Showing posts with label sword. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sword. Show all posts

Monday, February 18, 2013

Ninja (2009) Review

Ninja (2009)
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This review will be broken down into two sections: 1) The quality of the movie itself, and 2) The BD Disc quality.
First up, the film itself:
Plot (WARNING, MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!)
The time is present day, and somewhere in a rural region of Japan, a dojo carries on the tradition of the Koga Ninja by training students in the ninja arts. The head of the school, called the Soke, is nearing retirement age and must choose his successor. His top two students are fierce rivals and both are leading candidates to inherit the title of Soke. However, before the Soke can appoint his successor, one of the top two students disgraces himself in a training duel against his rival and is banished from the school. Predictably, the banished student becomes a freelance assassin, and we see him employ his ninja skills to deadly effect in a very cool assassination sequence.
We soon learn that the Soke is the keeper of some ancient Koga weapons which, legend has it, grants the wielder extraordinary abilities. The banished ninja comes calling to claim the weapons, but only after they've been shipped elsewhere for safekeeping. A vicious battle ensues between the bansihed ninja and the Soke, and at the conclusion of this battle, the chase is on for the Koga weapons, with the film culminating in a showdown between, you guessed it, the two rival ninja students. In this climactic battle, only one survives.
As an added bonus, the beautiful daughter of the Soke is thrown into the mix, but sadly, she serves as little more than window dressing. While she demonstrates some ninja skills, she is mostly helpless in a fight and is relegated to the role of damsel in distress more often than not, despite having trained all her life in the ninja arts. Though in her defense, she's fairly useful with a bow and arrow, and she's nice to look at.
The plot is better than most straight to video flicks, and in this case, serves as the thin thread tying the action scenes together, which are themselves well choreographed and well filmed.
The Action:
The action scenes feature the generous use of ninja weapons, including some impressive sword battles, as well as some decent hand to hand fight scenes. Aside from three fairly intense one-on-one fight scenes (all featuring liberal use of the katana), most of the battles feature one of the top ninjas in the film dispatching a multitude of lesser skilled opponents. The star of the film, Scott Adkins (caucasian actor and good guy ninja), demonstrates impressive martial arts and acrobatic ability, and it appears that he performed most of his own stunts. Keep your eyes open for a scene where he uses his acrobatic ability to evade an oncoming car. The ninja villain (asian actor and bad guy ninja, read into that what you will) also seemed to be well versed in martial arts and the use of ninja weapons, and I dare say that the fight scenes in this movie were more impressive than those in "Ninja Assassin" due in equal part to good choreography (far better than a Van Damme or Seagal flick, though don't expect anything as energetic or creative as what you'd see from Hong Kong legends like Yuen Woo Ping, Corey Yuen, Jet Li or Jackie Chan), the actors in this film being experienced martial artists, and an editing style that lingers just long enough on the action (as opposed to the hyper-quick cut aways used in Ninja Assassins, which is the norm for a film featuring actors who aren't very adept at performing the action featured in the film) so you can appreciate the skill of the actors pulling off the moves.
The Acting:
Nothing to write home about. The actors look and play their parts well enough as far as action films like this go, but none of them deliver performances that will leave a long lasting impression on you. That's a good thing though, because the acting isn't horrible either. It's just good enough to move the story along, as threadbare and full of plotholes as it is.
The special effects:
There is liberal use of blood splattering, sometimes into the camera, when a katana is used to lethal effect. The blood didn't look overly cartoony to me, but your tolerance/appreciation of these effects will vary depending on how much of a gorehound you are.
The pyrotechnics are good. Swords clashing generate sparks at the appropriate times, and I recall two separate vehicle explosions also being impressively done.
As for the BLU-RAY itself:
Picture quality on my 1080P Phillips is excellent, though not quite reference material. The image is generally sharp, colors are well delineated with little crush evident in day or night scenes, and there is very little to no film grain, leading me to believe the film was shot digitally, with some grain retained for a film-like appearance.
I can't provide a detailed review of the audio, as I utilize only the speakers on my tv itself, but from what I heard, I can say the audio came across clearly, with dialogue being easy to pick up and louder foley effects, such as swords clashing, gun fire, and explosions, coming in crisply as well.
There is nothing in the way of special features, unless you count previews of other movies.
All in all, if you're not too critical when it comes to martial arts themed movies, and you have an interest in seeing ninjas fighting ninjas and killing people in bloody fashion without an overuse of rapid cut editing, you may be pleasantly surprised. I recommend "Ninja" to viewers who are nostalgic for films like American Ninja (the first and best of the series) and Sho Kosugi films like Revenge of the Ninja.
Is Ninja worth a blind buy though? I'd say for the $15 price tag, it is if you're a fan of violent and bloody ninja films. If you're just a casual fan, a rental is the safest bet.
Either way, whether you rent or buy, there are far worse films in this genre out there, so happy viewing!

