As a seasoned gamer and a lifelong fan of Middle-earth, I must admit that my anticipation for “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” was as high as the towering oliphaunts themselves. Having grown up with the epic tales of Frodo, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, I was eager to see a fresh take on this enchanting universe.
Ever since “The Animatrix” debuted on video shelves back in 2003, it has become quite common to see anime adaptations of popular Hollywood franchises – both in physical video stores and streaming platforms, which have largely replaced them. However, this phenomenon is less prevalent in movie theaters. It’s noteworthy then, that a full-theatrical release is planned for the “Lord of the Rings” anime, a development that might catch some by surprise.
In an effort to be unbiased, I’ll admit my love for hand-drawn animated films as a certified anime fan, and I’m hoping Kenji Kamiyama’s “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” will succeed. However, I approach this project with a touch of skepticism regarding Warner Bros.’ plans to exploit J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Although Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy is considered a landmark in blockbuster cinema, I didn’t finish his “Hobbit” series due to the first movie’s slow pace and concerns about the quality of the sequels, which were often ridiculed.
The movie titled “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is adapting from a smaller base than “The Hobbit,” yet it seems less strained as a result. Instead of extending one short book into a trilogy of approximately 3-hour movies, it’s utilizing a few paragraphs from the appendices of “Return of the King” and using them as a foundation for a standalone 2-hour film. Transforming such brief excerpts into a full-length feature might initially seem like a last resort by a studio displeased about sharing IP rights with Amazon and unable to adapt “The Silmarillion.” However, it succeeds mainly due to two factors: its emphasis on action within an epic war setting, and the strategic development of a significant character whose original source didn’t even provide a name.
A look at the human side of Middle Earth
Set in an era preceding the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the tale of “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” revolves around the rule of King Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox), the ninth monarch of Rohan, whose name is synonymous with Helm’s Deep. This character exudes a legendary air, as powerful as one punch from him would make even Saitama from “One-Punch Man” hesitant to engage in battle. The Dunlending lord Freca (Shaun Dooly), seeking to arrange a marriage between his son Wulf (Luke Pasqualino) and Helm’s daughter Hèra (Gaia Wise), speaks out of turn and receives a blow, inciting Wulf to vow revenge against Helm and instigate war in Rohan.
This narrative focuses on the human inhabitants of Middle Earth, excluding elves, dwarves, and hobbits. The brief appearances of orcs (with recognizable voices) serve to remind us that this ties into the larger “Lord of the Rings” series. Similarly, a quick appearance from the wizard Saruman (Christopher Lee) adds to this connection. Although it effectively tells a more personal human story, the film’s reduced use of fantasy elements may leave many fans yearning for more of the magic they adore in Tolkien’s universe, potentially limiting its popularity compared to other works within the series.
As a dedicated fan, I’d like to highlight one unique aspect that truly sets this adaptation apart: the breathtaking portrayal of Middle Earth’s colossal creatures. Unlike the special effects versions we’ve seen before, these giants – be it the oliphaunts or the eagles – carry an aura of intimidation and majesty that leaves a lasting impact. In this version of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the Watcher in the Water is shrouded in darkness; here, the tentacled sea monster emerges from the depths under bright daylight, making for a chilling experience that stands out distinctly in my memory.
In this retelling, Hera, who was overlooked in the appendices despite playing a crucial role in igniting the war through the marriage proposal setting, emerges as our central character and the fearless heroine we champion. She embodies a free-spirited essence reminiscent of Nausicaä, displaying courage when confronting treacherous creatures, a harbinger of the fortitude she’ll require to guide her people through the impending conflict. The valiant Éowyn (portrayed by Miranda Otto) narrates Hera’s tale as one unsung by bards – a tribute acknowledging women often excluded from history, yet steering clear of overt polemics.
A technical achievement — with some weaknesses
3D animation specialists, Sola Digital Arts, are renowned for their motion-capture projects, but their hand-drawn animation in “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” surpasses anything they’ve created thus far. In this film, motion capture was used as a reference, with traditional animation layered on top – similar to the first episode of “Uzumaki”, produced by Jason DeMarco who also worked on “Rohirrim”. The approach brings to mind a more refined version of Ralph Bakshi’s rotoscoping attempt in his lesser-known “Lord of the Rings” cartoon.
The animation looks incredible in the film’s many thrilling action scenes, particularly when showcasing Helm’s great feats of strength, Hèra’s skill with her sword and shield, and the creature attacks. It’s not quite Ghibli-grade, but the high points are very high. The low points aren’t too low, but they are noticeable: movement can get a bit stiff or unnatural in quieter scenes, but the main weakness to the animation is that the CGI backgrounds don’t always blend convincingly with the hand-drawn work. Fire effects in particular feel substandard.
In a stark contrast, “The War of the Rohirrim” failed to rekindle the enchantment that the Peter Jackson “Lord of the Rings” trilogy held. Yet, Hera’s unyielding spirit against the desolation her foes aim to impose carries a hint of the trilogy’s uplifting essence. For those who’ve been circulating Sam’s speech from “The Two Towers” memes in light of recent events, this could very well serve as the encouragement you’re seeking at this moment.
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” opens in theaters on December 13.
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2024-12-09 20:30