The Fellowship of the Ring - Why It's The Best

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PATREON: / chrishartwell
On 'The Hart Beat', Chris Hartwell Analyzes The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Starring: Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Liv Tyler, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, and Christopher Lee. Written by: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson. Directed by: Peter Jackson

[@Captain-Cosmo]

My daughter was just 4 when we went to see MONSTERS INC. As we were leaving the theatre, her eye caught the sign of FELLOWSHIP as patrons were entering. Just learning to read, she asked what "the lord of the rings" was about. I told her some of the things it was about, adding that it was probably too intense for her. She shrugged off the caution and asked if we could see the opening. Sure, I said. It was about 8PM, and I knew she wouldn't want to stay too long. (I had not yet seen it myself.) After the intro, I asked if she was ready to leave. No. Then 30 minutes later. No. After another "no" still an hour later, I no longer asked. She stayed for the whole thing, and we were the last people to leave after staying for the full credits. It was her new favorite movie. We saw in the theatre 4 more times. Then we began reading the book aloud that summer. Then we stood in line for six hours to be the first in the theatre for Towers. And so on until the last one. I custom made for her a Galadriel costume for Halloween, and the began working on her Legolas costume the following July. We celebrated the release of each new special edition, pouring over the added scenes and sharing our favorite lines. We "philosophied" over the question of good and evil in such characters as Gollum and Boromir. And, most importantly, we grew even closer together as father and daughter. Unfortunately, her mother took her away shortly after the third film, disappearing with her for years. Ultimately, she was brainwashed to reject her father. She's now 21, and I haven't even seen her in 7 years. But when I think about these films, I think of my daughter, and what they meant to us together for those several special years. And I hope that when she sees them, she is reminded of me, and finds value in those memories. Thank you for the look back.

[@dannylerch]

I hope you get to reconnect with your daughter again.

[@ptitgavroche]

Michael sorry it turned out like that. I hope you two will find each other again and share more moments like you had in the past.

[@prisonmike6210]

Another man caught victim to modern feminism a tragedy

[@c.m.880]

This broke my heart to read. I'm the same age as your daughter and these movies/books were also a major way of bonding for me and my dad. I hope you get back in touch with her

[@faeiger9215]

c.m. Maybe you are his daughter...

[@haaxeu6501]

Everytime I hear the shire theme, I just smile like a fool alone, thank you

[@ChrisHartwell]

Right there with you :) Howard Shore is a master!

[@whodatninja439]

it brings a tear to my eye

[@galaxy3539]

same

[@randomnumbers84269]

It really stands out as the best theme on the trilogy

[@ghoastfreakafk5593]

When I hear it I cry

[@primus7776]

I cry when I watch this movie. I'm 63.

[@AlwaysRetr0]

For some reason, it's one of the few movies that makes me emotional. Sam's speeches especially always get to me.

[@firetreeproductions9586]

Are you sure your 63

[@primus7776]

@@firetreeproductions9586 No. 64 now. Thanks.

[@sydoesgames]

my aunt around that age does too. two towers is her favorite

[@justsomedudete3320]

I cry watching those film since i was 8 years old. Im barely 16 now so like... half my life. I think it's really beautiful how the emotional conveyed by art affects people of so many different age groups, bringing us all together in some way.

[@efrentorres9195]

The music was masterfully scores as well, don’t forget about that bruh!

[@merryspy2924]

The score is out of this world!

[@vincentmattis530]

Amen brother

[@MyWatchIsEnded]

Bruv

[@Robkinggozer]

But it was great in all three movies, not particularly best in Fellowship.

[@DrWRubz]

Defs! Concerning Hobbits will and always will be the best song for a movie I've ever heard.

[@shaundaly1134]

The LOTR is the greatest trilogy of films ever made, and i say that as a superfan of the original Star Wars trilogy.

[@paulhudson6846]

same and same :)

[@cassu6]

how big is a superfan exactly?

[@shaundaly1134]

Cassu6 about 5 feet 9" in my case.

[@GolDRoger-kn5kw]

But on the first movie they cut about one third of the book. The first half of the movie has almost no connection to the book. Would have liked to See tom and the Forst adventures they had.

[@irisviolence5564]

Gol D. Roger nah, while those scenes work (arguably) in writing they would have made the movie feel way too cluttered. The extended edition is already over three hours, i wouldn't want half an hour of that spent with a useless character that has no impact on the story.

[@hussain1921]

GREATEST TRILOGY OF ALL TIME

[@ChrisHartwell]

Truth.

[@armada7103]

none will supass it either truley an epic tale crafted masterfully for the big screen

[@Cdawg_6969]

LOTR trilogy is the best however I think the dark knight trilogy is a close second

[@thanekrios5175]

Cameron Dowden TDK trilogy is great but it's not even close. LOTR is the easy king. Original Star Wars trilogy is my second anyway.

[@Cdawg_6969]

Thane Krios yeah you're right nothing can compare to LOTR but I still love TDK as well

[@davidsalas9755]

This movie is almost 20 years old and it still lives up to this day lol

[@rcvaroundtheworld6217]

I’ll watch it forever

[@brunoturno1852]

I watched all three films in the theater, and by end of Return of the King, I cried thru the entire credits. It just felt so devastating to realize the journey was over.

[@daniellawless3725]

You bow to no one..

[@ExoticDreams]

I had the feeling that I wouldn't have the same experience with a movie again.

[@wattsnottaken1]

I still cry and I watch the trilogy at least once a year sometimes even three times a year. You keep coming back for a reason. Amazing story amazing actors amazing everything. Thank you Peter Jackson and your team for the Lord Trilogy and 2005 King Kong

[@Ahmad_Itani]

@@ExoticDreams no one will 🥲

[@ABurntMuffin]

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.

[@Ezio999Auditore]

Bruh don't make me cry!

[@ABurntMuffin]

Well I might as well round it out with one from Return of the King. Do you remember the Shire, Mr. Frodo? It'll be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields... and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries? No, Sam. I can't recall the taste of food... nor the sound of water... nor the touch of grass. I'm... naked in the dark, with nothing, no veil... between me... and the wheel of fire! I can see him... with my waking eyes! Then let us be rid of it... once and for all! Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!

