Return of the King
I decided to type my thoughts on Return of the King while they're still fresh in my mind. Forgive me if I ramble a bit.
I loved the aspect of bravery and stout determination being shown in many forms. Merry, small in physical stature. Eowyn, a woman in the context of the restrictions seemingly posed by environment and position. Pippin, young in hobbit years, not yet of age. Of course, Frodo and Sam who strove on through physical and emotional trials and suffering to complete the quest, despite holding scant hope they would survive and find a way home. Those who were prepared to sacrifice their lives, create a bait, to draw The Dark Lord's focus away from the Ring-bearer's path and destination.
In regard to Arwen, she seemed a distance figure in the story and it wasn't until I read the appendix section at the end of the tale, that the weight of this lady's bravery and sacrifice was fully realised. She was prepared to live as a mortal to be with Aargon, to take on the pain of illness and the waning of health and time that leads to death as mortals do. It's a different courage and show of love from the warrior or quest kind, but no less intense, I think. In this respect, I prefer the film, because it allows this character to truly shine.
The Lord of the Nazgul was a bone-chilling and frightful figure. Merry and Eowyn defeating the leading Ringwraith was absolutely brilliant, for the reasons stated above. I was left feeling unsure about Theoden's death, I think I like the reconciliation between father and daughter that the film afforded.
Frodo and Sam are marvelous characters. Frodo's (and Sam's) empathy with Gollum, because of his experience with The Ring, allowing understanding, pity and a merciful gesture was an excellent passage. Where Sam carries Frodo tugged mightily on those heart strings.
Smeagol/Gollum's storyline was satisfying.
The writing itself has a beautiful and incredible depth.
One thing I'm left unsure about is do the Orcs posses a will of their own, a choice? There are passages where the reader witness the Orcs disagree and express individual opinions, obeying different orders, self-serving when one abducts Merry and Pippin. We see people become corrupted and twisted by darkness, so I wondered why no Orcs are seen rebelling in the opposite direction. Or are they simply bred and it's their nature to be bound by darkness and merely squabble and fight amongst themselves?
I loved the aspect of bravery and stout determination being shown in many forms. Merry, small in physical stature. Eowyn, a woman in the context of the restrictions seemingly posed by environment and position. Pippin, young in hobbit years, not yet of age. Of course, Frodo and Sam who strove on through physical and emotional trials and suffering to complete the quest, despite holding scant hope they would survive and find a way home. Those who were prepared to sacrifice their lives, create a bait, to draw The Dark Lord's focus away from the Ring-bearer's path and destination.
In regard to Arwen, she seemed a distance figure in the story and it wasn't until I read the appendix section at the end of the tale, that the weight of this lady's bravery and sacrifice was fully realised. She was prepared to live as a mortal to be with Aargon, to take on the pain of illness and the waning of health and time that leads to death as mortals do. It's a different courage and show of love from the warrior or quest kind, but no less intense, I think. In this respect, I prefer the film, because it allows this character to truly shine.
The Lord of the Nazgul was a bone-chilling and frightful figure. Merry and Eowyn defeating the leading Ringwraith was absolutely brilliant, for the reasons stated above. I was left feeling unsure about Theoden's death, I think I like the reconciliation between father and daughter that the film afforded.
Frodo and Sam are marvelous characters. Frodo's (and Sam's) empathy with Gollum, because of his experience with The Ring, allowing understanding, pity and a merciful gesture was an excellent passage. Where Sam carries Frodo tugged mightily on those heart strings.
Smeagol/Gollum's storyline was satisfying.
The writing itself has a beautiful and incredible depth.
One thing I'm left unsure about is do the Orcs posses a will of their own, a choice? There are passages where the reader witness the Orcs disagree and express individual opinions, obeying different orders, self-serving when one abducts Merry and Pippin. We see people become corrupted and twisted by darkness, so I wondered why no Orcs are seen rebelling in the opposite direction. Or are they simply bred and it's their nature to be bound by darkness and merely squabble and fight amongst themselves?