LOTR: The War of the Rohirrim Review | Tolkien Gets an Anime

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As a lifelong cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in Tolkien’s Middle-earth, I must say that “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is an anime masterpiece that both diehard fans and newcomers to the series can enjoy. The film’s epic story of female empowerment and its stunning animation are nothing short of breathtaking. However, if you’re one of those folks who can’t stand characters meandering aimlessly for no reason, then you might find yourself wishing for a leaner edit – the film could easily be 20 minutes shorter and still pack a punch. But hey, at least we get to see Hera transform from an underestimated princess into an ass-kicking shieldmaiden – worth every minute of screen time! Now, if only they could figure out why Frodo always seems to take the long way around…

Titled “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim“, this anime adaptation largely succeeds in captivating fans of Tolkien’s work, yet it encounters similar narrative pitfalls as contemporary film adaptations. The extended tale revolving around a valiant princess battling to preserve the Kingdom of Rohan tends to overstay its welcome, with the 134-minute duration seeming lengthy at times, oscillating like a cinematic roller coaster between fast and slow segments. Fortunately, the top-notch animation, stirring music, and well-crafted character development help mitigate the usual pacing problems often found in this franchise.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but share the tale of an unsung heroine, a woman whose valor echoes through the ages yet remains devoid of the melodious ballads that laud her greatness. This extraordinary figure goes by the name Hera (Gaia Wise), a woman who dared to challenge the confines of her royal life in the kingdom of Rohan.

An Anime Legend Interprets ‘Lord of the Rings’

The War among the Rohirrim can be seen as an allegory of feminist empowerment against a rigidly patriarchal society that blindly aggravates differences leading to inevitable conflict. Those who get enraged whenever themes of female strength appear on the screen of LOTR will once again find themselves fuming senselessly due to plain misogyny. Hera, understandably, is shocked at the prospect of being treated like livestock. Her concerns are acknowledged, but the aftermath of Helm and Freca’s power struggle turns out to be much more disastrous than anyone anticipated. The Rohirrim, renowned horse warriors of Middle-Earth, start fracturing as a battle for the throne of Rohan unfolds in brutal fashion.

As a devoted admirer, I must say that Kenji Kamiyama, the legendary Japanese animator behind masterpieces like Ultraman, Ghost in the Shell, and Star Wars: Visions, never fails to impress me with his artistic prowess. His latest work offers a refreshing escape from the overwhelming barrage of all-CGI productions dominating mainstream Hollywood today.

An Overly Long Film Is Good for Beginners & Tolkien-Heads Alike

You don’t need to be a Lord of the Rings expert to grasp the storyline and characters in “The War of the Rohirrim“. Kamiyama, along with producers Philippa Boyens and Peter Jackson’s co-writer for both LOTR trilogies, skillfully manages to delve into the established lore without making fans or newcomers feel left out. Whether you know every detail from Tolkien or are just starting your journey, you can follow along comfortably. The film stands well on its own and appeals broadly.

It boggles the mind why every LOTR film and the Prime Video series has scene after scene of characters meandering around for no reason whatsoever. The War of the Rohirrim falls into the same plodding morass. Why can’t characters get from point A to B succinctly? Why linger seemingly forever in an established setting when they don’t need to? An incredible second act battle is almost deflated by the protagonists milling about afterward in useless filler. The War of the Rohirrim should be at least 20 minutes shorter. A leaner edit would have made the film pure heart and adrenaline. It’s a significant detractor that can easily be rectified. The studio suits have to learn this lesson.

Hera’s Character Arc Makes ‘The War of the Rohirrim’ a Winner

As a cinephile, I must say that The War of the Rohirrim truly shines in its character development. Much like Éowyn, the character Hera is initially disregarded as a fighter by Helm and her brothers, who perceive her more as someone in need of protection rather than an able ally. Their stubbornness and unwillingness to heed her wise advice lead to devastating outcomes. However, Hera must tap into her inner resilience and follow her intuition to guide Rohan’s beleaguered people through their most difficult time. Hera’s transformation from a drastically underestimated princess into an unstoppable shieldmaiden is more than enough reason to purchase a ticket to this cinematic masterpiece.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” a cinematic masterpiece brought to us by New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Animation, Sola Entertainment, and WingNut Films. Mark your calendars for December 13th, as this epic tale will be gracing our movie screens courtesy of Warner Bros.

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2024-12-09 20:01