*Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of the Ring* is life affirming! |First Time Watching|Commentary

[@Vigrith]

Very fun watching you experience this for the first time. Nobody will judge you for your tears, no human heart can resist this story. Welcome to the greatest trilogy ever to grace the silver screen!

[@johnmackendrick5173]

I won't say her name, but one of the commentators actually cheered when Boromir died. I judged. Tears, though, I understand.

[@johntepu]

Kia ora from NZ, welcome aboard the epic journey into a glimpse of this JRR Tolkien world of Middle Earth

[@SharonLathanNovelist]

@@johnmackendrick5173 Oh my! I can actually guess who that might be as there is only one reaction, a duo man and woman, that I could not watch past the Council of Elrond. I judge big time. As for tears, I judge if reactors DON'T cry or get a bit misty eyed at certain moments.

[@marthapackard8649]

I wonder if it's the same ones I'm thinking of. I stopped because she kept calling Aragorn Aracorn, purposefully. That was it for me. I haven't been back.​@@SharonLathanNovelist

[@johnmackendrick5173]

@@SharonLathanNovelist Actually, it was just a young woman on her own. The comments were so hostile that she may have taken her video down. Was the man and woman team one where the man had already seen it and was trying to convince his wife that she should like it but she wasn't having anything to do with it? In the one I am thinking of, when they went into the mines of Moria and Gandalf said it would take four days to travel, the woman sighed and asked how long that would be in movie time lol. For what it is worth, tears still well up in my eyes during Boromir's death if the reactor is genuinely into the movie.

[@rosebudjonesy2014]

I make a hobby of watching reactions to LotR. I love experiencing the first experience of others, since I can never have that first experience again. You have so much heart, and intelligence, and forethought. You have a gift with words and putting voice to emotions and thought trails. I can’t wait to see you continue this journey.

[@billprice8596]

Here here!

[@MrValentineReacts]

Your comment is superbly generous. Thanks for watching with me. Two Towers around the corner😊

[@the0peratoR]

No way I will now consider the hours I've spent watching these reactions as a hobby now

[@qs2668]

1 minute in I'm like "why is this guy so well-spoken". 20 minutes in I'm over here with several tabs open looking up definitions :D

[@MrValentineReacts]

😊

[@Charharr]

What a beautiful reaction - it's lovely to see someone so immersed in the story and be as affected by it emotionally as the rest of us! You really seemed appreciate and absorb some of the most profound quotes rather than glossing over them, too, which I love.

[@MrValentineReacts]

immaculately absorbing; thanks for viewing with me

[@michaelmatejka1068]

Thank you for the respect you gave to Boromir 💯🙌🏻 Too many reactors don’t give him the proper attention and respect. They just see him as a bad guy and it’s just sad

[@MrValentineReacts]

The balance of his trajectory was affecting! Masterfully structured redemption

[@BigGator5]

"I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened." "So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." Fun Fact: Despite playing a dwarf, John Rhys-Davies is the tallest of the actors who play members of the Fellowship. He is 6' 1" in height. "I made a promise, Mr Frodo. A promise. Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee. And I don't mean to. I don't mean to." Fun Fact: Sir Christopher Lee read "The Lord Of The Rings" once a year until his death in 2015, and had done so since the year it was published. He was also the only member of the cast and crew ever to have met J.R.R. Tolkien. Thud Landing Fact: According to Sean Astin in the Extended DVD commentary, when Bilbo (Ian Holm) drops the Ring before leaving Hobbiton, the floor was magnetic to prevent the Ring from bouncing. This was done to demonstrate the importance and weight of the Ring. Stay In Character Fact: Gandalf's painful encounter with a ceiling beam in Bilbo's (Ian Holm) hobbit-hole was not in the script. Sir Ian McKellen banged his forehead against the beam accidentally. Sir Peter Jackson thought McKellen did a great job "acting through" the mistake, and kept it in. High And Dry Fact: Sean Astin's scene underwater didn't really happen. He was filmed in a dry studio, with fans making his cloak billow. The water effects were added in afterwards by computer. Rosetta Stone Fact: The Elvish language lines spoken in this movie are not just quotes from the book, they were derived from J.R.R. Tolkien's own limited dictionary of that language. Dialect coach Andrew Jack used recordings of Tolkien reading his books to guide the actors' and actresses' pronunciations. Adaptation Background Fact: Asking for and receiving a lock of hair isn't unusual. In the time before photos, men would often carry a lock of hair from their sweethearts when going off to war or extended trip. But the three golden hairs that Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) gifts Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) at his behest have far more significance than their just being very pure and innocent request, rather than all the gold or power or wisdom he could have asked for. Any fans who have read the Silmarillion will know that Feanor, one of the greatest elves, and most amazing crafters of the world had made a similar request of the golden lady thousands of years earlier. Feanor was so inspired by Galadriel's grace and beauty, that he wished to use strands of her hair in the making of his three Silmarils, the most precious gems ever created in Middle Earth. He begged her three times for a single strand of her hair, but even though she was young and inexperienced at this point, she looked into his soul and saw that his intentions were not fair and benevolent, but were driven by greed and a desire to possess something more precious than the other elves of the time. She, therefore, refused his request, causing much wrath and anguish, and he was forced to find other precious substances to infuse into his gems. So while Galadriel refused Feanor, she knew Gimli was a pure soul.

[@reformedwheat5648]

Thanks for posting this. Most of it I did not know 😊

[@BigGator5]

reformedwheat5648 ...You're welcome! 😁 Go in Peace and Walk with God. 😎 👍

[@athanatic]

I have not read all of the History and Apocrypha, but am a big fan and did not know at all about the Fëanor implication! You gave me a Tolkien shot of joy! Thank you!

[@BigGator5]

You're welcome! 😁 Go with God and Be Safe from Evil. 😎 👍

[@nemesis4852]

As an old Tolkien aficionado who was read this story at the age of ten in the late 1970s and followed and read many of Tolkien's works since, and watched many many reaction videos, yours is one of the most sensitive and heartfelt I have seen. Many thanks. I'm definitely looking forward to watching the next the next ones with you. God bless and cheers!

[@JulieKRose]

+1! Such a great reaction

[@Campkrew5]

Seriously, Iv seen dozens of LOTR reactions and this is definitely one of the best 😊immediate interest, appreciation, and he’s very insightful

[@MrValentineReacts]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@danielc.6659]

Same

[@sister1976]

I agree, great reaction ❤

[@Blynat]

The intro to the second movie is one of the best intros in movie history.

[@MrValentineReacts]

holy moly. Watching it this week :) i'm stoked

[@Kimmerkel-k]

Great reaction. A few things…. Bilbo and Frodo are like the “landed gentry” (as are Merry and Pippin) and Sam is Frodo’s gardener, hence “Mr. Frodo”. If you didn’t catch it, Boromir was the son of the Steward of Gondor, the biggest human kingdom. Generations of stewards have been ruling Gondor until a king someday returns. Boromir would have led Gondor after his father’s death as the next steward. In the next movie, you will meet folks from a smaller kingdom called Rohan. (Sometimes new watchers get confused by the two.) Finally, I will add my voice to those saying watch the extended additions of the remaining movies for deeper lore scenes. Cheers!

[@The1Music2MyEars]

Bro...your vocabulary, clarity of thought and staying on point the entire time is incredible!

