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Star Wars went from one to three (and then six) and Tarantino brought us a double bill with Kill Bill. But, as the most nominated film series in Academy Award history (with 30 nominations!) Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy has become the one by which all others must now be judged.
Jackson's visual effects-packed epic has set new standards in film-making, and The Return of the King, released on 25 May, is the jewel in the crown.
The final battle for Middle-earth begins as Frodo and Sam, led by Gollum, continue their dangerous mission towards the fires of Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf and Pippin contend with the deranged ruler Denethor at the once-mighty city of Minas Tirith, as Merry joins Eowyn to hold back the forces of Sauron. Amidst the chaos, Aragorn must rise to his destiny, aided by Legolas and Gimli, for a massive battle that will decide the fate of Middle-earth.
Until now, Tolkien's Middle-earth has only existed in the imaginations of its readers, but The Return of the King brings the battle of Pelennor Fields, the siege of Minas Tirith and the fiery Mount Doom to life. Many of the sets, big and small, were carved out of polystyrene, which can look like wood that has aged for thousands of years. Hobbiton was grown from just a seed a year before filming started and Minas Tirith was built from on old quarry.
Jackson weaves the various storylines together in one remarkable scene after another. The special effects help to create huge battles and frightening creatures on a previously unseen scale, while the excellent ensemble of actors brings the heart of the story home. One such actor is Viggo Mortensen who was so convincing in his role that, during a conversation, Peter Jackson referred to him as Aragorn for half an hour! Apparently, after his tooth was knocked out during a swordfight, Mortensen asked if they could superglue it back on so he could finish shooting!
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"Viggo embraced the role so completely it's difficult to imagine the two being separate now," said Jackson.
The entire cast underwent intensive training in sword-fighting, horsemanship and even languages for their roles. With so much going into the making of this epic journey of men, hobbits, elves, dwarves and the rest of Middle-earth's creatures, it's no surprise that Peter Jackson has created a cinematic masterpiece.
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