As a lifelong fanatic of Middle-earth, having grown up with the enchanting tales spun by J.R.R. Tolkien and brought to life by Peter Jackson, I must say that Kenji Kamiyama’s The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim has left me both spellbound and slightly disappointed.
As a diehard gamer, I’ve been captivated by The Lord of the Rings movies for over two decades now – some of the greatest literary adaptations ever made! Now, it’s exciting to see Peter Jackson, the genius behind the original trilogy and Hobbit trilogy, back as an executive producer. This time, we journey back to Middle-earth in a stunningly animated production by Kenji Kamiyama, known for his work on anime shows like Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Blade Runner: Black Lotus, and Star Wars: Visions’ short films. The new installment is titled The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Unlike the original trilogy, this film takes place 183 years earlier, focusing on the story of Helm Hammerhand, a legendary king of Rohan, and his family as they bravely defend their kingdom against an invading army of Dunlendings.
This film offers an epic, skillfully crafted journey filled with breathtaking scenes, although some moments may be foreseeable. The animation is particularly captivating and unique, as it hasn’t been translated into anime yet. Kamiyama delivers stunning landscapes and vibrant colors that rival the grandeur of live-action films. Additionally, the script effectively establishes character conflicts within the first half hour, introducing us to Helm, the ruler of Rohan, and his daughter Héra, who aids in defending their people.
Originally, Hera would practice with Wulf. Now, Wulf yearns for retribution against Helm, as Helm was the one who killed Wulf’s father. This gives their relationship a deeply personal edge that sets it apart from many Lord of the Rings spin-offs, where the antagonist is often supernatural or fantastical. Instead, Wulf is human, and although his actions might be questionable, you can empathize with his motivations. Moreover, Wulf’s bond with Hera offers a wealth of dramatic potential and conflict. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t fully explore this potential; it only delves into their history through a few flashbacks, leaving much of the drama unexplored.
Just like typical in the Lord of the Rings series, War of the Rohirrim delivers grand battle scenes without holding back on large-scale action. Despite being an animated film, some intensity may be lost compared to real-life battles, but Kamiyama ensures it’s minimized. There are gruesome deaths and a fair share of violence. The action stays realistic, keeping viewers in tune with the heroes and villains, as both sides escalate in menace.
Despite boasting some stunning sequences that underscore why this series continues to be a consistently breathtaking franchise, certain decisions detract from its impact. The film’s plot is largely predictable after it sets up the conflicts in the initial act, adhering closely to the formula typical of large-scale action films. Once characters like the protagonist, antagonist, mentor, and allies are introduced, the narrative follows a familiar path, echoing scenes from other films of this kind. From broad themes to minor incidents, you can often predict where each character is heading and what they will do.
Beyond this, Wulf shares a significant history with Héra, but their relationship is predominantly rooted in their past events. The majority of Wulf’s animosity and thirst for retribution stem from Helm, not Héra. However, it seems as though the central conflict unfolds around her rather than directly involving her. If Héra had shown less passivity during the first two acts, perhaps the primary struggle might have been more evidently hers. Although she engages in battles, her heroic actions don’t always significantly alter the power struggle between Wulf and Helm. Instead, she frequently finds herself being saved rather than saving others. The narrative of the film is primarily advanced by other characters for most of its duration.
In simpler terms, the character Héra is strong but lacks depth, making it hard for viewers to empathize with her fully. Although she experiences tragic events, her emotional range isn’t fully explored. Her character development seems limited to the storyline and doesn’t show much personality outside of it. The turning point in her arc occurs at the end of the second act when she is told not to be afraid, but there’s little indication that she was fearful at the start of the movie. A well-crafted character arc usually lets us see a character grow and change over time, making viewers appreciate their transformation. Unfortunately, Héra doesn’t start in a low enough position for her development to feel significant in this film.
All in all, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a must-see return to Middle-earth that fans of the series will enjoy. Notably, some familiar voices and actors make appearances, including Miranda Otto, who reprises her role as Éowyn to narrate this film. Without a doubt, this movie deserves the grandeur of the big screen, and while there are certain storyline and character flaws, it offers an extraordinary viewing experience.
SCORE: 6.5/10
According to the explanation in ComingSoon’s review policy, a rating of 6 means “Decent.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite reach its peak performance and offers an average, ordinary experience.
Note: Our review of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim was based on a press screening we attended.
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2024-12-09 20:41