[@NunyaBiznessss]

If you're at the end saying things like "I don't want this movie to be over" then you should check out the Extended Editions (I'm sure everyone is already saying that lol). These movies and books defined much of my life and continue to shape it to this day. They're so, so beautiful, and it makes me endlessly happy to see people finding them two decades later. I love how much they hold up in modern times, both the effects and the messages. Tolkien was a WW1 vet and saw many of his friends die. While he claimed vehemently that The Lord of the Rings was *not* allegory, those experiences absolutely defined how he portrayed war and peace, life and death, fellowship and hatred. It feels so real, despite the fantastic elements, because it comes from something real.

[@lathspell87]

One of the biggest reasons these movies are so great is because Jackson and his team didn't try to push their own ideas or try to change the story. They attempted to take Tolkein's own words and bring them to the screen. If you were to ever read the book, you would see how so many of the greatest lines in this movie are literally word for word from Tolkein.

[@Seraphim4190]

Another vote for the extended editions of the next two movies. They really flesh out certain aspects of the plot/characters. About the pipeweed/halflings leaf: it's canonically tobacco, but the writers and director obviously played it off ambiguously leaving it up to the viewer to interpret. My headcanon is that in the books it's tobacco, but in the movieverse, it's something a little more fun.😎 Anyways... Love your reaction, your insights, your good humor, your ability to express your emotions, and your ability to express yourself in general. I really appreciate that you enjoyed all the world-building before they took off on the quest. Some reactors don't care for it, but I feel it really immerses you into the story for the rest of the trilogy. This is definitely one of the top reactions to this movie. It was a true pleasure to watch.

[@bitterzombie]

The books became popular during 70's, when the use of marijuana was becoming more common in western society. The pipe weed in tolkein's stories is intended to be tobacco, but the "mystical" & "mind altering" properties of the plant soon resonated with marijuana users- this is actually how it first began being referred to as "weed", prior to this it was mostly referred to in slang as ganja or "grass". So while unintentional, tolkien was so influencial on "hippie" & "stoner" culture, that eventually the most common term used for it, was lifted directly from his works. I.e.- the weed in tolkien's stories is not called that because of marijuana. Marijuana is actually called weed IRL because tolkien first coined the term for his "smokable magic herb"

[@Seraphim4190]

@@bitterzombie Warning! I wrote a novel. Not trying to debate, but explain my thought process: Modern theatrical/home theater audiences, especially those who never have read the books, (which I assume was the larger portion of the audience at least initially) wouldn't know that information in your comment. All they see is something called weed, which is ambiguously defined, along with behaviors associated with cannabis. PJ & crew didn't need to do that to keep the story intact and they had to have known a significant number of viewers would interpret it different than what it canonically is. They could have just left it at Longbottom Leaf and played it like tobacco traditionally affects users to be clear to movie audiences. That's why I think it was left open to viewer interpretation, and in my mind it's cannabis in the movies. Other things were changed for the movies, too. As long as we know what canon is, or the true intention of Tolkien, and that the books are the definitive source for lore, I'm fine with my headcanon on this subject alone in the movieverse. If you see it differently, that's cool, too. No one goes wrong when preferring to go with canon. The "weed" origination is interesting, btw. I read somewhere the books had an influence on sixties counterculture because I was really into Led Zeppelin at one time, and researched Robert Plant, but had no idea the actual slang term came about because of Tolkien's works. Talk about a major influence on society in general! Thanks for that interesting bit of knowledge!

[@CheezDaBoss]

Almost every reactor starts with the theatrical version of the Lord of the Rings then end up reacting to the extended version for the latter half.

[@ativanob14]

Sauroman says, "Your love of the haflings leaf has clearly slowed your mind." definitely wacky tobaccy in the movie

[@CliffSedge-nu5fv]

My headcanon is that Old Toby _is_ toby - tobacco - but that Longbottom Leaf is oooweee. Even if none of it is cannabis, it is fantasy where certain plants can have "magical" properties.

[@larrybell726]

I am sitting here with a big, silly smile on my face. I've seen about 429 reactions to LoTR, but yours is among the best, I love your immersion in the story and your sympathy with the characters. Beware, there is a debate among Fellowship fans regarding the extended cut versus the theatrical cut. TC is faster paced, EC gives more and deeper details of the story, and is a bit longer. For the record, during the director's commentary of the film Peter Jackson, along with screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, said that the cuts required for the TC were done to get the required run time. If you want to get more of the details and back stories, go for the EC and break each film into two parts. Your editing is great and your new fans, like me, will thank you. Liking and sub was a no-brainer!

[@BobBlumenfeld]

"For the record, during the director's commentary of the film Peter Jackson, along with screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, said that the cuts required for the TC were done to get the required run time. " I hadn't heard that, but I suspected from the run times of the first two movies (2:58 and 2:59) that someone in Hollywood demanded they come in under three hours for theater seating purposes, and that was Peter Jackson's middle finger to them. And I think that by the time ROTK was released, they knew they had a movie worth giving up another twenty-one minutes for.

[@MrValentineReacts]

The idea that some studio executives forces filmmakers to curtail the runtime for 'attention span' purposes is WILD to me. thank you for the sub/like🙌🏽

[@Keffinated]

@larrybell726 Not bad, but I have you beat at 430.

[@BobBlumenfeld]

@@MrValentineReacts I hadn't thought about attention spans, but the more practical (money-wise) goal of getting one more seating in each day.

[@Julylmoa]

Yes… he got it! 🥹

[@AngelaSealana]

Your immediate understanding of the layers to Tolkien's work demonstrates a profound and rare maturity. What fun I'm having rewatching these films with you!

[@angeljaceherondale]

Something to keep in mind if you see this before you watch the others: The movie does not make it clear what the age difference between the hobbits actually is. In actuality, Pippin is supposed to be 16-17 in human years, Merry is almost 21, and Sam is a bit over 21, while Frodo is 30. Therefore, Frodo literally is a lot more mature than any of them, he's a "grown man" while they are still very young, *specially* Pippin. Since they cast without age in mind, but kept the story the same, people tend to harshly judge Pippin and at times Merry, when the truth was they represent just young boys thrown into war and trauma, trying their best. That is why they tend to be more reckless. That also makes their bravery even more impressive.

[@ezradanger]

It's been so long since I actually read the books (because the movies do such a good job of telling the story) that I had forgotten that detail. But yes, you are absolutely correct.

[@Laxhoop]

Just for context, since it’s something that was put in solely for fans of the book, but makes no sense for movie viewers, the elves and dwarves have long since hated one another. That’s why the password to the dwarven mine was the elvish word for friend, because no one would ever think a dwarf would use elvish, due to their bitter hatred of one another. But Gimli, blinded by the holy light of Galadriel (who was the final elf to view the two trees that the god of the LOTR universe made to birth light into the world, and is why her eyes shine with a unique reflection), he asked for a hair from her head. You see, her hair is one of the most holy relics in all of the world of LOTR. Her father, the most brilliant elvish craftsman in all of history, asked her three times for a single strand of her hair, to aid him in building something. Each time, she rejected him, as despite his good intents, all of his inventions had caused mass chaos in the world of men. But when Gimli, a dwarf, the supposed natural enemy of her elvish people, asked for a single hair, she gave him three. The significance of this act in the lore cannot be understated, and it’s why the filmmakers chose to add it in, even if movie only people would not understand. The gesture’s significance was simply too grand in context to not adapt.