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It remains as true today as it did in the days of the ancient Samurai: the weapons of the Ninja hold legendary powers for both good men and evil. The deadly weapons of the last Koga Ninja have now been entrusted to an American Ninjutsu student studying in Japan. Commanded by his Sensei to return to New York and protect the weapons at all cost, he must defeat the skilled Yakuza assassins hunting him and prevent the power of the weapons from falling into evil hands.

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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Bleach Uncut Box Set: Season 4, Part 2 - The Bount Review

Bleach Uncut Box Set: Season 4, Part 2 - The Bount
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Ichigo and his friends have been fighting the Bounts on and off, while trying to keep them from capturing Uryu. Bu the battle becomes a lot more intense in "Bleach Uncut Box Set: Season 4, Part 2" -- this collection brings together the last twelve episodes of the hit anime's first filler arc. It's top-heavy on the action, with loads of freaky dolls, flashy swordfights and enjoyably freaky villains... as well as fewer flashbacks.
The mysterious new dolls -- called "bitto"-- have started sucking the souls from living humans (and yes, I do love that phrase), which increases the Bounts' powers but also acts like a drug to their bodies and minds. When Kariya unleashes them on Karakura's population, Ichigo and his friends charge out to save the day, but quickly find themselves outmatched by the juiced-up Bounts and their dolls. But they have some unexpected allies -- a quartet of Soul Reaper lieutenants have arrived to help them drive back the Bounts.
While Ichigo's little gang recuperates from their fights, Yumichika has discovered the location of the Bounts' hideout, and the four Soul Reaper officers head inside. Obviously things go wrong for them, or this arc would end pretty quickly. Specifically, they run afoul of the bespectacled Ugaki, whose doll turns shadows into deadly weapons, eyeballs and giant hands. When Ichigo and Co. arrive, they are attacked by the same tactics.
In the meantime, Uryu encounters a Soul Reaper from the previous arcs -- Nemu Kurotsuchi, who has come there to give him a very special item that may provide some temporary help in his current trouble. And Ichigo has some shocking discoveries of his own when he finds and attacks the souped-up Kariya -- he learns the true origins of the Bount, and what their ultimate goal is.
While the first half of the Bount Arc was all about introducing the Bounts, the second half is all about the fighting -- our heroes are assaulted by shadow hands, flying eyeballs, dimension-swimming whales, metal spiders, malevolent flowers, ropy tentacles, and occasionally The Pizza Cutter From Hell. It all builds up gradually to a genuinely shocking climax... which is pretty obviously a lead-in for ANOTHER filler arc.
Fortunately this collection doesn't have just action. The writers also wove in some comedy ("FEEL THE POWER OF JUSTICE!" Ichigo bellows when using a magic headband, right before it slams him into a chainlink fence), some mild horror (people turning into dust), and the occasional warm'n'fuzzy moment. And with the advent of the Bounts' soul martinis, they become a LOT more impressive as villains -- now they're not just soul vampires, but crazy hopped-up junkie soul vampires.
The biggest problems: Koga's long, boring flashback about his protege (who is never mentioned again), and one character does something INSANELY contrived at the end of the arc, which is also uncharacteristically selfish, stupid and short-sighted. Even more bizarre, all the characters instantly forgive him.
And Ichigo and his amazing abs has some new problems to struggle with -- his handicapped bankai and his bloodthirsty hollow side. What's more, his devotion to his friends is illustrated when Keigo is attacked by a bitto. Uryu's feelings of helplessness reach a peak when he returns to the place where he previously trained, and we see just how strong the friendship between Rukia and Orihime is.... even if it is a bit too Saved By The Warm'n'Fuzzy Powers of Love.
The Bount arc may be over, but the story of their fight with the Soul Reapers obviously isn't. "Bleach Uncut Box Set: Season 4, Part 2" is a solid filler collection with some flaws, but plenty of slam-bang action and solid writing.

