Tolkiens LOTR in the Lord of the Rings Story - Movie Review Example

LOTR the Trilogy The Lord of the Rings’ story is about war - the fight against evil, even against apparently hopeless odds, with the knowledge that victory can be achieved only at great cost, speaks to the struggles of the world wars. Related to this struggle is the depiction of grace, in that salvation comes from what may be perceived as luck but is in fact the work of something greater, a force beyond the might of any individual or country or famous personality (The Lord of the Rings, 2005). Tolkien’s LOTR is also an attempt to redefine heroism for the modern world. The clash between Treebeard and Saruman shows the conflict between industry and the natural world. It is also good to consider that the real quest of this story is not one of conquest or gain, but of abandonment. The Ring must be destroyed, not used, lest its power corrupt the user—a strong message for the modern era, marked as it is by destructive wars, superpowers, and horrifying abuses of the power of the state (The Lord of the Rings, 2005). From the personal appearance of each of the characters, coupled with their clothing and the way they carry themselves, the identity of each character can easily be presumed. More so, with the way the characters dress themselves and the way they interact with their environment is already a clear reflection of the kind of setting that the movie maintains. LOTR and the Fantasy Characters The whole story of the “Lord of the Rings” is composed of several fantasy characters the Tolkien himself had created. Each of these characters has their own personalities and is very unique making the readers realized that each of the characters are playing a very significant role in the story. But aside from this, ach of the character is a reflection of Tolkien’s personality, dreams, visions and perception. If we would analyze each or even just the major characters of LOTR, we could definitely have a better grasp of what kind of a person Tolkien really is (The Characters: LOTR, 2005). Aragorn Aragorn is the brave warrior who joins and defends the Fellowship Cast of the (Lord of the Rings, 2005). At a very young age – two years old to be exact – his father died and he was left under the guidance of Elrond in Rivendell. Aragorn, at first, was not aware of his real name that is why the elves call him Estel, which means “hope” in Sindarin. Ironically, he was named after “hope” but he was considered as the last hope to restore the House of Isildur. His renowned ancestor cut Sauron’s finger together with the Ring off in 3441. Since Elendil, Isildur’s father, was the 1st king of Gondor and Arnor, Aragorn, in his turn, is an heir-at-law to the throne. However, for the time being, no one suspected that, and Stewards ruled the Kingdom (The Characters: LOTR, 2005). In the fantasy trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” Aragorn is a key figure. It is because of his sovereignty that Gondor gains back its might and glory. Aragorn’s intelligence is behind his far-seeing decrees. After the end of the War of the Ring Elessar takes the Shire under his wing and forbids people to be in sight of its borders. Being an honest king, he follows his decrees and never goes further than the Great Bridge (The Characters: LOTR, 2005) Aragorn normally wears clothing that only most knights or soldiers of the medieval wear used to wear. This alone suggests that the setting (both time and place) of this movie is not during the contemporary period. The way Aragorn talks, carries armaments and wear his clothing is unique and is not how people of his age now used to do. As a viewer I can see that Aragorn is a character with deep personality. The old adage ‘there’s more to it than meets the eye’ is very true with Aragorn. No one could even predict what he is thinking or what is playing inside his mind. He seems in full control of his mind, body and spirit. He does hat his mind and heart dictates him to do. He reacts on things which he thinks is in the best possible way. He talks in the manner not in the way that most people in his environment is expecting, but in a way that is aligned with his beliefs and priorities. Frodo Frodo is the adventurous Hobbit who undertakes the quest to destroy the One Ring (Lord of the Rings, 2005). Like the other hobbits from the Fellowship of the Ring, he dwells in the Shire (The Characters: LOTR, 2005). While living in the Shire, Frodo wasn’t talkative, quite the opposite when he move out of his dwellings. Many assumed that his quietness was the result of his parents’ death and the envy of his neighbors. Frodo would be seen spending his free time with his friends tramping all over the Shire; but also, it is more often that he would be seen he wandering alone, and to the amazement of sensible folk he was sometimes seen far from home walking in the hills and woods under the starlight. Also, Frodo couldn’t resist the temptation of tossing off a glass of good wine (The Characters: LOTR, 2005). In general, Frodo can be characterized as a hobbit who prefers to act and live alone. It is true that he is one of the Nine Walkers in the Company of the Ring but, nevertheless, all the main job falls upon his shoulders. Despite the fact that there are friends whom he could trust with his life, Frodo remains the one responsible for the outcome of every journey of the group (The Characters: LOTR, 2005). For a hobbit, Frodo is broad-minded and smart. Proof to this are the situations such as when he encountered the elves and he tried to speak in their ancient tongue (he was not really that adept in using the language but he just recalled the words from a song about Elbereth, Queen beyond the Western Seas). Moreover, the various skills acquired by Frodo during his journey help him to accomplish Bilbo’s great cause – creation of the Red Book of Westmarch to "keep alive the memory of the age that is gone, so that people will remember the Great Danger and so love their beloved" (The Characters: LOTR, 2005). With regards to physical appearance, Frodo’s clothes, like any other affluent hobbit , was usually clad in "green velvet trousers, a red or yellow waistcoat, a shirt, a brown or green jacket with golden buttons or a dark green hooded coat," Frodo’s most precious possession was his mistral corset given by Bilbo. More than once it saved his life from arrows