[@seraphinaaizen6278]

The trees that Saruman was tearing down aren't in the shire. Orthanc is miles and miles away from the Shire, nestled at the base of a line of mountains called 'The Misty Mountains' (the same mountains the group try to cross during the movie). It's nestled on the border between the Kingdom of Rohan in the West, and a collection of petty feifdoms on the east ruled by people called the Dunlendings; wildmen and mountain people who are generally uncivilized, and who the rangers spend a great deal of time keeping out of the Shire. The Shire is historically part of the Kingdom Aragorn's ancestors ruled over, and the people living there are technically his subjects, so the rangers have made protecting them a full time job (along with the humans of Bree, for the same reason). The hobbits and Breeman just don't know about it and have no idea who the rangers are, protecting them from roving bands of barbarians that live a few days ride south of them. Nobody did world building like Tolkien. He wrote entire mythologies and histories as a backstory to his books. Rich histories of kingdoms and lands that aren't even mentioned in the Lord of the Rings novel. Even the book itself has a backstory; the book (in lore) is a translation of 'The Red Book of Westmarch', which was written by characters in the story (I won't say which, to avoid giving away who does or doesn't survive to see the end of it all), and was later annotated by other in-lore figures before reaching the version that Tolkien wrote as his real-world incarnation of an in-lore item (i.e. the Red Book). Middle Earth itself is just part of the World of Arda, and the War of the Ring isn't even the most important event in its history. Thousands of years previously, Sauron was just a servant of the REAL big bad of the lore, Morgoth. While Sauron is merely a demi-god, Morgoth actually IS a god, and he had a war with the other gods that almost destroyed the entire world. The entire lore of the Lord of the Rings universe is far too deep to expound it all over youtube. But if you did want to hear more of it, you could read the books (Where much more of the lore is mentioned than in the movies), along with original book, the Hobbit, which came first and spawned the whole thing. Although most of the lore is contained in Tolkien's unrelated writings, and was compiled by his son into the Silmarillion.

[@lorcanabbot4614]

Very nice reaction, sir! Just to be more precise : Isildur is Aragorn's ancestor, not his father. About 3000 years separate them. Fun fact: Isildur's far ancestor is Elros, Elrond's twin brother, who chose to be a mortal. So Aragorn and Arwen are very (very) distant relatives, but they share common ancestors.

[@parissimons6385]

And also from the books, on Arwen's maternal side, Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) is her grandmother. The Extended Edition of this movie contains a scene of dialogue between Aragorn and Galadriel that alludes to that relationship. Btw, Galadriel was also related to Elrond's father, Earendil, but that family connection is from many thousands of years earlier. It is still important, though, because Galadriel gives some of Earendil's light (still alive but now a star - long story) to Frodo in her gift, a glass phial of glowing light.

[@ianarnett]

Yes Harry Potter drew inspiration from LoTR, as does virtually every fantasy book and film. The foundation novel, The Hobbit, evolved from World War 1. Don’t get drawn into the tobacco and ‘weed’ confusion, it’s tobacco! When I was young, many people called it “the old weed”. It’s Mr Frodo because it’s from a time when such was the way (I’m old enough to still use the title when I address someone) and also because he is his employer, Sam is his gardener. You’ve just watched the first amazing film of a wonderful trilogy, but remember the author of it all, JRR Tolkien. These are the most spellbinding fantasy books ever written, and can be compared to any book of any genre, and are beautifully transmitted to film by Peter Jackson and cast and crew. I very much enjoyed your reaction, it was enjoyable to hear you articulate thoughts and ideas which are so apt and correct. I’m waiting for your next reaction to the following film; oh, I’d suggest that you watch the extended versions. Thanks

[@MrValentineReacts]

thanks for the info. Didn't know about the WW1 backdrop. appreciate you watching!! Two towers coming soon

[@ronweber1402]

Tolkien said pipe weed was tobacco but let's not fool ourselves Peter Jackson definitely gave it psychotropic properties for these movies.

[@ianarnett]

@ronweber1402 I don't care what Peter Jackson tried to imply, or not, the author said specifically it was tobacco.

[@ronweber1402]

@@ianarnett What you like or don't like is beside the point. PJ gave pipeweed psychotropic properties in his adaptation and whether you agree or disagree with that decision is your business but there is no doubt that that is what he did.

[@ianarnett]

@ronweber1402 what he did or not doesn't detract from the truth. I rest my case m'lud.

[@taylorkatemc]

You asked why Sam calls Frodo "Mr. Frodo", that's because Frodo is considered a whole Hobbit man, he's 50 years old when they leave. Sam is 38, and is barely into his adulthood ("coming of age" for a Hobbit is 33). Sam's father was the gardener of Bag End for Bilbo for decades, Sam followed suit. When Bilbo left and bequeathed Bag End to Frodo, Sam became Frodo's gardener in a similar way Mr. Gamgee was Bilbo's gardener. It's both a case of Sam respecting his elder, and also respecting his employer. They've grown up together, but Frodo is substantially older and kind of a role model for Sam.

[@arweninnj]

IMO there's a little bit more to it than that. Remember JRRT wrote this in England in the 40's and 50's when there was still more than just a vestige of a class system.

[@VoIcanoman]

This was perhaps the best reaction to this film I have ever witnessed. Most people miss the deeper meanings in certain passages of dialogue, and largely overlook the way the cinematography is so elegantly structured to engage the audience, while simultaneously giving them important information in a way that feels almost effortless, but you caught it all. Also, I got the sense that you understood (where others haven't) that the best parts of this film were the elements taken straight out of the book and left largely unchanged. And the most critical element of them all, the one that was adapted the most faithfully, is Middle-Earth itself. This adaptation was so successful (when others have failed) mainly because the people in charge of making it understood that the reason the books are so beloved is that they really feel like one story being told in a universe that actually exists (and in which other, equally-interesting stories are also taking place), and so they made sure to give us a world that felt real. Pre-production for the films (which were made simultaneously, rather than one after the other) began in August of 1997, more than TWO YEARS before filming began, enabling them to create an impressive level of detail, adding a visceral depth to the world and its people. For example, they actually built Hobbiton, and actually filmed on a mountain glacier for the snow scenes.* And where they did use significant computer graphics, they used some of the best artists in the world to create them, with the best technology that was available at the time, resulting in a film that doesn't FEEL 20 years old. Could you tell, for example, in the wide shots of the battle in the voice-over prologue, that most of the soldiers, on both sides of the fight, were computer generated? These films were a labor of love (and it shows). I look forward to seeing you react to the other ones, as I truly think, as good as _The Fellowship of the Ring_ is, they surpassed it in _The Two Towers_ ...and then surpassed THAT with _The Return of the King._ So...enjoy! And when you get a chance, maybe give the books a look as well! *Incidentally, Sean Bean was deathly afraid of flying in helicopters, so every day they were filming up in the mountains, he'd get dropped off by car at the base of the location (hours before filming was due to start), and HIKE his way up there.

