Critics Have Seen The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim. What Are They Saying About The Anime Prequel?

by

As a seasoned gamer and long-time fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, I must say that my feelings towards “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” are as mixed as a bag of lembas bread. On one hand, the animation is undeniably breathtaking; it’s like watching a Studio Ghibli masterpiece unfold in the land of Middle-earth. The battles are epic, the artwork is stunning, and the nods to Howard Shore’s iconic score are delightful.

As a dedicated admirer of J.R.R. Tolkien’s enchanting fantasy realm, I can hardly contain my excitement for the fresh perspective we’ll gain when “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” graces our screens in 2024. This time around, Middle-earth is being brought to life through anime, delving into a significant untold chapter of its rich history. Initial responses to this innovative take on the classic “LOTR” franchise have left critics divided, with many praising the stunning animation but expressing concerns about the storyline’s depth and runtime, which stretches beyond two hours. As more insights emerge, I can’t wait to hear their expanded thoughts.

The narrative revolves around Helm Hammerhand, portrayed by Brian Cox, and his daughter Héra, played by Gaia Wise. They are tasked with shielding their realm from vengeful Dunlendings. This tale occurs 183 years prior to the happenings depicted in Peter Jackson’s trilogy, making it essential knowledge for those intending to watch The Lord of the Rings films sequentially. Get ready to indulge with your utterly unnecessary War of the Rohirrim popcorn bucket and discover what the critics have in store!

According to Fred Topel from UPI, this addition to the Lord of the Rings saga is quite satisfying, and he goes so far as to say that it outshines the live-action Hobbit series in terms of thrilling action and stunning visuals. In his own words, Topel describes it as such:

The War among the Rohirrim is brimming with thrilling moments. Kenji Kamiyama’s team created enthralling sword fights, daring escapes, and horse chases by archers. These battles evoke the grandeur of the live-action films. When colossal elephants fall, the destruction they cause is tangible, even in animation. … The artistry is stunning. The mountains and rocks seem almost real, while people and creatures resemble those crafted by Hayao Miyazaki or other anime creators.

David Ehrlich from IndieWire feels that the concept of blending “The Lord of the Rings” with a tribute to Studio Ghibli was intriguing in theory, but the actual execution requires significant improvement. Despite acknowledging the filmmakers’ efforts to create something innovative, he awards the movie a C-, suggesting that the final product does not meet expectations. In simpler terms, Ehrlich thinks the idea was interesting, but the way it was executed needs work.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that the pacing in this film feels rigid and hard to connect with. Yet, subtly weaving in hints of Howard Shore’s iconic music from The Two Towers adds an unsettling echo that intensifies the prequel-fatigue, leaving me with a strange sense of nostalgia for Rohan’s golden era – a time that seems to be both behind us and yet still to come. It’s no wonder that Héra’s legend has faded by the time Aragorn and his companions reach her father’s kingdom two centuries later.

Emma Stefansky from IGN grades it a 6 out of 10. She appreciates the original concept, yet finds the execution falls short. The critic expresses mixed feelings, commending the decent storyline but admitting that they don’t envision themselves rewatching this production. In other words, while she acknowledges its merits, she doesn’t feel strongly compelled to watch it again. Stefansky further adds her perspective.

As a dedicated gamer, I must confess that “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” movie concept piqued my curiosity, but the finished film left me feeling underwhelmed, even as an anime enthusiast with years of experience. Director Kenji Kamiyama’s venture into Middle-earth was undeniably exhilarating at moments, yet it often felt monotonous, with an animation style that seemed uneven and a narrative that felt like a patchwork of scenes reminiscent of more cherished films. The result is a sense of longing for the unforgettable experiences those other films provide.

Josh Slater-Williams from GamesRadar rates the movie 2.5 stars out of 5, commenting that “The War of the Rohirrim” is a less inspiring instance of a English-language production receiving an anime adaptation. In his opinion, the narrative appears to have been penned by an algorithm, as he puts it, further adding:

The War of the Rohirrim is an interesting case where a film’s potential strengths directly feed into its failings. On the one hand, it’s refreshing to get an ostensibly smaller-scale tale set in this universe, where the main antagonist is just a human rather than a magic-user or mythical creature. On the other hand, that this entry in a fantasy series is relatively light on fantastical elements … doesn’t help to disguise the lack of flavor to this lethargically-paced story. The assembled voice cast gives it their all, but none of these characters pop in a memorable way like even some of the supporting Rohirrim players from Jackson’s films.

According to Pete Hammond from Deadline, it’s evident that the creators of the LOTR: The War of the Rohirrim trailer aim to attract fans of Peter Jackson. Although it’s not one of the top-tier animated films of this year, Hammond implies that they might manage to draw viewers in despite this ranking. He further adds:

Despite not evoking deep emotional responses like live-action movies, Kamiyama crafted a visually stunning landscape that, at times, through motion capture, models, and hand-drawn animation, creates a unique aesthetic. This world leans more towards Jackson’s interpretation than Tolkien’s original work, but it still presents its own distinct identity. The question remains: will fans embrace this departure? As an observer with admiration for animation, I found it captivating and compelling, though it falls lower on my list of outstanding animated films this year.

This type of animation promises fans a fresh perspective on Middle-earth from “The Lord of the Rings,” and if you’d like to be part of this significant moment for the series, catch “LOTR: The War of the Mohirrim” in cinemas from Friday, December 13.

Read More

2024-12-09 22:07