The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

2001 • 178 minutes
4.6
129K reviews
94%
Tomatometer
PG-13
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

In the first part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, a shy young hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), inherits a simple gold ring. He knows the ring has power, but not that he alone holds the secret to the survival -- or enslavement -- of the entire world. Frodo, accompanied by a wizard, an elf, a dwarf, two men and three loyal hobbit friends, must now become the greatest hero the world has ever known to save the land and the people he loves. Also starring Academy Award and Golden Globe-winner Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-nominee and Golden Globe-winner Ian McKellan, Academy Award-nominee Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, and Liv Tyler. Winner of four Academy Awards including Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup. MPAA Rating: PG-13 Rated PG-13 for epic battle sequences and some scary images. ™ © 2002 New Line Home Entertainment, INC. All rights reserved.
Rating
PG-13

Ratings and reviews

4.6
129K reviews
Kyle Vansteelandt
March 21, 2022
"Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" starts off with Galadriel's eerie narration, as she explains the story about the ring of power that was created by a formidable power-hungry tyrant called the dark lord Sauron. This ring came all the way up to a young dwarf named Frodo Baggins. He is joined by his friend Gandalf and more of his new companions to go on an adventure to Mount Doom to destroy the ring, because this one ring evokes power and greed. The former is already captivating and awe-inspiring, and I knew I was in for something spectacular. I have never read the books, but this movie as a whole is such an entertaining, captivating and well-wrought epic with brilliant ideas, as it will inspire anyone to become a filmmaker towards the fantasy/adventure genre. It is also one of those three-hour long movies that proves to be rewatchable, and that's very rare; this three-hour film offers brilliant set-pieces throughout it's lengthy yet vivid and thorough adventure yarn. You just can't get enough of it, and it gives you a feeling that you have experienced an epic grueling trek, and it makes you want to watch it again. that is how good it is in many ways. The dynamic craftsmanship by Peter Jackson is the definitive example of filmmaking, as it shows that it's heart is in the right place, but in a more involving kind of way, that makes "Lord of the Rings" a stirring diversion. Peter has great attention to detail from the timing to the energy. There are also a sizeable amount of unforgettable surprises that are skillfully staged. The more dramatic elements of the movie are harrowing from the jaw-dropping action sequences to the heart-breaking pathos. The incredible production design is a seamless blend of blue or green screen effects and a real location (New Zealand) where Andrew Lesnie has shot some of the best cinematography I have ever laid my eyes on, and some of the places have a grand sense of scale so large and convincing, they make me feel puny. Most of the cinematography is artful and imposing with worrisome imagery that has an unbridled sense of foreboding, and the sweeping landscapes are majestic. Did I ever mentioned that the effects are unexplainably persuasive? they are indeed. When the movie pans to the protagonists, the movie has a light-hearted and lively tone, yet when it pans to the antagonists, the tone is heavily grim with a spooky ambience. The excellent use of sound effects is what makes the movie so impressive, especially when the antagonists have their screen-time with impactful clobbering, heavy thunderous footsteps, and the raucous vocalizations. It even has an immersive and vivid atmosphere due to the pitch-perfect ambience. The entire movie is enhanced by the magnificent score by Howard Shore with stirring strings, full-bodied woodwinds, bombastic brass, and the dynamic vocals (a choir and solo singers). The costume designs that the actors are wearing makes them look traditional and tangible. The entire cast did a phenomenal job and the characters that they play are exceptional; the protagonists are likable, smart, loaded with personality, and have a lot of heart as they care deeply for each other. While the antagonists are gruesome, daunting, and deadly. Elijah Wood is emotionally lively as Frodo Baggins. Ian McKellen steals the show as Gandalf with his wise, warm, and jolly performance. There are close-up shots of Gandalf, because they give him admirable power. Sean Astin is great as Samwise Gamgee who will always be by Frodo's side. Arwen and Galadriel are beautiful and heartful with a tinge of spirituality to them. Christopher Lee is great as the evil Saruman. In Conclusion: "Lord of the Rings" is a grandiose and haunting fantasy adventure of epic proportions.
Oliver Emmett Knox
March 16, 2021
Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring movie has successfully opened the door into Tolkien's world of Middle Earth for me. The plot tells of the quest of a hobbit, Frodo Baggins, to destroy an evil ring of power. He is aided in his quest by his friends and other companions who accompany him and protect him on his journey. The costumes, weapons, armor, the One Ring and the props are so rich and very well crafted by the film crew. The scenery and landscapes of New Zealand are very beautiful. The movie sets for the Shire, Rivendell, Lothlorien, Amon Hen, Weathertop, Bree, Isengard and Moria are very gorgeous. The realm of Mordor looks very dark and scary in a good way. The action and battle scenes at Weathertop, Moria and Amon Hen are epic, memorable and perfectly executed. The special effects for the Balrog, the cave troll, the Watcher in the water, Gollum and Sauron's Eye are very incredible. The Prologue scene narrated by Galadriel and with flashbacks of the forging of the Great Rings, the War of the Last Alliance and the One Ring passing to Isildur, Sméagol and Bilbo was a clever way for Peter Jackson to introduce the Lord of the Rings story. The acting is superb The cast crew is so awesome and do an excellent job in playing their roles. Sir Ian McKellen is flawless in his role as Gandalf the Grey. Sir Christopher Lee is irreplaceable in his performance as Saruman the White. Cate Blanchett captures Lady Galadriel perfectly with a wonderfully deep and emotional voice. Elijah Wood is very gifted and bright in his role as Frodo Baggins with the character's haunted, frail courage that Tolkien captures. Sean Astin was born for the role as Samwise Gamgee and does an amazing job in capturing Sam Gamgee's personality. Dominic Monaghan Billy Boyd make for a delightful duo as Merry and Pippin Viggo Mortenson was an excellent choice for the role as Aragorn/Strider. Orlando Bloom pulls off Legolas very nicely with the character's bowmanship, various movements and fighting skils. John Rhys-Davies is brilliant and hilarious as Gimli the dwarf. Sean Bean gave an excellent performance as Boromir. Hugo Weaving gives a wonderful performance as Lord Elrond. Liv Tyler is ethereal and breathtaking in her role as Arwen Evenstar. Ian Holm literally is Bilbo Baggins. Craig Parker is very good as Haldir. Howard Shore is a musical genius is composing splendid songs and outstanding music scores that capture the spirit and the essences of Tolkien's world of Middle Earth. "May It Be" by Enya is a hauntingly beautiful song that plays at the credits. Peter Jackson's "The Fellowship of the Ring" is an epic, incredible experience for me. A truly spectacular adventure story all the way through, probably the best ever adapt into a movie. This still is a major milestone in cinema history. Sir Peter Jackson has succeeded at what other directors believed to be impossible and brought Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy to life on the big screen.
Joseph Withem
December 17, 2016
I cannot comment on the relationship of the movies to the books as I haven't read the books yet, however, I can, and will comment on the entertainment value of the movies. I believe that Jackson did a phenomenal job making the LOTR and The Hobbit trilogies. They are truly a masterpiece (each of them) and this is evident even within the Hollywood realm where this type of stuff is ultimately decided. Personally I can't stand Hollywierd but this time I believe they got it right. IMHO. ;-)