[@NycilSikiclas]

You got my sub because you had genuine tears rolling for Boromir. I checked out your channel's content and it has a good selection of movies. By the way, the sequence where Frodo says that he wished none of this had happened to him and Gandalf's response about the fact that things in fact boil down to what we decide to do with the time given to us, makes me think to a completely different story of a completely different genre but that gets you to ponder over what Frodo and Gandalf speak about. The movie is the Godfather. If you have not watched it yet, I suggest that you do. Now, back to Boromir: Boromir is in fact a protector and he uses his exceptional physical strength (better described in the book) to protect what and those he cares for and loves. That is his nature. With his people in Gondor, and during his time in the fellowship with the hobbits. If one watches attentively he is always quite close to the hobbits, trains two of them for sword fighting, he carries them in the snow, he catches them when they fall, he is in the first line to fight against the water beast that catches Frodo with its tentacles, he keeps Frodo out of danger when Gandalf falls, afterwards asking Aragorn to give them a moment for pity's sake, and he dies to preserve the lives of two of them. Further, he knows about and witnessed the loss of strength in Gondor. This is why the one ring could corrupt him so easily: he is overly eager to protect people, especially those he sees as in need. The ring lured him into believing he would protect all that he loves and more if he got it. Galadriel knew all that of course and she tried to provide support in terms of hope so that he would not succumb to the ring's call. As you noticed also, even to get the ring he did not go as far as using his full might hence risking killing Frodo because of his protective nature. Instead, he is begging. After he fails, he recovers his senses quickly as he understood that the ring would only corrupt his protective nature. In the Two Towers, we even better understand the sacrifice that Boromir did as he felt that going to Elrond's meeting could eventually lead to death, even for a powerful man like him, so he would not let someone else close to him do that in his stead. In short, he was not a corrupt and greedy guy. Boromir was a truly strong and noble man, which is why Aragorn cries as he passes away. Note that Aragorn puts Boromir's bracers to honor him after his death and somehow to keep Boromir with him somehow present during the many fights he will have to go through to honor his promise that he will let not Gondor fall.

[@morcjul]

Yes! Boromir is the most complex character of the first movie - having genuine tears for him shows a profound understanding of his character, his love for his people, and the impact of the ring.

[@galandirofrivendell4740]

Many people have already commented that LOTR was published long before the Harry Potter series, but you don't have to be slavishly devoted to one over the other. Both stories have their strengths. That is the beauty of art, whether it's a story, poem, painting or song. There are so many permutations to creativity. Tolkien's magnum opus was his way of providing Great Britain with its own mythology. (He said that Middle Earth is England.) So glad you are appreciating the complexity of Tolkien's novel (not a trilogy, despite the number of book volumes and movies). Peter Jackson succeeded in translating this epic to the big screen because not only was he a fan of the books, but he surrounded himself with a cast and crew that were equally in love with the story. Christopher Lee had read the book 25 times when he was cast as Saruman. (He also met Tolkien briefly once.) Your statement about how three hours could fly by so quickly is a testament to the combined talents of Tolkien and director Jackson. If, as many commenters (me, too) have suggested, you plan to watch the extended versions of the subsequent films, be warned that the end credits are extremely long because Jackson offered LOTR fans a chance to have their names appear at the end of the movies (for a small fee of $50), and many took him up on the offer. Eagerly awaiting your reaction to The Two Towers. Keep the faith, brother.

[@MrValentineReacts]

read the book 25 times???? yowza!! cannot express my gratitude for you watching; I'll be viewing The Two Towers this week🤙🏽

[@godking4621]

Your reaction is one the best I've seen. Emotional, intellectually and passionately. Keep up the great reactions, new subscriber here!

[@PerfectHandProductions]

Subbed, your reaction was far better than most on this platform, including the most popular ones.

[@MrValentineReacts]

grateful for your sub!!!!

[@markhill3858]

Its "Mr" Frodo because theres an implied english-style aristocracy. The Baggins own land .. Sam is but a tenant farmer, hes a peasant, he works the land but does not own it. Frodo is technically his employer and/or landlord .. so its "Mr Frodo" even tho they are best friends :)

[@arweninnj]

Bingo! This fact, which many people miss, is what makes the closeness that develops between them even more significant. Sam and Frodo weren't "best friends" before they left the Shire. During the journey, Sam acts more like Frodo's manservant than anything else - he carries the bulk of the gear and he cooks Mr Frodo's meals. In my opinion this reflects what JRRT saw in the trenches in World War I - close relationships that developed between people that never would have been that close back in England.

[@markhill3858]

@@arweninnj yes the good ole class system :) which looks all very well from the upper ranks ;)

[@MrValentineReacts]

ahhhh refreshing context, thanks!

[@palmuteus]

Such an excellent reaction. So heartfelt and pure. +1 vote for the extended editions for the next two. Superb work on the video!

[@ferencercseyravasz7301]

Aragorn parrying the dagger thrown at him with his sword - that was real! The actor who played Lurtz, the giant Uruk-hai miscalculated the angle and threw the very real dagger straight towards Viggo Mortensen, who - in a true badass move - parried it. That's probably because he became totally addicted to that sword, he carried it everywhere even to the restaurant when he was having dinner, it sort of became the object that connected him to the character Aragorn. Speaking of Harry Potter - of course it was influenced by this, how could it not be? Every single fantasy story that involves things like the hero's journey and world building has been. Lord of the Rings is the grandfather, the absolute original source of this. Tolkien didn't only create fantasy, he created mythology and that mythology when you go through the entire time line stretching for millennia, from Ainulindale, the beginning chapter of the Silmarillion that describes the creation of this world and to the very end of the LOTR is immense and stunningly complex. Peoples, languages, histories, cultures, writing, geography, characters and events going through centuries upon centuries. But HP is not without originality, there are many ideas and thoughts that are without precedent and there's also the unique character of Severus Snape. Because one might argue that there are very close parallels between Frodo and Harry, Sam and Ron, Dumbledore and Gandalf and so on, but I found no parallel between Snape and any other character in any other fantasy story that I am aware of.

[@jonathanimler9745]

Extended Versions add an hour to each movie and not one scene is a throwaway. You won’t regret it!

[@orphanedhanyou]

Im glad we have the extended but the flow & pacing of the theatrical versions, especially FotR is so much better

[@LisaMerworth-wc7ee]

👵🏻👍🏻

[@pigeondance687]

watching the theatrical version of fellowship is the way to go the first time, but the return of the king should really be consumed as the extended, because it adds significant plot elements the lack of which can leave you very confused if you only watch the theatrical version

[@jsonkody]

30:00 .. Isildur lived 2500 years before Aragorn so he is 'probably' not his father xDDD He is Aragorn son of Arathorn ;)

[@adekaiwamisou]

Νever have I seen a reaction that has not only entertained me but also enriched my vocabulary and excited my soul. You sir, are exceptional in this work.

[@Aeroldoth3]

How incredibly refreshing!!! I love watching reaction videos, and I can't recall the last time I encountered a reactor with your expansive vocabulary and culture! There's an unfortunate paucity of well-read individuals in any form of media, and to encounter such a person in a reaction video is, frankly, astonishing! Kudos to you, my man, for whatever fair winds lead to your education, intellectual curiousity and verbal fluency. Your linguistic acumen is something I rarely encounter in my life anymore, and it was lovely to hear it. Thank you for your reaction, and the head on your shoulders. I greatly enjoyed experiencing your video!

[@blissfull_ignorance8454]

The One Ring does not grant immortality for mortal bearers, but rather prevents them to die. Their lives will become unending, and eventually just one, long miserable, unending suffering with no escape. Death was originally a gift for Men, that offered them an escape from the cares and grievances of the world, and hope for something better ahead. Those Men, who are trapped into unending life, will still feel the weariness of life, that naturally should have ended way back. Just imagine yourself feeling absolutely exhausted, both body and soul, your very being yearning rest, but it being denied from you? That's quite close, how the mortal bearers of the One Ring will eventually come to feel.