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The battle against the evil Bounts grows wider and fiercer as Ichigo and friends, reinforced by a group of Soul Reapers, try to take the fight to their hideout. But the Bounts have many tricks up their sleeves, and it looks like certain defeat for Ichigo and his comrades. Uryu, who had lost his Quincy powers, is the key to the Bount leader Kariya’s plans for revenge against the Soul Society, as well as the key to his defeat. Will Uryu be able to regain his powers in time to save his friends?

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Conan - The Complete Quest (1982) Review

Conan - The Complete Quest (1982)
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First, for those that are just looking for this answer, this Conan the Barbarian is The Director's Cut with its alternate ending, which John Milius intended to have. Nowhere on this DVD will you find the original ending in the DVD extras, etc., but I do want to say that this ending is not much different from the original, so if you have not seen the original ending, you will not be missing much at all. It also has an additional scene with Subotai and Conan dialoging. That's all that I remember being different from the original version. As for Conan the Destroyer, I don't recall any difference.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE NEW TO THE CONAN CHARACTER:
Conan is the barbarian/warrior character created by writer Robert E. Howard (1906-1936). His stories take place in the Hyborian Age (a mystical age between the sinking of Atlantis and the beginning of civilization, which was created by Howard as well). Much of the Conan artwork was painted by artist Frank Frazetta (1928-), which is probably Frazetta's better-known work.
John Milus' own liberal interpretation found on his Director's Commentary of Conan the Barbarian says how he thinks Howard created the Conan character and the warrior's many tales, that he conjured in his mind, a dead warrior king bearing an axe, and soon felt as if his character actually oppressed his very thoughts, forcing him to tell the tales of Conan, a king long forgotten by mankind and that he feared that if he did not write as the warrior commanded, the warrior king would strike him down with his axe.
The real story on how Howard came up with the character can be found on The Official Robert E. Howard Website at [...], where they quote Glenn Lord's The Last Celt: A Bio-Bibliography of Robert Ervin Howard
The Last Celt: A Bio-Bibliography of Robert Ervin Howard
FOR THOSE WHO ARE NEW TO THE CONAN MOVIES:
Only two movies have been made up till now on Howard's character, Conan the Barbarian (1982) and Conan the Destroyer (1984). Most people (as I am) are fans of the first, and not the second, though the second was entertaining in its on ways.
No joke, Conan the Barbarian is my All-Time favorite movie. I first saw this film when I was young, and remember that back in those days this movie was "the movie to see", with its action packed storyline, wonderful cinematography, and its beautifully composed musical score. Not to mention, starring Mr. Olympia himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in both films. Conan was Arnold's first big-time role after winning his last Mr. Olympia in 1980, so Arnold was still gee-golly-huge and ideal for the part. Nevertheless, this first movie also starred renowned actor, James Earl Jones, who plays the very charismatic cult leader, Thulsa Doom, and with a voice like his, who can deny that he's the perfect fit for that role.
Oliver Stone (a fan of the Conan novels) co-wrote the first screenplay of Conan the Barbarian. He actually had an entire screenplay for the movie, which was quickly bought out by producer Dino DeLaurentis and modified by writer/director, John Milius, who also co-wrote and directed Red Dawn. John envisioned on making Conan a trilogy, while assistant producer, Edward Summer, intended the Conan films to be a huge series, much like the 007 series. Either of which would have been nice for us fans, but neither person played any part in the creation of our only sequel. Instead, two writers from Marvel Comics were brought onboard, Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, who wrote the initial screenplay for the sequel, which was drastically changed by writer Stanley Mann. Director Richard Fleischer, who also directed Tora! Tora! Tora! in 1970 and Red Sonja in 1985, directed Conan the Destroyer. I think the only thing the two movies shared in common were Arnold and producer Dino DeLaurentis; this is why you find extreme differences between the two finished works.
On another note, many celebrities co-stared in these movies, like NBA star Wilt Chamberlain, and model Grace Jones. But one person out of the rest, whom I would like to point out, is Hawaiian Gerry Lopez, who plays Subotai in the first film. Gerry is actually a world-renowned champion surfer, and from an early age in his life, he read many of the Conan novels. With Gerry's features and his great appreciation of Howard's work, it was difficult for old friend John Milius to find anyone else as a better fit for the role of Subotai. Gerry Lopez also co-stars in Big Wednesday (another work of John Milius) and North Shore, which are both classic surfer movies, next to the Endless Summer films.
MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE CONAN DIALOG:
To bring you up to speed, early on in the movie Conan was enslaved and bought to be a Pit Fighter. After countless victories, his master takes him to the Far East for breeding (yes, I said breeding). As a reward for his success, Conan was given an education in eastern philosophies and was taught the art of swordsmanship from the eastern masters.
And so, in the next scene you see some sort of general talking to his men. He says to them, "We have won again. That is good! But what is best in life?"
One of his men replies, "The open steppe, fleet horse, falcon on your wrist, wind in your hair!"
"Wrong!" replies the general, and then asks, "Conan, what is best in life?"
Which Conan replies, "To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!"
... that's just wicked man.
WHAT'S IN THIS SPECIAL RELEASE:
One DVD Disc
SIDE ONE: Conan the Barbarian
Widescreen version (2 Hrs, 11 Min) in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Bonus Materials:
Commentary with Director John Milius and with Arnold Schwarzenegger
Deleted Scenes
Theatrical Trailers
The Making of Conan
Special Effects
Archives
SIDE TWO: Conan the Destroyer
Widescreen version (1 Hr, 42 Min) in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Bonus Materials:
Theatrical Trailer

