already been a fan of The Rings of Power. This background knowledge greatly enriched my understanding of Middle-earth and allowed me to appreciate characters such as Elrond and Isildur more deeply. As a result, instead of feeling overwhelmed by the epic tale, I found myself captivated by it.
The transformation in my attitude towards fantasy literature and its acceptance significantly boosted my enthusiasm for watching Lord of the Rings this time. Rather than trudging through the films, I eagerly dove into the world they presented, and by the end of Return of the King, I was completely captivated by every aspect unfolding before me.
Why Sean Astin Didn’t Get An Oscar Nomination For Playing Sam Is Beyond Me, Because He Carried This Movie
It’s widely acknowledged that “The Lord of the Rings” movies from the 2000s are among the greatest cinematic works, a fact underscored by their numerous Oscar nominations. In total, the series amassed 30 Academy Award nominations and won an impressive 17, with “Return of the King” standing out as the Best Picture winner.
I recently re-watched “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” and there’s one plotline I deeply wished had more screen time.
In contrast, the cast of LOTR saw only Ian McKellen’s performance in Fellowship of the Ring receiving recognition. This is quite surprising, particularly when you consider that Sean Astin was overlooked for his role as Sam in the final film. That’s downright crazy!
In “Return of the King,” Samwise Gamgee doesn’t just physically transport Frodo; he significantly contributes to the film’s success as well. The Hobbit embarks on an emotionally charged odyssey spanning three hours, during which he tirelessly aids his friend, uncovers Gollum’s secrets, and ultimately delivers the ring to Mount Doom’s flames. He is the central figure in this adventure, and I am confident in stating this fact due to Sean Astin’s impressive portrayal of the character.
Instead of skipping over it, the Oscars really ought to have included the heart-wrenching moment when Sam cried while asking Frodo to recall The Shire. Additionally, they could have acknowledged the powerful and touching performance given by Astin in his supporting role.
To me, Sam was the core of this tale, and his persistence in continuing this journey, even amidst its hardships, deeply moved me. Astin’s portrayal was simply astounding, and it was his acting that left the most powerful impact on me throughout the entire movie.
I Loved How The Character’s Various Stories Were Told Throughout The Final Battle
I’m not one to seek out fights; after a brief spell of aggression, I usually sense it’s enough and we can proceed. But during the reading of The Return of the King, I never got that feeling because the tales woven from within the conflict were exceptionally well crafted.
A significant portion of this movie revolves around a massive battle, and initially, watching it left me drained. Yet, on this viewing, my anticipation for it grew, and I eagerly absorbed every narrative thread within it.
Among all the subplots in this battle, the one featuring Merry and Éowyn advancing to the frontline resonated with me deeply. Their journey from struggling to engage in combat to eventually standing on the frontline and defeating the Witch-King was captivating. It was more than just a powerful moment; it served as a compelling thread that ran through this war, adding depth to its intensity.
Revisiting the intricate plot sequences – such as Pippin and Gandalf attempting to rescue Faramir in a castle or Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli summoning the ghostly army into battle – was not enjoyable during my initial viewing. Yet, on this rewatch, I found it among the finest aspects of the movie, and I attribute this improved experience to the growth in my appreciation for fantasy narratives.
Can We Take A Minute To Appreciate Pippin’s Character Growth?
Among all parts of “The Return of the King”, it was Pippin’s narrative that left me most astonished. In “The Fellowship of the Ring,” they (Pippin and Merry) were primarily there for enjoyment. In “The Two Towers,” their tale with the Ents offered an entertaining, yet detached experience. However, in “The Return of the King,” not only did both Hobbits have a significant role, but particularly Pippin, transformed into true heroes, embarking on an extraordinary journey!
From the moment he discovered the palantíri, Pippin’s impulsiveness becomes a sad downfall. Later, when he gets separated from Merry – a heart-wrenching event, I must say – he is compelled to learn to listen and shape up significantly. His interactions with Gandalf were both touching and impactful, which made his actions like lighting the beacon all the more rewarding.
All told, Pippin was not the same hobbit after that fight as when he started, and I found it captivating to watch his transformation into the courageous character we see in the film’s finale.
This statement applies to all characters within the movie, and it’s an impressive, fulfilling end to a fantastic trilogy that I now view from a completely fresh perspective.
Absolutely, if I were to rate the “Lord of the Rings” movies today, “Return of the King” would undoubtedly be number one on my list. The reasons are numerous and compelling. If you’re interested in embarking on your own adventure of revisiting these fantastic films, you can stream all the “Lord of the Rings” movies with a Max subscription.
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2024-09-21 16:37