Some people get murals of their favorite player, tattoo the lyrics from their favorite artist. For me, I get a 36 x 24 map of Middle Earth with a tattoo linking to my love for Lord of the Rings.

I remember the night I went to see Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. That was the night I fell in love. A year later picked up the book and read thousands of pages. Ever since then I have found a special kind of endearment for this franchise. It has had a tremendous impact not only in my life but on society and the film industry. Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien’s classic and epic fantasy novel is the most impressive big budget production in Hollywood history in my opinion. The shoot is still one of the most carefully planned and ambitious in history. The film took almost eight years from pre production to the release of The Return of the King. They took a risk and shot back to back to back. It was a huge gamble when they funded the project but well worth it.

Earned 17 wins from 30 nominations. The Return of the King won 11 trophies including Best Picture and Best Director. These are a few reasons why this movie is amazing, and why I fell in love.

Story

The movie could absolutely be longer with how detailed the books are. The focus stays on the quest to destroy the ring and the war to keep Sauron from destroying Middle-Earth. Taking a complex written novel that focusing on mythology and a variety of creatures and languages then compressing it to a film. Lord of the Rings shows honor, love, friendship and heroism. Not leaving out the classic tale of good versus evil. For the most part the film went along smoothly with the books, of course with a few changes. Director Jackson was able to show us a land we wish we part of. At least for me, to live in Middle Earth would be a dream.

The Effects

The visuals are simply spectacular. So amazing that from the very first film, I made it certain that I will travel to New Zealand where this was shot. Of course the film would not be possible without CGI. Jackson used old school techniques like trick photography and miniatures in order to bring Middle Earth to life, giving you the idea that maybe Middle Earth existed.

The Lord of the Rings remains one of the most visually astonishing films ever made. Finding natural environments that captured Tolkien’s world of Middle Earth.

The characters.

Jackson developed characters for us to fall in love with. With the films being three hours long, Jackson made sure to connect you with each character. Aragorn’s journey from a lost man to a leader of pack. Legolas and Gimli and their relationship evolving from life long hatred to a friendship with various touching moments. For the famous Ian McKellen this was one of his best roles yet, making Gandalf a father figure to all. The connection most important and heart felt, Frodo and Sam. The most famous friendship in cinema, involving scenes that mentions companionship, and loyalty.

Gollum.

He gets his own section. He is the gift that just keeps giving. Through Gollum we were introduced to actor Andy Serkis. A fan favorite when it comes to motion capture performance who has done multiple roles in major films such as King Kong and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Gollum was a treat to watch, keeping the viewers on their toes with his bi polar personalities. Sometimes sympathetic, malicious and friendly, also giving a visual to what Frodo could become.

War

The battles scenes, probably my favorite part about the films. As a little girl I was thrilled whenever I watched these battle scenes it gave me some sort of energy. The word epic cant begin to describe the work put into these scenes. The music used for these scenes just made your heart beat and seeing hundreds of people dressing up in armor and how much work and hours were put in to make these twenty minute battles scenes breath taking.

I know many people don't like Lord of the Rings, who always say the movie is just people walking. No, it is about bond forming, people risking their lives, exploring a whole different lifestyle and watching amazing film techniques. Yes, I might be biased, some may even say obsessed but I will forever defend this incredible franchise.