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CONAN:COMPLETE QUEST - DVD Movie

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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Widescreen Edition) (2002) Review

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Widescreen Edition) (2002)
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Peter Jackson has done what could not be done. Deemed unfilmable for decades (with the terrible cartoons as an example of why), "The Lord of the Rings" took the audiences by storm when "Fellowship of the Ring" premiered in 2001. In 2002, anticipation was even higher, dread was lower -- and "Two Towers" is an outstanding continuation of the epic fantasy tale.
The movie picks up where "Fellowship" left off: Merry and Pippin have been captured by Uruk-hai, and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli are pursuing them. But they are sidetracked by an old friend: Gandalf, returned in a new form and with new powers, as Gandalf the White. He takes them to the kingdom of Rohan, whose king is bewitched by the evil Saruman. They barricade the people of Rohan in the fortress of Helm's Deep, for a final defiant stand against an army of Uruk-hai.
Sam and Frodo have left, to venture into Mordor alone so that Frodo can destroy the Ring in Mordor's Mount Doom. When the two hobbits become lost in Emyn Muil, Frodo realizes that someone is following them: Gollum, the tormented, twisted former owner of the Ring. They capture Gollum, who swears to serve "the master of the Precious." But even Gollum's shaky allegiance isn't enough for them to succeed, because the Ring has started to bend Frodo to its will.
While the first movie revolved around Frodo, the Ring and the Fellowship, here the focus widens. We get a better sense of the epic quality of the story and how it affects the whole world, not just our heroes. Gondor is crumbling, Rohan is beaten down by orcs, and even the forces of nature -- the tree-like ents -- are being attacked by Sauron and Saruman. It's nature versus the destructive machines, and the wild wrecking of Saruman's forges by these ancient tree shepherds is something to cheer for.
Elijah Wood blossoms in this film as Frodo Baggins, the little hobbit who could. In the first movie Wood played Frodo as an innocent who loses his innocence; here he takes it a step further, showing the darkness and violence that are swallowing Frodo up. Because we saw what a bright, sweet person Frodo was before, it's all the more horrible to see him starting to slide down (even attacking his best friend -- the look on Frodo's face as he comes to his senses is stunning). Sean Astin perfectly embodies Sam Gamgee -- increasingly desperate, trying to keep Frodo from going under. He serves as a reminder of what Frodo is fighting for, and Astin has perhaps the most powerful lines of the film, near the end: "But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer." These simply-worded lines will bring tears to your eyes.
But if Frodo is just starting to be addicted, Gollum is a junkie. Even if Andy Serkis doesn't appear in one frame in the entire movie, his motions and voice are heard and seen behind an exquisitely detailed CGI puppet. This is no Jar Jar or Dobby -- Gollum is detailed down to the last hair and wrinkle, believable in his appearance (I actually forgot he was animated for most of the movie), and has a multifaceted personality that reflects his own inner struggle -- Smeagol and Gollum, good and evil. The scene where Gollum's two halves argue is too amazing for words.
The other supporting actors shine almost as brightly. Viggo Mortensen turns his reluctant hero Aragorn into a leader and a warrior. Ian McKellen manages to make Gandalf more stately and majestic, yet keeps that little grandfatherly twinkle. John Rhys-Davies provides a bit of comedy as Gimli, mostly related to Gimli's stature, but never loses his dignity; Orlando Bloom is outstanding as ethereal elf archer Legolas once again. Liv Tyler captures Arwen's fear of mortality and loneliness. Billy Boyd's Pippin and Dominic Monaghan's Merry, the well-meaning goofballs of "Fellowship," are now forced to make their own decisions. And new cast members Miranda Otto and Bernard Hill also shine as the strong-willed Eowyn and tough old king Theoden, in roles that will bloom further in the third film.
Peter Jackson (who makes a few cameos) once again outdoes himself with camerawork and direction. His cameras as like living things: they swoop, dive, pull back for outstanding combat shots and then zoom in for exquisite close-ups. The battle scenes are dark, bloody, explosive, and full of chaos; only near the finale does any hint of glory shine through. He adds little human touches (the family split up by the war) that give a glimpse of what the non-heroic, ordinary people are suffering.
Of course "Two Towers" isn't as good as the book. Few movies are. But taken purely as a cinematic experience, and an adaptation, "Two Towers" is virtually without peer. Epic, majestic, action-packed and brimming with pathos, this is a treasure. And they say "Return of the King" will be the best of all...