and swords of dark and evil forces (The Characters: LOTR, 2005). The very way that Frodo wears his clothing and other characters that he works with in the story represents an era or place far from the city. Frodo is not as grandiose or extravagant or magnificent as Aragorn and the other fantasy characters of LOTR. Incidentally, Frodo wears clothes that are exactly opposite of Aragorn. He looks like a peasant or just a normal villager. However, despite his looks and/or clothing, nobody has ever predicted that he is the chosen one – the person tasked to disposed the ring. This is a very important task for this movie. He may seem a simple guy in the area, unsure first of what is in store in the future, but is willing to take the risk to face the future. Frodo accepts responsibility of and for everything that he does. He has mastered his skills well so as to use it in any way that could benefit him and his people. Frodo is both idealistic and realistic. Even during the early sage f his life, he already has an image in his mind of what he would want to become and in the end, he has proven capable of turning that dream or image into reality. Gandalf the Grey Gandalf the Grey, Gandalf is the wizard, who can be considered as the most powerful individual in Middle-earth. Gandalf (along with Saruman), the two wizards described in detail, are not just men who study magic and spells. They also share the immortality of the elves, and they do not age or change. Wizards, like Gandalf, are not human; they are spirits in human form, who exist on earth to accomplish a specific purpose and leave when they are done (The Characters: LOTR, 2005) Gandalf is also known as Mithrandir (which means the “grey wanderer” in Sindarin). Everywhere he is known as a tall robust old man with long grey beard and kind eyes, wearing a pointed hat and a long coat. He always carries his staff with him which lights up the way in the darkness and helps to cast a spell. He is armed with the eleven-sword Glamdring (i.e. “the shatter of the foes” in Sindarin), forged by the elves and once belonging to the Duke of Turgon (The Characters: LOTR, 2005). But even if Gandalf is a wizard, still his power is limited. His fight with Balrog turns out to be fatal. Gandalf sacrificed himself by battling the fiery Balrog so his friends could escape. He actually died … but because of his generous act, his spirit was placed in a new body and given even greater powers than before (The Characters: LOTR, 2005). As I see it, Gandalf represents people with great minds. His intelligence is incomparable. The way he speaks, walks and even just the slight movements of his eyes shows great confidence and authority. I can personally say that his min is actually bigger and greater than his body, in the same manner that the power that his mind possesses is way greater than what his body can do. Gimli Gimli is the courageous dwarf who maintains a great strength and sense of justice (Cast of the Lord of the Rings, 2005). He came from Darin’s clan, a son of Gloin who took part in the quest to the Lonely Mountain. Gimli is not afraid of any danger. He supports the idea of going through Moria, as it has always been his dream to see the ancient kingdom with his own eyes. And his wish is granted. As to his appearance, it is not that different from his kind, he is stocky, broad-shouldered and as strong as a horse (Cast of the Lord of the Rings, 2005). Gimli is not an ordinary dwarf. He is the first representative of his people who enters Lyrien. Gimli earns the title of “a friend of elves”, so honorable for a dwarf. This says a lot because elves are extremely fussy when choosing friends. Gimli returns their feelings with affection and even decides to sail away northwards together with Legolas. Such things never happened in the history of Middle-earth before (Cast of the Lord of the Rings, 2005). It is so ironic that Gimli is a dwarf but his physical strength is so great. What he can do physically, mentally and emotionally cannot be measured by what is seen in his outside appearance. Gimli may be so small, but his dream is way bigger than what most people, with the same height as he is, have. Lastly, Gimli may be seen as a very small man but he is looked up to by his people. That is how ironic life is for Gimli. Legolas Legolas is the guy who is considered lethal when it comes to knife and bow, and he represents the Elves in the Fellowship(Cast of the Lord of the Rings, 2005). His being good with knives can be attributed to his extremely good hearing as well as eyesight – all elves are renowned archers able to hit a bird’s eye from a long distance. At the very beginning of the journey the members of the Fellowship find themselves in Hollin, a dwelling place of the elves who went northwards (Cast of the Lord of the Rings, 2005). Physically, Legolas has beautiful eyes, long fair hair and pointed ears. He has a good figure, slim and slender. The features of his face are refined unlike Gimli’s and Sam’s. More than anything he likes to wander in forests and listen with delight to birds singing. Legolas can be called a philosopher to some extent (Cast of the Lord of the Rings, 2005). Legolas, just like any normal human being, has his own flaws, especially when it comes to physical appearance. He is somewhat thin and has ears different from anybody else. But these are not the things that make Legolas stand out. As stated above, Legolas has special abilities with his bows. He maintains accuracy which is uncommon to ordinary people. Under normal circumstances, Legolas represents the people – people who are not perfect but unique in their own special way. Needless to say, among the many characters in this movie, Legolas is the one who represents the people of today’s time and age. Conclusion The “Lord of the Rings” is one really good epic. Not only because it was able to impart on the people about the beauty of believing into something and fighting for that despite all obstacle, but also because of the very creative rendition off each characters – their entanglements and how they personifies real human beings in the real world. References Cast of the “Lord of the Rings”. (2005). Retrieved April 3, 2007from “The Lord of the Rings”. (2005). Retrieved April 3, 2007from “The Lord of the Rings”. (2005). Retrieved April 3, 2007 from “The Characters: LOTR” (2005). Retrieved April 3, 2007from Read More