[@Amaranthos2]

"They've encountered an orc in the road!" Shut up and take my sub, can't wait to see you finish this trilogy man, this was a truly enjoyable use of an hour.

[@bauwoman2]

Thank you for a fabulous and very intelligent reaction. You have already identified some of the main themes of Tolkien's story. You are absolutely correct about all the layers in the movies. Peter Jackson did an epic job of adapting the books to the screen, and while he had to change some parts of the stories and characters to make it work for film, he stayed very close to the important parts of the story. If you are a reader, the books contain even more layers. When I am having a particularly rough time dealing with the ethical messes in this world, I go back and read this trilogy. It always gives me comfort and the strength to do what I think is right.

[@ChrisMillerCrazyHouse]

You are right about this being a very majestic and magical film. I’ve been a Lord of the Rings books since my childhood and it’s one of those book trilogies that I like to re-read from time to time. The film series really does a magnificent job at capturing Tolkien’s imagination on screen

[@valbonney2575]

That was a beautiful reaction, thank you! Totally immersed, attentive, intuitive, intelligent and emotional ... everything this masterpiece trilogy deserves. Just one thing - Aragorn's father was Arathorn, not Isildur (who lived 3000 years prior to these events), but his direct lineage makes him Isildur's heir to the throne of Gondor. There has not been a king of Gondor for a very long time, and it is currently ruled by the 'Steward' who is Boromir's father. Looking forward to seeing your reactions to the other two movies, I know you will love them as much as we all do! 😍

[@The1Music2MyEars]

The lack of the ring bouncing when Bilbo drops the ring coupled with the sound of a loud thud, represents how heavy of a burden it is.

[@arweninnj]

One of those details it's easy to miss until you've seen it the second or third time....

[@rhonaalexander630]

I’m a 72 year old and have read The Lord of the Rings trilogy over 50 times in my life. I read them to my son who intern, read them to his stepson and his grandson. I also bought the extended editions of the movies. Tolkien is my favourite author.

[@bioniccorndog]

Man, what a great reaction. You have a real special combination of amazing references and beautiful diction. You come across as a very well-read person, which would explain how you missed so little, if anything at all. That's pretty rare for these movies. BUT - you did miss something because you didn't watch the extended version! Please check those out for the next 2 movies! I'll definitely be tuned in - liked and subbed!

[@F00L_Of_A_Took]

Sir I just came here for a reaction to one of my favorite movies and you have me looking up word definitions with those eloquent descriptions and comments. You really have a way with words

[@MrValentineReacts]

❤️

[@hypersleepdialogues8889]

I've never seen a reactor understand the themes expressed in LotR so well on their first watch. This was amazing. I can't wait for the other two.

[@ericmahr9445]

Kind of funny, but when Frodo was stabbed by the cave troll , it showed a frame of Merry and Pipipin. You said “Son of an onion”. Those two have a podcast called “The Onion”. Had to laugh at that one. Nice job!

[@byronbraue6243]

Love your vocabulary and way of expressing yourself. This is a top notch reaction good sir. Absolutely scintillating as you would say.

[@BardOfAndromeda]

"How old is Lord Elrond?" According to the books, Elrond is about 6500 years old at this time. Galadriel is even older: about 9000+ :)

[@Campkrew5]

And Galadriel is his mother in law!

[@lox5962]

Great reaction! You obviously read a lot as you have a much broader vocabulary and depth of understanding than many reactors. You can see the influence of Tolkien’s experience of fighting in the trenches in WW1. Looking at the bigger picture of the every man swept along with the political landscape and how brotherhood is so important, as well as self sacrifice for your brothers and the greater cause.

[@aceyirl]

Glad you enjoyed it Mr. V! I tear up everytime i watch these scenes with creators like you. Love you eloquence too.

[@MrValentineReacts]

gratitude for you watching! 🙌🏽

[@SharonLathanNovelist]

What a fabulous reaction! You are new to me, Mr. Valentine, and I immediately liked and subscribed. Your command of language is incredible, and as a word junkie myself, it was delightful to hear. I would strongly encourage you to read the novels by Tolkien, which are literal masterpieces. Now for a no spoiler mini-explanation (very simplified) to help fully appreciate The Lord of the Rings. The author is JRR Tolkien, who was an Oxford professor, a linguist/philologist and historian. He literally spent his entire life creating the world of Middle-earth, the novel published in 1954. His purpose was to write a mythology history for England, including a creation story inspired by his devout Catholic faith. The languages heard in the movie were created, completely, by Tolkien. Several dialects of Elvish, the dwarf language, and the Black Speech of Mordor. In Tolkien’s world, Eru Ilúvatar is the Creator. Aiding in fulfilling his purpose are the Valar (think archangels) and Maia (angels). Some (not all) of the Valar and Maia have significant roles through the ages. Also, a few Valar and Maia are evil. The events in LOTR take place in the Third Age, with the forging of the great rings and battle seen in the prologue occurring in the Second Age. In other words, there is a ton of history over thousands of years leading up to this particular story. Sauron, the Dark Lord, is a Maia. Gandalf and Saruman are also Maia, and they (along with three others) were sent by Eru Ilúvatar to Middle-earth to aid in the fight against Sauron. They are called the Istari, or Wizards. Their magical powers are limited but they are still very powerful. The “old man” appearance was to appeal as wise men but does not directly translate to being aged as they are literally ageless beings. They were sent to guide, instruct, and impart wisdom, not to be warriors or solve problems, hence the rare use of "magic". Incidentally, the Balrog is also a Maia (one of the evil ones), which is why Gandalf had to confront it. Elves are immortal. They can be killed in battle, but their souls return to Valinor (the Undying Lands), the dwelling place of the Valar, and are given a new body. Valinor is separated from Middle-earth, reachable only by ships built by the elves at the Grey Havens. You will often see some calling it "heaven" as a simplistic way to describe it, but this is wrong. Valinor is called the Undying Lands because immortal flesh-and-blood elves dwell there in harmony with the Valar, who are spirit beings with a bodily form. Valinor is not an after-death spirit realm like heaven. Aside from a handful of notable exceptions, elves are the only race to ever set foot on Valinor. There have been only two other elf and human unions, so Arwen and Aragorn are very unique. In all cases, the elf maiden had to choose mortality to be with the human man she loved. This is a BIG deal, just keep that in mind. Lord Elrond of Rivendell is the child of one such union. He was also faced with a choice, deciding to be an elf. His twin brother, Elros, chose to be human, becoming the first King of Númenor. Directly from his line came Elendil and Isildur, and then many many generations later Aragorn. Side note: The vial of starlight that Galadriel gave to Frodo is captured light from the star of Earendil (very long story told in The Silmarillion) who was a half-elf and the father of Elrond and Elros. Galadriel is by far the most powerful elf in Middle-earth, and she is wholly good and wise. She was born in Valinor in a time before the sun and moon were created, so is easily 9000 years old, probably much more. She is the keeper of Nenya, one of the three elven rings. It doesn’t come into the movies, but the other two rings are kept by Elrond and Gandalf, who was given his by Cirdan, Lord of the Grey Havens. The daughter of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn married Elrond, so Arwen is her granddaughter. Legolas is an Elven prince, the son of an Elven king from another realm which does not play into this story but does in The Hobbit. He has known Gandalf and Aragorn for a very long time. Elves and Dwarves have thousands of years of bad blood between the races, hence Gimli and Legolas not liking each other in the beginning. I’ll end with the Hobbits. They live normally as long as humans, perhaps a bit more, so Bilbo (who comes from a line of long-lived Hobbits) is old by Hobbit standards but not beyond possibility. What makes him different is that he has barely aged. Bilbo is Frodo's uncle, taken in and named Bilbo's heir when Frodo's parents died. Samwise Gamgee is Frodo and Bilbo’s gardener, so technically he works for the wealthy, upperclass Bagginses, hence the occasional “Mr. Frodo.” There is a slight class structure, as was common in England during Tolkien’s life. Merry (Meriadoc Brandybuck) and Pippin (Peregrin Took) are distantly related to Frodo. Frodo is 50 when he leaves the Shire, Samwise is 38, Merry 36, and Pippin is 26 so still in his “tweens” (Hobbits come of age at 33) which is why he tends to be the most foolish. Give him time! Facts to keep in mind: 1) The Ring has a will of its own and wants to return to the hand of Sauron, who is the only one who can truly control the power. Also, the Ring exerts a powerful evil influence on all who are close to it and evil is drawn to it. 2) Middle-earth is big! The quest lasts just over a year, a vast amount of ground is covered, and the now-splintered fellowship meet a lot of new “people” along the way. Great reaction! You will LOVE this wonderful ride. The next two movies get better and better. As others will surely note in the comments, I strongly recommend the extended versions. And speaking as a Tolkien fan for close to 50 years, what Peter Jackson et al did with these 3 movies is a true masterpiece in every conceivable way. While there was much left out due to time (believe it or not), and obviously changes in pacing, story elements, and so on must be made when adapting to cinema, the movie stays true to the themes and spirit of the novel by Tolkien.