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Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship continue their quest to destroy the One Ring and stand against the evil of the dark lord Sauron. The Fellowship has divided and now find themselves taking different paths to defeating Sauron and his allies. Their destinies now lie at two towers - Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupted wizard Saruman waits and Sauron's fortress at Baraddur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor.DVD Features:DVD ROM Features:Exclusive online contentDocumentaries:2 in-depth programs that reveal the secrets behind the production of this epic adventure, including: "On the set - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (Starz/Encore special) "Return to Middle-earth" (WB special)Featurette:8 featurettes originally created for lordoftherings.net: Forces of Darkness Sounds of Middle-earth) Edoras & Rohan Culture Creatures Gandalf the White Arms & Armor Helm's Deep Gollum: Andy Serkis, Bay RaittInteractive MenusMusic Video:Emiliana Torrini "Gollum Song" music videoOther:Exclusive 10-minute behind-the-scenes preview of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Short film by Sean Astin "The Long and Short of It" + making of Preview of Electronic Arts' video game, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King An inside look at the Special Extended DVD Edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersTheatrical Trailer:Original theatrical trailers and TV spots


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Saturday, April 23, 2011

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Widescreen Edition) (2001) Review

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Widescreen Edition) (2001)
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A cinematic version of Tolkien's THE LORD OF THE RINGS ranks up with the hope that Lucas will indeed make another Star Wars Trilogy, and, I think I can safely say, this is one of the most anticipated films in the movie industry's long and checkered history. You would think it's movie paradise, considering Lucas has been in the midst of another Star Wars trilogy and LORD OF THE RINGS has finally got a cinema deal (live action!), but PHANTOM MENACE proved something of a disappointment (Mesa Jar Jar Binks!), and I think quite a few people will enter into the theatre with a certain amount of trepidation.
There's a reason for that. Three animated Tolkien films have been released with very problematic results. The 1978 Bakshi release is just embarrassing; the film is both incoherent and confusing.
Rankin & Bass's two movies are fine for little kids; those two films are Tolkien for Saturday Morning cartoons. They proved my introduction to Tolkien and for that I am thankful, but the movies still fail to capture the grandeur of Tolkien's imagination.
There are two things to consider here about a work of literature. Although all good literature has a polarization effect on its readers, this work has a gigantic legion of followers which are extremely dedicated to Tolkien's vision (I count myself a member of this camp). The other camp cannot figure out what the big fuss is about and why they should care about the novel.
Now, there's a reason why all this is relevant to the film: had Peter Jackson gone to far either way the film would have fallen apart. Appeal to much to the fan-base and you loose the general movie-goer. Appeal to much to the movie-goer, and you'll lose the fan-base.
So when the fan base learned of Peter Jackson's decision to film all three films at once, an unprecedented move in movie history, most of us really wanted it to be good but were just simply afraid. We've already been burnt. Would it be so bad that it would alienate both fan base and those who are just looking for a good movie?
Not only does Peter Jackson's film work, it's glorious, beautiful, has all the myth and grandeur of the book. Jackson, a Tolkien fanatic, could have gotten so involved with bringing out the extremely detailed world Tolkien gave us that the pacing would suffer or we'd lose patience with all these obscure details which would alienate the regular movie goer. Not only does he not alienate the general movie goer, but he entices the fan base so much they can't help but fall in love with his vision of Tolkien's world.