[@TheThoerlChannel]

"I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you" is probably my favorite line in cinema. The humongous journey that lies behind them (and the viewer), all of Frodos and Sams relationship, the score, the scenery and the acting make this moment SO emotional and meaningful and I want to cry just thinking about it.

[@ABurntMuffin]

If I'm alone and really pull from a deep place I still cry reciting the lines in my head. It's the best kind of poetry.

[@KPho150]

That's a really gay line.

[@NerdX151]

LOTR came out in a really cool period, when movie makers were still playing around with CGI, but still stayed true to some of the traditional ways of creating amazing effects. This is very much evident when you compare these films to the Hobbit trilogy, which never had the same charm.

[@zahrans]

The Hobbits films suffered due to many reasons. Chiefly among them, numerous studio interferences, the original director leaving the project midstream and PJ being almost forced to take over, and not being given enough time by the studio to reset to establish his own vision and to prep for his liking. PJ spent years prepping the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, and on the Hobbit things got so bad that when they started shooting the titular Battle of Five Armies itself they were essentially just shooting B-roll: footage of people in costumes waving around swords, without any cohesive plan for how the sequence would actually play out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYLOqpqQmb-SjM0

[@jesserochon3103]

Yeah it's a wonder the movies turned out as good as they did! I don't trash on them like some people do. But if the Lord of the Rings are 10's, the Hobbits are lucky to get an 8 from me. Still solid fantasy fun but fail to capture the charm, magic and story telling mastery of Lord of the Rings.

[@Florida8K360]

Most depressing thought of all time: Imagining a world where PJ was in charge of The Hobbit production from day 1.

[@jesserochon3103]

Nah not really. The reality is that Peter Jackson DID make these movies with largely the same creative team. And the movies are quite good. People trash on them way too hard. I have a 2 movie edit of them, rearranging a few key scenes, changing the color grade in areas and removing all the cheesy bits. And you'd be shocked how much more enjoyable they are with just a few changes. My edits are 9/10's for me.

[@user-qe7bt9dz1l]

Marc Liljeqvist The Hobbit was great in its own way. I'm so tired of the God damn hate. And it's not even just OK. Its a great movie too. In its own way. Frustrates me.

[@bbdawise]

The only thing you forgot to mention was the absolute masterpiece that is Howard Shore's score! In my humble opinion, it is the single greatest film soundtrack ever produced! I doubt very much that it will ever be eclipsed let alone matched!

[@derdunzen]

And the cast is absolutley perfect. :D

[@notsigardproductions6983]

Fellowship is not a movie, it is an out of body cinematic experiance, that stays with you until you die, much like The ring Stays with Frodo for The rest of his life. Even something simple as a couple notes, bring tears to my eyes. The power that this movie portayes throught raw simplicity, like two friends walking, or a group grisebingen but beeing forced to move on, du to The urgency of their mission. There will be nothing like this movie ever again.

[@smaug8439]

I don't think there's a best LOTR movie because it's like they're all one big movie

[@jesserochon3103]

Yeah the Fellowship of the Ring is basically the first act lol. The Two Towers is my favorite act.

[@JustinNathanielAdams]

I agree! I always count the whole trilogy as my "favorite movie of all time" :D

[@lughlongarm76]

But surely a movie has a best scene, or a book has a singular chapter that stands out from the rest. I'm naturally a "big picture" kind of person, but it's essential, especially for writers, to consider stories both as wholes and as individual parts. The goal for any storyteller or even painter or musician is to make something greater than the sum of its parts, and you need to incorporate all perspectives to do that. I would sum up this video with that message, actually.

[@jesserochon3103]

If I had to pick a singular best scene, it would be the Grey Pilgrim's face-off against the Balrog of Morgoth. Either that or "I can't carry it for you. But I can carry you!" But the second act of the story (The Two Towers) is the best movie of the 3. Frankly, they're all pretty much masterpieces though.

[@abibeton5973]

I agree. I find it really hard to pick a favourite movie - because as soon as I say The Fellowship Of The Ring I accidentally start thinking about how the Battle Of Helm's Deep was awesome before realising it's not in that movie. I have probably watched the first one more often, just because it doesn't make me cry as much. Only slightly.

[@kairu6442]

"What about second breakfast?"

[@kipperbill]

I don't think he knows about second breakfast Pip.

[@eugeneflynn7435]

Best line ever! Have used it for years.

[@MohnishDhangar]

I wouldn't count on it

[@munderpool]

These films have an important, necessary element which is largely absent these days. They made us feel something. I can't remember any since that got me all misty at those important moments. That scene on the docks at the end of RotK was gut-wrenching. It's then that you realize how important good storytelling can and will move us.

[@benjamingrezik373]

it's the source material. not a lot of books like lord of the rings

[@munderpool]

@@ishpeeedy Return of the King

[@jasonhaiflich4031]

Nudge Return of the King

[@conorlumsden7610]

No word on the music, That was a huge part of the film that added so much surely worth a mention

[@CoolGuy-dg9nf]

Peter Jackson is given wayyyy to much credit for something Tolkien created!! An animation was made in the 70s and it's darker and in someways better... Had Jackson came up with the film idea great id admire him but Tolkien made all of this! Yes i know Jackson directed the film but Jackson was surrounded by talented people more than him and they are not given credit. Do you think Jackson made all of this by himself????? NO! Writers filmmakers art directors and their crews along with him made it happen. All Jackon did was direct them damn film and the resthe was helped to write the script, he didnt write the scriot himself alone. If anything the Oscar he won should be for alllll of the people who helped him make it happen. All the artists and talented men and women who were part of the film should be exposed for they made it all work. I know Jackson gave the idea and had a vision but it would not be possible if not the people he was surrounded with who only made it better. Jackson 20% and 80% the rest of the group.

[@irockmajorly]

@@CoolGuy-dg9nf you're dumb. Jackson is the reason these films even happened. Of course he's going to get a fuck load of recognition for it. HE WAS THE ONE WHO MADE IT ACTUALLY HAPPEN.