[@MrValentineReacts]

always a pleasure meeting a fellow logophile!! thanks for the no spoiler information! reading now :)

[@Julylmoa]

Yesss he got this… he feels 😊

[@h8nnibal898]

one more thing to add @@MrValentineReacts there are 2 main-kingdoms of men (the one where boromir is from and one more which i wont spoil) - just to keep in mind as to not confuse them

[@gfwinn]

Lord of the Rings gave us the ultimate squad. Hear me out. Gandalf = the man with a plan. Aragorn = the ladies man. Legolas = the eye candy. Gimli = the one who’s down for anything. Boromir = the guy who’ll go to the mat for you no questions asked. Merry / Pippin = the ones who are kind of useless but you always end up with a great story. Sam = the ride or die Frodo = you wondering how the hell you lucked out. (Dishonorable mention. Gollum = the drama Queen)

[@MaedBetweenthePages]

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us" is one of my favorite quotes of all time and it warmed my heart to see another person struck by those words in the same way. You're a delight to watch and I can't wait to continue this journey with you! :)

[@MrValentineReacts]

That utterance has such arresting profundity. Truly grateful you watched! NB- I watched Two Towers today and, yowza, is it a doozy.

[@MaedBetweenthePages]

@@MrValentineReacts Of course! Thank you for sharing your reaction with us all :) Oh I can't wait to see 👀That was always my favorite installment growing up. Return of the King may take the crown now but Two Towers will always have a special place in my heart.

[@LisaMerworth-wc7ee]

👵🏻👍🏻

[@andycofin6983]

Share your intelligence, for it shows your understanding and wisdom to all. Share your tears and your heart, for it shows your compassion and humanity to all.

[@extremestuff61]

Tolkien's work is immortal, it represents a indestructible idea of good vs evil. People may think that is simple and boring but it isn't, there is so much intricacy within his work, there isn't just the good guys and bad guys. Much of those characters have so much depth, Boromir only wanted to save his people and through is ambitious nature he percieved the ring to be the best way to combat the evil, evil corrupts good. Even Saruman isn't just evil to be evil, in the books he wanted to use the ring to fight against Sauron and achieve his own dominion over middle-earth, he started this with the belief that he would use it to make the world a better place but it would've just turned him into Sauron essentially. Anyway getting of topic. Although game of thrones is a great story it isn't immortal as you could say. Its essentially a power struggle between evil and evil. The story is of powerful lords and ladies and sorceress and dragon tamers. Lord of the rings may have those aspects but the main focus is of the hobbits, the everyday folk who are the ones who really make a difference in the world. So that is why at least in my belief Tolkien's work will last far beyond our day and these movies will stay as one of the best trilogies or dare I say the best trilogy of all time. Also watch extended edition PLZ.

[@doeshumorbelonginmusic5799]

Nice reaction. Very profound and soulful interpration of the meanings behind this story. But this is not the end. There is so much more coming in the two towers and the return of the king you can't imagine. If you fell in love with the fellowship...watch the extended versions of the next two movies, you will not regret. I'm also sure and already see it in the comments the lotr fans will not stop giving you more context round about this movies and the books. (Maniacs😂) Go on and enjoy, I'm pretty sure you will.

[@MrValentineReacts]

hahaha yeah, there is an abundance of lotr info in this comment section! really evincing the depth of the story world. thanks for watching! I'll be viewing the rest very soon

[@DrVentur3]

Lots of very profound spiritualism, philosophy, and morality underpins what appears on the surface to be a whimsical fantasy adventure story. A lot of the themes of comraderie and really tight friendship - fellowship - stems from Tolkien's experiences in World War I. He definitely saw some brutal stuff, and that level of understanding has been written into many aspects of the story. One main character (being obscure to not spoil anything) even suffers from what we would recognize today as PTSD to the point of it ruining his life.

[@alexkats30]

It's the first time I've seen you. Your reaction to my favourite story on (Middle) Earth was delightful! Your attention to detail, following the movie so closely and your commentary was so fun to watch. The same way you hadn't been captivated so thoroughly by a movie, I hadn't been by a reaction video. You're very clearly an educated person as well. You have earned a subscription from me, my friend. Welcome to the fellowship!😊

[@MrValentineReacts]

glad to be initiated into the inimitable Tolkien world in this manner. Genuinely, appreciate you watching!

[@peterconnor94]

The books drew a lot from Tolkien's extensive knowledge of History, he was an Oxford Prof, as well as from Tolkien's own personal experience serving in the British trenches in WW1 and from his sons experiences of WW2. "My sons have survived [the war], though my second son, Michael, was much damaged in commando work, and returned still virtually a shell-shock case." Its amazing how from such pain beauty is created.

[@myownchannel247]

For me the rest of the trilogy just gets better and better until the unforgettable ending

[@maureenseel118]

Subscribed just so I can see you watch this series. My brother took me to the midnight showing when I was a sophomore in High School. We got into a car accident on the way home (it was really snowing)...but he made me read the books before he would take me to the movies. I'm glad he did because I think the story is even richer, but Peter Jackson did a phenomenal job following the story or at least the spirit of it. Amazing. And the casting was on point. I had such a crush on Frodo.

[@mikecraig5207]

I am not subscribed to many reactors. But with each that I do subscribe to I do so because I appreciate something unique they bring to the reactions. For you it is your seriousness and openness in experiencing new movies and genres to you, as well as your vocabulary and articulation.

