Bilbo Baggins once mused, “the old that is strong does not wither.” Now, over 70 years after the inception of the Lord of the Rings saga, the newly released War of the Rohirrim emerges amid both anticipation and skepticism, serving as a key indicator for the franchise’s longevity and relevance.
Peter Jackson’s original Lord of the Rings trilogy is often lauded as a monumental achievement in cinema. However, following the divisive release of Amazon’s Rings of Power, the franchise has become entangled in a web of criticism and debate. While the first season of Rings of Power drew mixed reviews, its second season garnered significant praise, arguably representing a more valid interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legacy than prior adaptations.
In response to the shifting landscape, Jackson and his longtime collaborators, including Philippa Boyens, are reportedly developing at least two new live-action films, starting with The Hunt for Gollum. This move could be seen as an attempt to regain the favor of dedicated fans, spark renewed interest, or perhaps even showcase compelling narratives. Sadly, the initial impressions of War of the Rohirrim leave much to be desired in fulfilling this last hope.
Exploring the Story of LOTR: The War of the Rohirrim
As Éowyn (voiced by Miranda Otto) eloquently narrates, “All of Middle-earth knows the tale of the One Ring. But there are others… tales that light a path through the dark.” This latest installment is set over 180 years prior to The Fellowship of the Ring, focusing on Héra (portrayed by Gaia Wise), the indomitable daughter of Helm Hammerhand (voiced by Brian Cox), the king of Rohan.
Initially, Rohan appears idyllic, but tension builds as Freca (Shaun Dooley), a lord with Rohirric blood, proposes a marriage to Wulf (Luke Pasqualino) instead of a Gondorian prince in order to solidify his own ambitions. A confrontation ensues, with Helm’s refusal igniting a conflict that has devastating consequences, ultimately leading to war.
The Potential of Lord of the Rings in Anime
Visually, War of the Rohirrim is nothing short of breathtaking. It combines various artistic influences, reminiscent of *Attack on Titan*, Studio Ghibli, and Ralph Bakshi’s initial adaptation. The landscapes are stunning, and Stephen Gallagher’s score pays homage to Howard Shore while introducing its unique flair. Director Kenji Kamiyama captures a feeling of epic storytelling, crafting a narrative that, while visually arresting, sometimes falters in the action department.
Critiques of War of the Rohirrim’s Narrative
Unfortunately, the storyline of War of the Rohirrim lacks the depth and resonance many expect from tales steeped in Tolkien’s mythology. The movie operates under the assumption that viewers are well-acquainted with Rohan and Gondor’s histories, which may alienate newcomers. Unlike its predecessors, this film struggles to establish an emotional connection, relying heavily on vague narration from Éowyn.
Moreover, the central theme advocating for humility among men feels trite and hastily delivered. Although Helm Hammerhand is a compelling character thanks to Cox’s exceptional voice acting, it’s hard to form an attachment comparable to that of Gandalf or Frodo from the original trilogy. Héra, while ostensibly a strong lead, remains a caricature, and her development is painfully shallow. Despite being positioned as bold and independent, viewers are left wanting more clarity and depth in her character arc.
Dexerto Review Score: 3/5 – Good
War of the Rohirrim, while beautifully animated and featuring a talented voice cast, ultimately falls short of leaving a lasting impact. As a proof of concept, it underscores the need for more adaptations from Tolkien’s vast lore. Despite being enjoyable in the moment, it risks fading into the background of cinematic history.
Mark your calendars: Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim arrives in theaters on December 13.
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