[@Icebergslim91]

Sometimes I watch these movies just for the music.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

I think he lets the music play and speak for itself

[@Pawnduh]

@@CoolGuy-dg9nf everyone knows Tolkien wrote it. People like and talk about Jackson so much because he took an amazing piece of writing. And brought it to life. And not only that but he made it amazingly. There's plenty of times people have screwed up with stuff like this. But jackson and his crew didnt. So that's why he gets credit

[@guitarpaintings9319]

I think you made a crucial omission, the music! It's probably the best score ever and the trilogy wouldn't have been what it is without it. It's leitmotif approach makes the film have even more personality and intricacy. Did you know that all the music of characters (including the ring) related to the second age use scales with augmented second intervals where hobbits have more familiar major scales? The motif for the fellowship of the ring ends with nine distinctive notes, one for each character of the fellowship, but when it's just the four hobbits and aragorn travelling to rivendel, that melody cuts to five notes. Have a look at Jaime altozano's channel where he explains it all with incredible detail.

[@Ezio999Auditore]

By the Nine Divines! Audio assolt, assolt!!!!

[@TomDoesDisney]

greatest score ever!? Howard Shore is incredible, but have you ever heard of this little movie called "Star Wars" lol

[@guitarpaintings9319]

Star wars is also a great score, but I I prefer LOTR!

[@laziam5779]

Jaime altozano's channel is great! I almost teared up when he revealed the translation of the chorus when Aragorn charges towards the black gate. They sing in elvish "If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will, you have my sword"

[@guitarpaintings9319]

I know!!!

[@w-james9277]

There are very few films that I consider to be a masterpiece, but the LOTR trilogy is a true masterpiece. Star Wars, I love you but you haven't got anything on LOTR..

[@domagoj905]

It took time for me to love and appreciate Star Wars, as for LOTR I simply liked it from the begging. Saw it first time on TV, probably around the age of 10. Remember being terrified by Lurtz and the cave troll. What I liked the most was probably the music (at the time). I didn't fully understand the movie as I didn't read the books. Fast forward to 2013 (?); after reading the books it came to me the sense of greatness of the movie. I mean you appreciate the movies for what they are, great pieces of cinematography, but the books are a whole another level. Still love em both.

[@ljnchannel2706]

Star Wars does have some stuff on LoTR, simply because *cough *cough* Two Towers *cough* and Empire is a cinematic masterpiece, just like Fellowship. I’d say, as an adventure, LoTR > Star Wars.

[@amysteriousviewer3772]

While all three LotR movies are superb Empire surpasses all of them for me. It's a cinematic masterpiece from beginning to end. An absolute masterclass of cinematography and storytelling. It's even more impressive when considering the time it was released and how well it holds up.

[@tonyiommi2380]

In my book there are only 6 masterpieces in film: the three lotr, mad Max fury road, godfather and apocalipse now. That's it

[@purefoldnz3070]

@@amysteriousviewer3772 Empire is a good film but better than the entire LOTR trilogy which won 17 Oscars. F*** off.

[@flankspeed]

In the cinema way back when it came out, I desperately needed to pee with an hour of that film to go, and I still didn't want it to end when it finally did. I went to the bathroom, did the necessary - the sun came up, the sun went down - and when I then rejoined my friends outside, they were all still standing in a strange silence. I asked what they thought of the film, just to break the tension, and my friend Jamie said, "I don't think *God* could have made a better film." He nailed it.

[@brdl6192]

This music brings tears to my eyes, every single time... And the most emotional scene in all of film history: "You bow to no one"

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

It saddens me that some “purists” reject these films due to the changes. They focus on changes and the negative while missing the beauty of it all. I am so glad I’m not one of them.

[@AlisonBryen]

Purists often miss the point that a lot of filmgoers will never read the books let alone study for PhD in The Silmarillion hehe! 🤷‍♀️. In my opinion, It's perfect filmmaking in that it appeals to the casual viewer and the Tolkien nerd alike.

[@drachireidnoc6659]

I thought increasing Arwen’s role (replacing some of the things Glorfindel did) was a good decision by Jackson and his crew

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

@@AlisonBryen The books are understandably daunting, so I get why many have not. I really don't think it's so hard to see that changes MUST occur when adapting from one medium to another, and Jackson and his Crew did a PHENOMENAL job.

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

@@drachireidnoc6659 I absolutely agree. Otherwise Arwen's role would have been so much smaller than it already was and we NEEDED moments like that for the audience to connect with her and support the relationship between her and Aragorn. I recall an interview where they discussed the challenge of portraying their relationship as believable when they never see each other in Two Towers and ONLY at the end of Return. So, I'm all for necessary changes to convey the story in an adaptation, so long as the respect for the source is what drives it (and it definitely did).

[@gmansard641]

@@drachireidnoc6659 Understandable that they expanded Arwen in the film, as she was Aragorn's inspiration for much of his life. But I would have preferred that they do it a bit differently, I would rather they didn't have her carrying a sword. She had a famous ancestor who, thousands of years earlier, stood before Morgoth with no weapons at all, and prevailed. At the rivers' ford, I would have liked to see her simply raise her hand, and then see the Witch-King stop in his tracks. Having her raise the river was good (Originally it was her father, with a bit of help from Gandalf), that's the sort of power her heritage carried (some of her ancestors were REALLY powerful). She didn't need a sword.

[@John-mp8sm]

Background music hit me in the feels

[@henrikschock9030]

Indeed brother.. Indeed.

[@moshabraf]

RIP Christopher Lee & Andrew Lesnie. You are very much missed.

[@idontlikewind.554]

Shabba dabba rip Christopher Tolkien, who died a few weeks ago

[@winstonchurchill137]

Don’t forget sir Ian Holme

[@ronniejdio9411]

The magic of the film. Is the perfect casting and the story's soul is Sean Austin

[@sirisaac2000]

Stone cold Sean Austin

[@peterchristie1096]

In my opinion he deserved an Oscar.