[@MrValentineReacts]

I have gratitude for your kind words and your time you took to watch

[@shanehebert396]

There is a massive amount of lore behind these stories. For example, the Great Eagle who rescues Gandalf from the tower is the Lord of Eagles. His name is Gwaihir. He has a backstory and a lineage. The mention of Galadriel giving three hairs to Gimli is a Big Deal, which Legolas understands because he would know the backstory. These movies were great in that they had things in them for the fans but not in ways that would distract from the story for someone who doesn't know the material. If you're interested, it's a great ride to explore JRRT's world.

[@aardvarkmaximus7688]

Isildur wasn't Aragorn's father, he was a much more distant relation. Remember, it was 3000 years between the big battle where the ring was cut from the hand of Sauron and the events in Rivendell. Principal photography for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was conducted concurrently in New Zealand for 438 days from 11 October 1999 through 22 December 2000 with a year of post production for each one. We saw so little of Gollum because the CGI wasn't quite ready, but another 12 months meant they were happy with it, hence just the long shot and the eyes. I've seen you watch a lot of films, since not long after the start of the channel abd gave never seen you so engrossed.

[@MrValentineReacts]

what!!! had no idea they were filmed concurrently. that's fascinating. yeah, this picture is incredibly captivating. Each frame of it. thanks for watching with me!

[@martiwalsh2069]

Think of those of us who saw this when it came out originally in theaters. We had to wait an entire year to see the next movie in the series.

[@arweninnj]

True, but oh those battle scenes on the big screen in IMAX! 💕 One scene from ROTK still sticks with me after all these years! I won't be more specific as I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet, but the seats were shaking.....

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

3:05 The hearts of Elves can also be corrupted, but the Elves just gloss over that.

[@ClutchSituation]

This is just the beginning, my friend. Get ready to have your socks knocked off. Oh, I have "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" tattooed on my left forearm. It is a permanent reminder to me that my choices can make a difference for myself and others.

[@MrValentineReacts]

I have always mulled over getting a tattoo and your tattoo might just convince me to get one LoTr themed my socks are primed to be dispelled right off!!

[@anthonyprezioso8115]

Great reaction to the greatest fantasy novel and movies of all time ! Like that you referred to Pippen as pip-squeak never heard anyone say that. Take care , and enjoy .

[@FRESHNESSSSSS]

Love seeing this fella without a cloud of smoke around him

[@dustinsmith9375]

It’s a crime “concerning hobbits” wasn’t included in the theatrical version

[@Kenneth1238]

You mentioned seeing a parralle between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and thats no surpirse. Lord of the Rings redefined fantasy storytelling. You could see influences in any majory fantasy work that has come out after it. The way we think of dwarves and elves in any modern media comes from Lord of the Rings. Truely a legendary work.

[@LordHaveloth]

Ok you got me there when Gandalf told Frodo it is up to us to decide what to do with the time given to us, Best wishes to you my man

[@MrValentineReacts]

likewise, my friend!

[@carthos4402]

Answer: Isildur isn't Aragorn's father (remember 3000 year).....he's like his great great great great great great grandfather. He is "Aragorn son of Arathorn", so yea same bloodline, but still distant.

[@JDRacing-j2v]

One of my favourite things to do is watch people reaction to watching this trilogy for the first time. I saw them in the cinemas with my father back in 2001-2003 and ive been mesmorised ever since. The books have a similar effect on me. I love seeing people share in my joy for these films, so happy you enjoyed it and took something from it, can't wait to see you react to the other films. Watching LOTR for the first time is something you can only do once, enjoy my friend.

[@chazdietrich8048]

Everyone has an opinion of their own. But this is my fav reactor currently. Hope ur doing well and thanks for the cool reactions.

[@MrValentineReacts]

thanks for your viewership!! hope all is well with you🫱🏾‍🫲🏽

[@jamesoflaherty7332]

The extended editions only add to the storytelling. Great reaction, can't wait to see more.

[@beefleming5439]

I want to point out that i dont feelt he theatrical release communicates well is that Boromir's character is already a hero and meant to represent some of the best of Humanity. His corruption by the ring is meant to show that NO ONE is immune because it can twist even your good intentions to its purpose I.E. Boromir's desire to protect his people and vanquish evil

[@morcjul]

Yes. Boromir is as powerful as a soldier can get, plus his loyalty to his father and the people of Gondor - it is clear that the ring corrupted him more, just like Gandalf said it would corrupt himself.

[@michaelcoffey1991]

Outstanding reaction, your going places young man, keep showing how you feel be it the smiles or the tears or in the bad films the eye rolls :). I look forward to you watching the other 5 films now

[@MrValentineReacts]

grateful for your viewership!!🙏🏾

[@bombheadbel]

Loved watching you experience this. You are very articulate and completely understood and resonated with the themes so well.

[@janabaloghova4736]

One of my favorite things about the movies is how they portray people and their characters when met with absolute despair in the face of evil. Boromir is the most human example of that, as he is one of the most well-intentioned and genuinely caring characters in the series but ultimately he is weak to temptation. The Ring immediately ensnares him in the idea that maybe he could use it for good and finally stop the suffering of his people that border with Mordor and have to defend against it constantly. His biggest flaw is that he's too desperate to save his people from death and destruction, and that is exactly the thing the Ring exploits most easily.

[@MaybeRelative]

"Where are we going?" -Pip "We've had one. Yes, but what about second breakfast?" "Something wicked this way comes." Another great reaction full of entertainment and intellect. Keep on keeping on, bromigo. Gritos from Tejas.

[@MrValentineReacts]

🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@MrSRA13]

Brilliant reaction my man. You get it. This, in my opinion, is the greatest story and world ever created. It's the most formidable representation of the pains of time and the detriment of the planet ever made. So philosophically sound and achingly beautiful. And The Lord of the Rings is merely the tip of the ice berg in Tolkiens Middle Earth writings. In terms of movies the trilogy is a masterpiece

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

Isn't the Silmarillion the only other work after this by Tolkien?

[@MrSRA13]

@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 nope. I'll list everything for you. The Lord of the Rings (3 books) The Hobbit (1) The Silmarillion (1) Unfinished Tales (1) The History of Middle Earth (12) The Fall of Numenor (1) The Fall of Gondolin (1) Beren and Luthien (1) The Children of Hurin (1) The Nature of Middle Earth (1) Tales from the Perilous Realm (1, the stories of Tom Bombadil) The History of the Hobbit (1) So 25 in total. And there's other non Middle Earth books that he did.

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

@@MrSRA13 Most listed were written by his son.

[@MrSRA13]

@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 compiled by. Not written. JRR Tolkien wrote the vast majority

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

@@MrSRA13 Rough notes.

[@beanmarie4887]

Loved this reaction and I'm looking forward to seeing you react to the rest of the films! I'm also going to throw my voice in and recommend trying the Extended Editions for the second and third movie. I know they're very long, but I swear they pass just as quickly as this first one did for you! The extra scenes don't feel boring or extraneous, but add a lot of great insight into certain characters and even more richness to the world. Just my two cents! I'll have fun with your reactions either way. Thanks for sharing! :)

[@spf4yt]

It is a pleasure to make your aquaintance. I so enjoyed your reaction to this remarkable movie. Happy to become one of your subscribers. I like how, after Boromir's death, Aragorn wears his bracers in tribute.