The only real flaw is how rushed first section of the movie is. Although I can understand cutting the Old Forest and Tom Bombadil, the way they handled getting the hobbits out of the Shire was unacceptable. There is not that sense of camaraderie between the Hobbits that there is in the book, there is no "conspiracy," and Merry and Pippin just join without any questioning from Sam and Frodo. While Jackson does a good job at building the Hobbits' characters and establishing their personalities, I couldn't come up with a good reason why Frodo and Sam would just let Merry and Pippin join them.
The Prancing Pony is worst. There is no questioning from the Hobbits about Aragorn proving himself, there is no scene about him asking them to trust him, and the whole sequence feels much too rushed. Sam only questions Aragorn while they're actually out of the inn and traveling.
Thankfully, however, that is the only real flaw. The rest of the things the script changed (tightening Elrond's council, the expansion of Arwen, cutting Sam from the Galadriel mirror sequence, tempting Aragorn with the ring, etc) I can see why they did it for dramatic tension. I also liked the way they handled Elrond's council, because that could have ruined the movie like it did with Bakshi's. They had established and covered much of the material in that chapter elsewhere by means of voice-over prologue and actually showing the viewer what is happening (especially with the Isengard sequences), and as a result lessened the screentime of that scene and helping with the dramatics of it.
As for the controversial expansion of Arwen, I tend to agree with the film makers in their decision to enlarge her role. By making her part of the Ford sequence it introduces the character and establishes her in the viewer's mind, and the relationship between Arwen and Aragorn is more fully explored. As for their romantic interlude in Rivendell, not only do I agree with that but think it should have been done in the book. Tolkien did not know who Strider was when he was first writing FELLOWSHIP, and did not go back and change the scenes to further explain the romance between Arwen and Aragorn, and by not including a scene in Rivendell to establish their love for one another lessens by far the impact of their union in Part III, and (for once) this romantic scene is actually an improvement on the book. As for her role in the Flight at the Ford, for the movie they made the right choice though the book is still preferable.
In achieving the balance between fan base and the more causal fan, this film is a spectacular success. Making a movie out of a book the size of Fellowship, the fact is you will have to condense, tighten, rearrange, and make changes for dramatic tensions. The mediums are different, and you cannot have a direct translation from a book to a film. Despite of what they cut, the movie still clocks in at three hours, which is very generous. The real problem with this film, as others noted, is it's going to be a full two years before we finally get to watch THE RETURN OF THE KING.
In the end, we get a movie that stays true to the SPIRIT of the book. This is what we Tolkien fans have long been waiting for. Thank you so much Peter Jackson and your cast and crew.

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Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is an epic adventure of good against evil, the power of friendship and individual courage. The saga centers around an unassuming Hobbit named Frodo Baggins who inherits a Ring that would give a dark and powerful lord the power to enslave the world. With a loyal fellowship of elves, dwarves, men and a wizard, Frodo embarks on a heroic quest to destroy the One Ring and pave the way for the emergence of mankind.DVD Features:3D Animated MenusDVD ROM Features:Exclusive online contentDocumentaries:3 in-depth programs that reveal the secrets behind the production of this epic adventure, including: -"Welcome to Middle-earth" in-store special as shown by Houghton Mifflin -"The Quest for the Ring" as debuted on the FBC Network -"A Passage to Middle-earth" as premiered on the SCI-FI ChannelFeaturette:15 featurettes originally created for lordoftherings.net, which explore the locales and cultures of Middle-earth and include interviews with cast members Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler and others. Exclusive 10-minute behind-the-scenes preview of the next The Lord of the Rings theatrical release, The Two Towers.Music Video:Enya "May It Be" music videoOther:An inside look at the Special Extended DVD Edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Preview of Electronic Arts' video game, The Two Towers Double Amaray PackagingTV SpotTheatrical Trailer:Original theatrical trailers


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