[@ronniejdio9411]

@@peterchristie1096 Mayne the greatest series of speeches in movie history. 3 from gandlaf...Theoden..Aragon. and Sam's the best if all

[@TimeturnerJ]

I only need to hear this theme and I'm already crying again. I love Middle-Earth.

[@austinfloydmusic]

These movies make me cry like a baby toward the end. Incredible video Chris.

[@ChrisHartwell]

I'm right there with you... "I made a promise Mr. Frodo, a promise!"

[@Ezio999Auditore]

I can't survive the Grey Harbor scene, I cry like a girl every single time, I just can't get past it!

[@MrRjhyt]

The Grey Havens are always seen through tear streaked eyes, and I bodily flinch as the Arrows pierce Boromir.

[@nakenmil]

God damn it, man. You just made me relive a small degree of that same sensation I felt when I first watched the Fellowship: this feeling of being inexorably taken along on a journey after which nothing will ever be the same. Not to get overly sentimental, and I don't want to come off as pseudophilosophical or anything, but I just realized that this sensation, the sensation of "oh wow, here we go, this is going to change everything" that I got when I watched Frodo fleeing the Shire as an 11 year old... well, it resonates on another level now that I'm an adult. Now that I've moved away from my own rural area, not entirely unlike the Shire, and gone through - well, you know, growing up, with all the ups and downs that entails - well, it's a... complicated resonance. A bittersweet feeling.

[@nakenmil]

Anyway, I know this vid is over a year old, but I just came across it. It's a good one, and the LotR trilogy is (collectively) my favorite movie ever, and like you, I am incredibly relieved it stands up over a decade later.

[@edgarssprogis9914]

How do you go back to your old life, when in your heart you know, there is no coming back.

[@benmontero36]

I totally relate to this bro

[@endeavor8850]

Yeah bro... fr my man, totes relate to dis you know what I be sayin like dayummmnn Lord of the Rings is just somethin special l... mmm memories

[@CoolGuy-dg9nf]

Peter Jackson is given wayyyy to much credit for something Tolkien created!! An animation was made in the 70s and it's darker and in someways better... Had Jackson came up with the film idea great id admire him but Tolkien made all of this! Yes i know Jackson directed the film but Jackson was surrounded by talented people more than him and they are not given credit. Do you think Jackson made all of this by himself????? NO! Writers filmmakers art directors and their crews along with him made it happen. All Jackon did was direct them damn film and the resthe was helped to write the script, he didnt write the scriot himself alone. If anything the Oscar he won should be for alllll of the people who helped him make it happen. All the artists and talented men and women who were part of the film should be exposed for they made it all work. I know Jackson gave the idea and had a vision but it would not be possible if not the people he was surrounded with who only made it better. Jackson 20% and 80% the rest of the group.

[@liamwilson7549]

When I watched this I was 5 years old lol. I got up late while my parents were asleep and put the vhs tape in the old tiny tv, my parents woke up and decided to watch it with me 😂

[@famousamos]

It will always be my most favorite movie. I cannot wait to share this love with my unborn children!

[@absolutevulnerability443]

Me too 🙏

[@AlisonBryen]

@@absolutevulnerability443 Same. I have the books and extended editions ready and waiting for their education.

[@verfed]

My kid's eight and we're going through it now. We finished the Fellowship yesterday.

[@OfficialRedTeamReview]

Great video. My annual LOTR Extended Edition weekend is coming up and I'm excited. I like to turn my phone off, order a pizza and just marathon the trilogy (EXTENDED EDITION) within the course of 3 days. so worth it.

[@sydoesgames]

whens your 2020 LOTR weekend comning up

[@Gamerlordpro]

Just did that last weekend

[@rhiannejones3815]

It was a uni rite of passage - 3 extended films. 1 sitting

[@skysmindgarden]

I actually just ordered the extended editions.. I've never seen them. I actually just really got into the fandom and the magic of LOTR, though tolkien has been in my life the whole time. I'm only 14, so I grew up with the Hobbit movies, which are close to my heart (even though a lot of aspects are really bad). I can't wait to watch then

[@DWlsh43]

You ready for your 2021 run?

[@ARCtrooperblueleader]

All three movies were absolutely beautiful. They are one, one true story.

[@HeadCannon19]

ARCtrooperblueleader fun fact: Lord of the rings was originally supposed to be one really long book split up into 6 parts, but in the end Tolkien had to put 2 parts into each volume and publish it as 3 books, and he's explicitly stated that it isn't a trilogy

[@tru4158]

The topic of LOTR always makes me cry, its so beautiful

[@TheSukiebapswent]

I will never forget the feeling of watching the opening few moments of this movie for the first time. You knew you were in good hands. My desert island movie. Great review Chris you did it justice fantastic work.

[@steveconnolly9585]

As the opening moments go, I specifically remember Sauron swinging his morning star around and dozens of guys going flying in every direction as the shot that completely sold me and let me know I was in for it.

[@bennycostello2472]

I'll never forget how i sat through the entire thing, then my legs were all fucked up from sitting still that long, worth it.

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

Oh boy... I was writing my final thesis about Tolkien's influence on pop culture at college just before this one hit the theaters. And I had nothing but trailers and early internet rumors to go on when it came to the first live action adaption of Tolkien's magnum opus. It was a magical time, when every Christmas we got either a new instalment of the Lord of the Rings or Star Wars... those were the days ;-)

[@edienandy]

None of your Business do you mean you got a new copy of LotR or Star Wars every Christmas? I just ask because in the states the Star Wars prequels were all summer theater releases, but LotR were all theatrically released during the Christmas season.

[@twinkthatloveslotrtrilogy7676]

I miss early 2000s so much 2020s is just covid and Marvel crap😢

[@ashtray0belief]

I still have a page of a journal I wrote when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. I remember I was writing it during P.E. in school, crying, and it was about how much I wanted to be teleported to Middle Earth.