[@freeheeler00]

There's a lot to unpack in this story. I've been studying it for years - decades. Both the films and the books, as well as a lot of great KZbin content. A few things to keep in mind that the movie's hint at but don't directly address are the facts that: a) Gandalf left Frodo with the ring for 17 years before he returned to confirm it was in fact the one ring. That is why Bilbo has aged so much when they meet again. In other words, Frodo is 33 when he inherits the ring and he is then 50 when he finally sets out to destroy it. b) Sam was in fact spying on Frodo and listening in on their conversation on purpose. Merry had figured out years ago that Bilbo had some kind of magic ring and he then knew Frodo was up to something involving the same ring so he had Sam keep an eye on him. It was really no coincidence that they all bumped into each other. c) The Balrog is a demon that fled to hide under the Misty Mountains after being defeated in battle several thousand years earlier. It was disturbed by the dwarf miners and the Balrog drove them out. Sauron looked to take advantage of the situation there and inhabited the place with goblin orcs. Then eventually some Dwarves tried to take it all back, including a few of the Dwarves from The Hobbit story, but they were all eventually killed. Obviously, Gandalf knew there was a good chance nobody was still alive down there, but as per usual he still had a little hope. Now please do the Two Towers.

[@philipstoddard1502]

I hate watching movies alone. I particularly enjoyed watching you experience this introduction to P. Jackson's adaptation of Tolkien's epic tale. I love your references that span the decades even as far back as the years during which Tolkien was fleshing out this story. I look forward to the subsequent reactions and encourage you to read the books (The Hobbit first). As good as the movies are, the books are that much better. Just to qualify who is making whatever assertions, I first read The Hobbit and LOTR over 50 years ago. I reread them every winter for the next decade or so. I probably read them once again in the early 90's and lastly just before the release of Fellowship of the Ring movie. It's taken watching reactors such as yourself to forgive the concessions an adaptation must make to get a story of such scope and detail to the big screen. Your reaction demonstrates a particular appreciation of the elements of Tolkien's genius, even diluted by the necessity of adaptation. Till next time...

[@MrValentineReacts]

Movies are without a doubt better with others. Thoroughly appreciate you taking the time to experience this one with me. I just started reading fellowship of the ring and I am thrilled and in awe of his wielding of words. Godspeed, my friend

[@philipstoddard1502]

I'm glad your are reading the books as well. You'll appreciate the movies most if you watch them first. The books answer many questions left in the movies and the unaltered.plot lines and motivations are expertly a reflection of Tolkien's experiences with war and his studies of mythology. The Hobbit and LOTR are truly his love letters to the country he loved.

[@08Derrock]

Man! This is a SPECTACULAR, FANTASTIC, IMPASSIONED reaction! Thank you for sharing with us and I look forward to the remaining reactions!

[@steakismeat177]

Isildur is not his father, but his distant grandfather. His father's name was Arathorn. Aragorn, like his father before him, is Chieftan of the Dunedain, aka the Rangers of the north. The royal house of the Kings of Arnor, descended from Isildur's fourth son, Valandil, became leaders of the rangers after their Kingdom fell.

[@MihaZ]

I've seen this movie hundreds of times, and it still such a moving story. There is SO MUCH to know and understand about Tolkien, you could spend your whole life on it and still learn new things.

[@GeldardtheGrey]

This is a brilliant, heartfelt and deep analysis and you nailed it. I, and many millions of people over the years, have had LOTR part of our lives for many, many years. It is part of our being. Welcome to the fellowship, my friend.

[@nowhereman3988]

I can tell you're a bookworm. Your vocabulary is fantastic. Very refreshing and stimulating.

[@MrValentineReacts]

books keep me alive! (70% finished with infinite jest)

[@bookerdewhaat1385]

Tolkien was a veteran of WW1 and a linguist. Many of the themes of daunting task and the will of those who may see themselves as insignificant who play a pivotal role. The fight, the fellowship, the journey.. I think he was the best to put it to words.

[@pappapata]

Hi, it's a delight following you on this journey 👌 I'm staying for more and hoping for the extended ones... and for Boromirs sake. Bless

[@Dan-B]

This was a great reaction, and I’m excited to see your reaction to the other films! I’m glad that you spoke to/recognised the topics of hope and fate, as this is a fundamental theme in Tolkien’s work and there are actual words for these concepts in his writings. These are the concepts of “Amdir” and “Estel” *Amdir:* hope that things will turn out for the best. *Estel:* trust that the grand plan of iluvatar (God in this universe) is “undefeated by the ways of the world”, that everything will turn out as it should and that good will ultimately prevail; being creations of its’ design, a creator would not ultimately allow its’ creations to suffer.

[@MrValentineReacts]

Amdir. Estel. beautiful notions much obliged for your viewership. finishing the trilogy soon!

[@zetzle]

if you watch the extended version of the two towers, there's a scene between boromir, his brother, and their father that really gives you an insight into what he loves, who he fights for, and why he does what he does. even if you don't watch the full extended edition (you should it's so worth it) you've gotta watch that scene

[@Campkrew5]

Yes PLEASE watch the extended edition, I will die on the hill that this scene being left out is borderline criminal. It’s INTEGRAL

[@psbarrow]

Wonderful reaction, one of the best I've see. Kudos for your erudite use of language in your comments, editing skills, and philosophical reflections on various themes conveyed in the flic.

[@kk_2753]

One of the best first reactions I have seen, bro! Thanks for sharing this with us. Feel free to give us any and all of your thoughts. I look forward to you getting more immersed!

[@MrValentineReacts]

I'm drinking this universe deep! thank you for your viewership. Two towers coming around the corner

[@smisswax]

Please watch the Extended Versions!!

[@Jwest4ne]

When Gandalf hit his head in Bilbo’s house that was not scripted, it happened by accident, but they kept it in the film. And just you wait until a helmet gets kicked!

[@peterbailey4222]

Great reaction. Im no expert but I believe Tolkien's conception of fate is like a song; knowing the broad direction of the melody but with room for improvisation. You should read the books I think you'd get a lot out of the wider lore.

[@MrValentineReacts]

salient point! Will be reading the books eventually. Seems like I would be remiss not to Appreciate you viewing it with me

[@mgentles3]

Since you're obviously a reader, I greatly recommend the books. The movies are a treat, but the depth of the story couldn't be captured in ten hours. J.R.R. Tolkien spent much of his life writing the lore that ENDS with the Lord of the Rings. He was a professor of languages at Oxford University and spent twelve years writing this book (one book in three parts), but began developing the languages as a young man and worked on them and the myth itself during WWI. The most well known of the languages is Elvish, but all are complete with alphabets, vocabulary, grammar, and visual symbols. The references in both the movies and the books to events and legends of the past fascinated me so that I just had to read the material that came before. The book called "The Silmarillion" chronicles the creation of the world and it's history, leading up to what you're seeing here. The story of the Elves, Dwarves, and the men of Numenor, as well as the first and much more powerful Dark Lord, the rise of the Nazgul, and even the explanation of Gandalf saying, "I am the servant of the secret fire. Wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udun." We who love the books are so appreciative of Peter Jackson's use of Tolkien's own words and the intrigue they foster, leading to more people reading the source material. Language is a beautiful thing in the right hands.

[@EditorStevo]

My favourite franchise of all time. Words can't describe how amazing they are. It's so hard not to scream at people who ' don't think they'll like it as they don't like fantasy " 😭