LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (PG)

Film review by Malcolm E. Wright

This first in the trilogy sets a new high standard for film making against which all new films will be measured and probably fall way short. If you had any doubts about the books on which this trilogy is based, these films will prove that the original stories by J. R. R. Tolkien are great classics - they must be to inspire such a wonderful first film. The other two are already filmed and scheduled for release Christmas 2002 and Christmas 2003, while the CGI graphics are still being worked on.

The film follows closely to the books. I must admit to finding the books a difficult read when I read them back in the early seventies. The author's way with words is unconventional. The story ranges from the domestic to the diabolic. It is scarier than I expected, and I thank the advertisers for warning us that some scenes may not be suitable for under-8s. The orcs are really horrible and I found myself sneering with genuine hatred for them. The story, with its theme of the battle between good and evil and the corruption of power, has a tremendous resonance with recent world events.

Having said that, it is beautifully photographed with a combination of real, unspoilt landscapes of New Zealand and the strange architectures of the different communities of orcs, goblins, elves and hobbits. The hobbits, of course, are charming little people, vaguely Celtic, I would imagine. The actor who plays the main character Frodo, whose burden it is to bear the ring to its final destruction, is seriously cute, as are the elves. This may make up somewhat for one 'fault' with the film - it is definitely a boy's story. Although there are women in it, they do not play a big role and their presence is largely symbolic. But in this respect the film is merely following the lead of the books themselves. This has got to be one of the greatest films you will ever see, surpassing even Star Wars in its magnificence - and to think there are two more like it to come! I can't wait....

You must see this film at the cinema - a TV screen could hardly do it justice. Make sure to visit the toilet first - you won't want to miss a single scene - and your sweets will probably stay in the bag. You'll be glued to the screen and forget all about being hungry. The three hours duration of the film will be over all too soon.

Rating: Excellent