[@ChrisHartwell]

Haha! That's _fantastic_

[@DropD1123]

Fellowship is my favorite of the three as well. The progression in mood from the Shire to that final shot looking out at Mordor is what does it for me. Also, Mordor just kind of looms in this one - you get just small glimpses of the evil from there. It makes it even more powerful and threatening to me. Finally, some context around the original release - this came out just a few months after 9/11. At the time, no one knew what was coming next. A lot of people were feeling anxiety about the next attack that was surely to come. And the stock market had been crashing for over a year, the crazy optimism of the late 90's seem to have burst away along with the NASDAQ. I was in my 20s, and it was a pretty dark time to be a young adult still trying to figure out his path in the world. That last shot showing Mordor just looming in the background holding all sorts of unknown evil, it perfectly encapsulated the fear and uncertainty of the time. When I left the theater, I was so stunned that I couldn't speak...

[@BL-mf3jp]

Thank you for mentioning the last shot. There’s a great one at the end of the two towers too, that shows a Fell beast flying near Mordor.

[@michaelsmith3887]

the fellowship of the ring is by far my favorite in the lotr series

[@ChrisHartwell]

It's truly something special!

[@liamholloway-sw7eu]

It’s the best I cried when I came out the cinema as a kid knowing i had to wait another year for the next one. Never gets old a true masterpiece and one of if not my favourite film of all time. Lately it’s becoming so anyway

[@SoapNugget]

Mine too

[@dannyfdonahue]

Also my favorite film of all time and certainly one of the handful of films that are most responsible for my own journey to become a film director. Great video! Keep it up.

[@ChrisHartwell]

Fantastic! I'll have to check out your work, Danny. Cheers!

[@SH19922x]

Hire me, i can play the part of a "broke loser" like no other can. I assure you.

[@CybershamanX]

I think it's safe to say (and thankfully) that these films are safe from being remade for a long time. Oh, they most certainly will in the future at some point. I'm sure that there will be plenty of future humans that will want to try their hand at translating this work into "real life". But again, it will be quite some time. Who's to say how long? 30 years? 50? And who knows what sort of technology will be available when it happens. I have mixed feelings about that... Should I hope to live long enough to see it? I'm 49 years of age so it might not happen. But, it might be nice to see, I suppose. Until then, I am more than happy to have what we have right now. ;)

[@mattheww797]

It was a good film till frodo died

[@truslew8089]

Frodo lives

[@NRSessions]

The musical score for these movies is among the most gorgeous and haunting symphonic composition I've ever heard.

[@CallMeJ.]

I'm almost 25 now. I had actually never seen these films until about 5 years ago. I started writing a story and had difficulty getting it to take off. But when I first watched Fellowship, I was instantly in love. The story telling of both Tolkien and Jackson was something that I had never before witnessed. It helped me understand character development and themes. To this day, Fellowship is my favorite of the trilogy, and one of my all time favorite films.

[@user-hw4qx9ij4c]

I think the secret of Jackson and Co. is that they are not Hollywood filmmakers. The Lord of The Rings had literally nothing in common with Hollywood creations of its time. NO ONE in Hollywood at the time will have shot a trilogy as one film. No one in Hollywood would have made such a multi-character story. No one in Hollywood would use such archaic dialogue, or pushed do much on drama based on connections between male characters. The same can be said for the design aesthetics, fight coreography, sound design and the soundtrack, the editing (oh, the length) - virtually every aspect of this movie was different and out there.

[@stevenirizarry1304]

חן גלר the fact that no one took it chances of success seriously also helped because it creates pressure and the greater the pressure the greater the insights

[@Lodatzor]

*" think the secret of Jackson and Co. is that they are not Hollywood filmmakers. The Lord of The Rings had literally nothing in common with Hollywood creations of its time."* Well, I mean, aside from a tacky, unconvincing female warrior (Arwen), a clownish character (Gimli), a tendency to browbeat the audience with platitudes (Merry and Pippin lecturing Treebeard), pointless departures from the source material, and an over-reliance on lazy fantasy tropes which are not actually sourced in Tolkien. Dude, these movies were pretty 'Hollywood'. *"NO ONE in Hollywood at the time will have shot a trilogy as one film."* ...neither did Peter Jackson. *"No one in Hollywood would use such archaic dialogue,"* He didn't use ENOUGH of it, in fact.There are literally hundreds of lines which are perfectly written for him, and he still didn't use most of them because he didn't understand their significance. *"virtually every aspect of this movie was different and out there."* I don't agree at all. From his portrayal of the Armies of the (Evil) Dead, to his treatment of Eowyn and Arwen, to the absurd CGI feats of Legolas, this movie was crammed full of relatively lazy Hollywood tropes.

[@TallisKeeton]

lazy fantasy tropes which are not actually sourced in Tolkien. which ones? name 3 of them :)

[@Lodatzor]

1) Scottish/comical Dwarves 2) An overly Gothic Barad-dur 3) The weird zombie ghosts of the Paths of the Dead. That was easy. :)

[@gordonpreston7960]

I agree with you - it was a big departure from generic action movies as it didnt have a debonair lead hero or pithy one liners and avoided common action tropes prevalent in the action films of the times. the dialogue could easily have come off as stilted and hokey at times, but you fully believed the gravity of their words and accepted them.

[@chrais78]

People are always surprised when I say that Fellowship is my favorite in the series...in this video you've encapsulated perfectly why I do, so, thank you.

[@ChrisHartwell]

You are most welcome!

[@edienandy]

I think that’s so weird. I low key judge people who say that RotK or TT is the best of the trilogy lol

[@DaddyGamerReviews]

This movie came out when I was 11, fresh off recently discovering fantasy in the form of Narnia, Harry Potter, DragonLance, The Edge Chronicles, and more. Seeing this movie in theaters blew my freaking child mind wide open and I never recovered. I promptly got a hold of the books and read them all, and then read them all again to prep for each movie after. I specifically waited to buy the movies till I got a collection I genuinely liked (blu ray box set) and now I watch them annually.

[@syd_jzx100]

The Fellowship of The Ring was the one and only movie that made me cry. The acting of Sean Bean and Viggo combined in the final scenes of the movie were truly spectacular. Just makes you wonder how life truly was at times back when sword fighting was prominent.

[@narutobboy]

This was amazing, LOTR trillogy are also my fav films of all time. Well done sir!

