Those who have ever put any kind of thought or credence would agree that there is a circular kind of irony existent in nature.  The Yin and Yang, what goes around comes around, the circle of life, however it chosen to be phrased the similarities in philosophy are there for those who want to, or care to know.  Socially, and culturally, it has been touched on from mediums ranging from the Bible, to The Byrds to Walt Disney, and now add Peter Jackson and J.R.R. Tolkien into this philosophical mix.  With the Lord of The Rings, Jackson has not only translated Tolkien’s tale of a search for identity, power and meaning into a grand and epic vision, but has also brought this tale full circle cinematically.  What Tolkien began all those years ago, influencing, either directly, or indirectly, most fantasy and science fiction, has now benefited from the cinematic advances that these translations bore, and come together into a stylishly visual tale which should appease young and old, familiar and unfamiliar, and anyone else who just appreciates good cinematic art and storytelling.

For anyone who was either not forced to read, or chose to read and forgot, here is a basic recap of the story.  As in Harry Potter, those familiar can skip ahead a bit, but not as much, because Jackson, unlike Columbus, did exercise his creative license, but still has just as successful of results, thanks to his presentation.  The setting is Middle Earth, and we are given the tale of the birth of a Ring (circular, irony intended, I am guessing) which contains powers unimaginable.  The ring journeys through owners, until it finds its way into the Baggins clan.  Bilbo (from Tolkien’s The Hobbit) has possession, but passes it to his younger relative Frodo.  The only problem is that the Ring’s creator isn’t exactly gone, and wants it back.  Possession by him would likely spell doom, so Frodo sets out on a journey to destroy the ring.  Guided by the wise wizard Gandalf the Grey, Frodo picks up a fellowship of companions to help and protect him in the quest, and the majority of the movie is their journey to Mordor, the place of the rings creation, and the only place it can be destroyed.  Now it’s been a long while since I read these stories, but it slowly started coming back to me as the movie progressed, and from what I recall, Jackson was fairly faithful.  Granted, he may have added or expanded some roles, and thrown in a bit too many warrior style fighting sequences, but these are forgivable, when the excess is also used to create a story which keeps us interested, and in the end, wanting the next movie to start as soon as possible.  And the visuals, and the sets, and the music, all of these are so grandiose and epic, that it will be a tough race between the young wizard and the young hobbit, as to who will be rewarded by Oscar.  The audiences have already been rewarded though, with this film that hearkens back to Star Wars in its feel, look and style.  This one will stand the test of time, proudly, as the epic that all who anticipated it would be.  It boils down to a tale of good versus evil told from a differing perspective, one where the unexpected, in this case the smaller of body but bigger of heart, may triumph over the more obvious physical presences.  Tolkien emphasizes finding and focusing on the purity of inner personality traits, friendship, loyalty, honesty, trust, rather than those that most would normally think, or has been portrayed in past cinematic and literary efforts.  Channelled through Jackson, Tolkien’s words and message have never rang truer or louder

The performers could have easily been relegated to little more than messengers and fighters swallowed by scenes and effects, but each actor gives life and personality to Tolkien’s words (through Jackson and screenwriters Fran Walsh and Phillippa Boyens) The camera angles to differentiate height are aided by Wood, Astin and the other smaller roles (figuratively, and literally) portraying them as diminutive in stature, but never in heart.  As Gandalf, McKellan not only looks the role, but comes across with his sagely annunciation and attitude which is pitch perfect.  Mortensen, Weaving, Blanchett (in a cameo) and even Christopher Lee all make their roles their own, by sliding into character and giving newcomers to story, vocals and image to assist in the fertilization of their young minds with the magic of this tale.  Although I could have done without Tyler’s turn as an elven princess (every movie does not need a love angle, Hollywood, get that into your head!) overall, the actors became the characters, and in doing so,  a part of movie history. 

Ultimately, Lord of The Rings bring the movie, science fiction, fantasy and storytelling world into full circle and into an epic and tantalizing conglomeration. Forget the hype, the expectations, the desire of the fanatics to remain true, the wants of those unfamiliar but intrigued by the trailers, and anything else you may have heard since this projects inception.  Take this film for what it is, a stunning, visual, medieval masterpiece to rival the great journey films of all time.  Whether the destination is physical, or mental, Jacksons vision and translation of Tolkien’s tale and message is one to be seen, appreciated and honored by all who view it.  Soak in what you see, absorb what you hear, and cherish the message and the messenger.  ($$$$ out of $$$$$)

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