Another long flight back? The perfect time to rewatch the Lord of the Rings.
Or perhaps just one of them–with the Extended Edition. Man those are long movies (especially in that version).
And man, I forgot just how awe inspiring those movies are.
It all began with the forging of the Great Rings.
It’s the tale of a little man (literally in this case) on a mission oh so very much larger than him–and even larger still; than perhaps he realizes.
Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.
It’s the story of hobbits. A people that live for the quiet things in life. And the meals. Many. And often.
Aragorn: Gentlemen, we do not stop ’til nightfall.
Pippin: What about breakfast?
Aragorn: You’ve already had it.
Pippin: We’ve had one, yes. What about second breakfast?
[Aragorn turns and walks away]
Merry: I don’t think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.
Pippin: What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn’t he?
Merry: I wouldn’t count on it.
It’s the story of a fellowship. A group put together for a single purpose, to support each other–even when the going gets tough.
Aragorn: [to Frodo] If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword…
Legolas: And you have my bow.
Gimli: And my axe.
Boromir: You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done.
And it’s a story of good versus evil. Both capital-e Evil and the little evils that corrupt us all.
But they were all of them deceived, for another ring was made. In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret, a master ring, to control all others. And into this ring he poured all his cruelty, his malice and his will to dominate all life. One ring to rule them all.
Oh, I love these movies. They nailed the casting on these as well. Elijah Wood’s Frodo carries the movie–as eventuall Sean Astin’s Sam carries him–but Ian McKellen’s Gandalf and Christopher Lee’s Saruman are definitive performances by them both.
I love the other hobbits (it’s fun seeing Dominic Monaghan after recently rewatching Lost) and I love the rivalry/friendship between elf and dwarf in Orlando Bloom’s Legolas and John Rhys-Davies’s Gimli. Oh and of course Viggo Mortensen’s depth he brings to Aragorn.
They’re just all great and really make the film.
I have no idea when I’ll find time for the other two (extended editions), but I’ll just have to make the time! Onward!