[@ChrisHartwell]

Yes! Truly outstanding pieces of cinema!

[@ghoastfreakafk5593]

Mine are the hobbit films(I know I'm weird) but LOTR is right after that

[@PolishPudding]

Fellowship is my fave! I believe however all three are masterpieces

[@jebosamvasjako]

It's not only the picture. It's the music too. Man every single tune screamed "this is middle-earth, it's beautiful and awfull and mysterious at the same time"

[@Whovian1029]

These movies (Not The Hobbit) are no doubt my favorite movies ever. They are just so incredible and I find new things to love every time I watch them.

[@Vladdie777]

Watching this makes me so sad that they rushed through and screwed up The Hobbit. Beautiful piece, thanks so much.

[@ChrisHartwell]

Though I do still find _some_ merit to _The Hobbit_ films, I agree they were still quite the let down...

[@Lukis687]

I've heard it was Warner Bros fault, not PJ. Dude got shafted hard, didn't want to do it in the first place. Del Toro was going to then Warner Bros shafted him by pushing for a trilogy, which he refused to do. It got dropped halfway through and PJ tried to pick up the pieces but had no time essentially. With movies/universes this scale it requires massive amounts of planning, as they did with LOTR. They basically had none of that for the hobbit. it's a feat they were as alright as they were. Feel bad for the guy.

[@Vladdie777]

Lukis Me too, if PJ had the same time, planning and creative freedom he had for lotr, I'm convinced it would have been fantastic. The first Hobbit had some charm, I enjoyed the world and some of the characters. Haven't even bothered with the Seven Armies.

[@carrottoponcrak]

Even though The Hobbit trilogy wasn't toally 10/10, it still amazes me to watch them knowing Peter Jackson pretty much ad -libbed the entire movie. Goes to show his skill as a director

[@Weaseldog2001]

The Hobbit Trilogy was definitely an inferior work. The first movie, gave me hope, but the the next two movies seemed so formulaic. And the glitches in the graphics was inexcusable. The incompletely rendered frames, should never have gotten past the editors.

[@OkieAllDay]

I LOVE all three, but my favorite would have to be Two Towers - mainly because The Battle of Helms Deep is the greatest fight scene in movie history, bar none

[@codeysnow2980]

"My friends... you bow to no one"

[@deccy_boi5569]

There is one thing that this movie gave me which no other movie proved to give me no matter how many times it was watched, it was that feeling of warmth and the feeling of triumph at the same time and it never stopped, and I don't think it ever will...

[@joeturk]

We are studying the Rings trilogy for my Australia and New Zealand Cinema class (I'm a Film minor); and I am currently writing a comparative analysis over The Fellowship and Two Towers. I enjoy reading / viewing reviews from all angles prior to writing, kind of as a "warm up" for the brain... all that to say, this was the best Rings review / analysis I have seen yet (over any of the films). Your commentary is all-around perfect (both substantial and linguistically pleasing to listen to), and your accompanying clips are used wonderfully. This was both entertaining and enlightening at the same time... I usually don't leave comments or care to subscribe to channels (I'm not an active KZbinr), but I felt compelled to give you props on this one and share my appreciation for your work (also subscribed)!

[@ChrisHartwell]

That means a _great_ deal, Joe! Thank you so much for compliment. Blessing in your film class! I hope your analysis continues to go well.

[@warnoob326]

The storm on Cahradhas in the books was caused by the Mountain itself, the Mountain being sentient in the book, In the films, the storm is caused by Saruman yes, but If you translate both their chantings they are speaking to and swaying Cahradhas. So it isn't as big of a change as some might have thought.

[@Weaseldog2001]

I agree, but i thought that making Saruman the villain here, was unnecessary. But it panders to our cultures need for a singular evil. Having the spirits of the mountain, trying to drive away the fellowship, was Tolkien's way of showing that the world is still wild and generally unfriendly to all races. It adds to the allure of his world in my view.

[@StormfieldsComet]

True, but that would be hard to show on film. You'd probably need either a voiceover from the mountain itself, which might be confusing, or Gandalf (or maybe Legolas) would have to announce that the mountain itself was attacking them, which wouldn't play well. Saruman chanting makes more sense in a movie: "Okay, he's a wizard, he's chanting, he's creating this storm - got it". It's much easier to convey that visually without much exposition.

[@Weaseldog2001]

You make a good point, but it would've been the spirits of Caradhras. But I agree with your point in that yes, a focused evil is easier to convey on film and fits our cultural narrative better.

[@user-re4jf2sb4q]

In the Peter Jackson film the "fell voice" is Saruman speaking in Quenya, who exhorts cruel Redhorn to strike at the Fellowship while Gandalf pleads for Caradhras to sleep.

[@Killbot754]

@@Weaseldog2001 Isn't it stated in the Silmarillion that Melkor raised those mountains in the battles before the coming of the elves? All evil in Middle earth can be traced to the marring of Arda, so it's still one singular evil.

[@Itryhardder]

The LOTR trilogy was my mothers favorite book series, and these movies came out shortly before a dark time in my families lives, she was diagnosed with cancer shortly after the Two Towers debuted, some of my fondest memories of her are going to the theater to see The Fellowship and the Two Towers, the awe inspiring cinematography and indulgent story were a space where we could connect as we had never been able to before, sadly she was too sick and hospitalized to go see The Return of the King and I never saw it in theater, when I saw it after she passed and although it was hard to watch without her I felt as if she was watching it with me. When Gandalf, astride Shadowfax, broke the horizon in the final battle scene I wept not just for the beauty and power of the scene but for her not being able to see it. Say what you will about the film adaptations but they will always hold a special place in my heart for the magic of these films made the darkest time of my life a bit easier and left me with memories of bonding with the person that gave me life, I love you mom. Thank you Peter Jackson and JRR Tolkien for bringing some magic into this all to often harsh world.

[@falsehopehero]

I just watched fellowship with my seven year old daughter in January 2021 and it absolutely still holds up as the greatest film I've ever seen

[@jjejet]

This is a gem that is immortal in all its meticulous perfection, careful hard-work, and epic beauty ♥ It's a masterpiece no matter the age that has passed!

[@JohnPomaJr]

Great review. I agree, the first installment I found to be the best as well. It was definitely the crucial for Jackson to nail down as the foundation for the following films and he did it masterfully.

[@rong7496]

I love it for one more reason: It’s the start of the journey. You still have all the rest of it ahead of you.

[@linkerton]

Sometimes just the music of these films can bring me to tears......

[@grzegorzmj4881]

I'm 25 and these are my 3 favourite movies. I was too young to see them in theatres upon release. But then I've probably watched them hundreds of times and know by heart almost every detail. Last year I caught a ticket to LOTR Extended Edition marathon. And that night marks the only time I've ever cried while watching a movie. Words can't describe how magical they are for me.

[@MrHubbleT]

Howard Shore, Howard Shore, Howard Shore. It's all HOWARD SHORE!

[@janetkizer5956]

I was uncertain about the movies when I first heard they were being filmed. I didn't think it was possible to do justice to them. But I was utterly captured by the first scene of Fellowship, and for the next few years I lived and breathed Lord of the Rings.

[@carycasler6353]

It’s a Christmas tradition for my dad and I to watch the whole trilogy and The Hobbit! Such great movies.

[@raja-jl9os]

I love you cutie 😘

[@guineveredawn]

Thank you for this video!! I fell in love with this movie immediately. I watched it nine times in the theatre because I just couldn’t have enough of it, and I still rewatch the entire trilogy once a year. Definitely one of my favourite films of all time too!

[@RichardFeynmanRules]

Tremendous analysis -- so on target and thoughtful! The only thing I might have added was how perfectly cast the characters were -- especially Elijah Wood as Frodo. I can't imagine anyone else doing it. And Gandalf..well, you get the idea...

[@manuelantonioarizacastro9070]

Fellowship is a complete masterpiece!!

[@snowwriting]

Our 7th grade teacher was a die-hard fan and we had to watch clips of the FOTR during class for testing our three skills : sight, hearing and memory. I watched the full movie later and have been numb to the real world outside since.

[@FreedomFighter08]

Also what makes the films so great is the music and the hidden lyrics in elven (sindarin) being played throughout the whole trilogy, dwarven (khuzdul) (only plays in Moria both when entering and running from Balrog never to be heard again), numenorian (Ring wraiths theme), black speech (Sauron's voice, Ring wraiths). For example "The seduction of the ring" is a hidden song with quite interesting hidden lyrics in elven speech which plays when Boromir picks up the ring at Caradhras and Aragorn confronting Frodo at Amon Hen.

[@Cazanator6000]

Each LOTR movie is a masterpiece in its own right. I would respectfully disagree that the Fellowship of the Ring 'is the only true masterpiece of the series'. For me, Return of the King is far and away (not only the best in the series) but the best film I have ever seen.

[@ljnchannel2706]

Caldor3 Return of the King is the epic end to the trilogy. That doesn’t make it objectively better. It likely blew you away more, had you more on the edge of your seat, but that was it’s purpose. Fellowship was a near if not completely perfect movie. I would respectfully disagree with you. Return of the King is the best trilogy finisher of all time though, no competition.

[@benjamingrezik373]

nah bro the two towers. rohan bro

[@nickieb2636]

@@benjamingrezik373 the two towers, though it's not my favorite of the three, has the best battle / siege sequence in movie history, and dare I say, there will never be one better...

[@benjamingrezik373]

@@nickieb2636 I cant seperate the books from each other when judging which one is best. they are so tied together. However I just really enjoy Theodens redemption arc and Aowyn. so everything between the fellowships entrance to Rohan and the battle of Pelenor really does it for me. Especially the way they were portrayed in the movies. I enjoy Boromir and Rohan in the books for the same reason. They're all the most real and grounded characters that really grant perspective to the fantasy of the rest of the books. I will agree, theres hardly a way to top helms deep. it was written incredibly in the books and portrayed exceptionally in the movies.

[@evanmalcolm9353]

NickieB every time I try and figure out which is better I just can’t pick! They all have things which are iconic and individual. IMO They’re the best made movies of all time and tell the best story, and luckily we have all 3, so I don’t need to pick!

[@therealrmac]

Without fail the scene and score of the fellowship leaving moria after Gandalf falls gets me every god damn time. 100% masterpiece.

[@JT7-uk]

This film makes me feel sad, happy, powerful, yet also vulnerable, as well as alone and together. Appreciative, grateful. What I'm saying is that this 1 movie alone made me feel every emotion imaginable, i have never felt this sensation again. Endgame came close but not in the same way this masterpiece does i love it. It will last forever!

[@ForrestFurst]

Excellent analysis, great work.

[@ChrisHartwell]

Thank you much.

[@andrewpiltenko9432]

The best book adaptation ever. Had goose bumps while watching this video. Almost cried in the end. Thank you.

[@riccardogentili3986]

I asked my father to watch the Lord of the Rings when I was 6. At first time he said no because he thought that orcs and battles could scared me (and actually I crapped in my pants not for orcs but for that frame when Bilbo tries to get the ring from Frodo), but in the end he was convinced, so I watched it at 6. You can imagine what a child can experience in front of all that magic, beauty, perfection. This trilogy is THE CINEMA, THE STORY, THE FANTASY, THE LIFE. It will never exist a story better or a movie better that this.

[@Bus_Driver117]

I’m going to New Zealand this year! I can’t wait!

[@ytn675]

Lord of the rings is just Idk. It's unexplainable what it did to me and still does to me. Literally too many feels

[@Scrapluv]

This is the ONLY trilogy to rival the Star Wars Trilogy for me. I've watched every second of the blu-ray appendices, I haven't done that since. These films took me to another place like no other besides SW. Bravo!

[@ChrisHartwell]

I couldn't agree more! These films are transportive in a way that I'm not sure will ever be replicated.

[@-cosmicrogue-]

Both trilogies are like a magical gateway to exuberant, cinematic, adventure.

[@m0nte1ro]

I love the star wars saga, but the LOTR, for me, is in a whole other level. I can watch the LOTR trilogy every year/half a year w/o falling asleep, but not with Star Wars. The new ones suck and the old ones can get boring at times. Still great trilogies right there.

[@Dan59ten]

James Robinson Lotr is better than Star Wars

[@user-qe7bt9dz1l]

James Robinson Star Wars is decent but too cheesy. The battles in Star Wars were so bland compared to LOTR.

[@philj212]

they are still showing these movies every year on the biggest cinema in oslo (I believe that it is the biggest in Europe at the moment after a recent upgrade) its amazing to see it on the big screen again and again

[@sdaftermath123]

Return of the King is my favorite movie of all time. I loved all 3, but the final movie when I saw it in theaters all those years ago, it left me completely speechless.

[@MisterBublify]

the editing and analysis of this reminds me of the video "The Dark Knight - Creating the Ultimate Antagonist" by Lessons from the Screenplay. You just earned my sub

[@stevenirizarry1304]

DaveC yo loved that video

[@ChrisHartwell]

Hey, thanks! That's a fantastic video essay!

[@codekhalil6437]

And my axe

[@cognitivedissonance8406]

And my bow

[@ejoshcoron]

You should see Rant and Bollox Dark Knight analysis. Remarkable

[@ChrisPTenders]

I love this movie. It never fails to captivate me. It hits the core of my very being. I also consequently love this video. This is a video that captures the greatness of this film like the film captures my heart.

[@wattsnottaken1]

When Galadriel says in RotK: “Frodo now understands in his heart….that the quest will claim his life” shows how dedicated Frodo and Sam were to destroying Suaron’s ring. 5:57 I love how Boromir is holding back Gimli

[@zaiah9252]

As big and epic as Return Of The King is, I think Fellowship is the best because of it's tight and great story structure.

[@rolancamp8551]

This is my favorite film of all time also, for a while i thought it was pta's There Will Be Blood (which i consider my second favorite now) But this movie is just so incredible! I watched it in theaters when i was like 10 I think and I was so absolutely blown away, great video of why it's so good - I was literally just looking for someone to confirm my bias and searched "Why the fellowship of the ring is the best" haha, did not dissapoint!

[@DownwardThrust]

A+ job!

[@dagger1580]

I remember seeing this movie in the theater back when it came out I was only 10 years old at the time I'm 30 now cant believe it's been 20 years and I haven't seen a film since then that's had the same impact on me as fellowship of the ring did

[@kevinmichael3717]

“This is Peter Jackson. This is Peter Jackson. This, is Peacock.”

[@SolusBatty]

Oh god, you kinda muting the 0:31 always-scary scene, just made it kinda funny to me. I think I am cured of my nightmares :D

[@washo2996]

SolusBatty Dude that part always gives me a heart attack

[@griizzlerhops633]

My friend watched this movie for the first time with me and another friend who Knows every scene by heart. So my other friend jump scared my friend when the scene came up and it was hilarious.

[@crashman6]

Yes, yes, and even more yes. Superb.

[@ChrisHartwell]

Love that you found this video essay! This is presently my favorite style of video that I produce and would love to do more!

[@Exite21]

I will never forget being 8 years old and walking out of the movie theater after watching this with my dad. We had a crazy blizzard so it made the entire small town look like the shire if it were winter there. Also have the 1st edition copies of the first 3 books from 1965, my favorite fiction writing of all time.

[@thegood9]

To be alive and to witness the 3 most important cinematic epics in history: Star Wars IV-VI, LoTR, and the Harry Potter Series, I am one fortunate soul. The amount of creativity and LOVE of the source material it took to bring these feats to the screen is beyond extraordinary. So lucky to live in this time!

[@davidguy209]

totally agree with your opinion. the mix of the party scene at the beginning of the movie, and the excellent monster battles makes Fellowship my favourite of the trilogy. hello from England :-D

[@Fudgaboutit]

As soon as I seen this video title, I clicked on it with force. I've always, since i was 15, or 16, and seen this movie, felt like it was the best of the trilogy, and have never really been able to explain why, except that's the cinematic impression it's had on me. I would LOVE to hear someone else articulate why, when with all my articulation, i have failed to be able to do so. Great video.

[@whocares3201]

The theme music of hobbits...still puts peace in my mind like nothing else ever could, just puts me back to a happy 10 year old kid without a care in the world. This is honestly the only film (trilogy) that I can rewatch as many times as I want and not get bored doing so.

[@jbro8934]

I haven't spoken to my brother in eleven years. He and I both loved these films.

[@hippegast12]

To bad the hobbit trilogy were rushed. Those would have been way better if it was made like the war of the ring trilogy

[@jesserochon3103]

The Hobbit movies have a more glossy, lighthearted, bed time story feel to them but still very solid in their own right. The Lord of the Rings captured lightning in a bottle though. Only matched by the original Star Wars trilogy.

[@irockmajorly]

@@jesserochon3103 the problem with the hobbit movies is that they're trying too hard to be a lotr tie in. Frankly, they're a complete mess. And I think the opposite is true.. they aren't lighthearted enough

[@kellatu2]

Lord Jaraxxus uh that's why they flailed cause they tried to hard to make them lotr 2.0 instead of it's own thing.

[@ano_nym]

"the Bilbo in the hobbit is the same bilbo in lotr"Yeah, no shit Sherlock.

[@benjamingrezik373]

it's not that they were rushed. it's that they made 3 2.5 hour movies from a 400 page children's fairy tale book. Lord of the rings were each 1000 pages or so and it's literally a trilogy. 90% of the hobbit movies was nonsense fluff that had nothing to do with the books

[@brianb2087]

Outstanding video Chris, I really appreciated your perspective, and the high quality analysis , editing, and creativity that you displayed here. Well done sir, you are quite gifted.

[@McDanielsFilms]

GREAT!! In total agreement. I was also 14 when I saw it. I read those books over and over as a child and then to see the film done so well.. It was like watching a dream come true. TIMELESS

[@StellarEmpyrean]

Thank you for making this! You captured so much of me and exactly how I felt!