The Lord of the Rings FULL TRILOGY Reaction! | Epic Marathon Compilation (Achara & Kristen)
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Kristen's first viewing of *The Fellowship of the Ring* elicits strong emotional reactions, from awe at the world-building to profound sadness over character sacrifices.
- ❖The hosts highlight the hobbits' innocence and unexpected bravery as central to the film's emotional core, particularly Samwise Gamgee's unwavering loyalty.
- ❖Gandalf's wisdom and self-sacrifice are praised as pivotal, with his guidance offering profound life lessons.
- ❖The film's ability to create deep character connections quickly, despite a large cast and fast pacing, is noted as a significant achievement.
- ❖The hosts discuss the film's lasting quality, attributing it to practical effects, New Zealand's landscapes, and strong acting that overshadows minor dated VFX.
Insights
1The Corrupting Nature of the One Ring
The hosts repeatedly observe how the ring tempts and twists nearly every character, from Isildur's initial failure to destroy it, to Bilbo's reluctance to part with it, and Boromir's desperate attempt to seize it. Kristen notes, "The ring of power has a will of its own," and later, "It's the ultimate influencer."
Kristen's reactions to Isildur's failure (), Bilbo's possessiveness (), Gandalf's refusal to touch it (), and Boromir's temptation ().
2The Unlikely Heroism of Hobbits
Kristen is particularly struck by the hobbits' courage despite their peaceful nature and lack of traditional warrior skills. She emphasizes Sam's loyalty and bravery, finding their innocence a powerful counterpoint to the world's dangers.
Kristen's admiration for Sam's loyalty: "Sam is brave, man... for never being out and about. He is a brave little man. And he's so loyal." () and her emotional response to Sam's line about leaving home ().
3Gandalf's Profound Wisdom and Sacrifice
Gandalf's role as a mentor and protector deeply impacts the hosts. His philosophical statements offer powerful life lessons, and his self-sacrifice in Moria elicits strong emotional reactions, highlighting his dedication to the greater good.
Gandalf's quote: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." (). Kristen's reaction to Gandalf's fall: "He just gave himself up for you guys. You have to run. You cannot let his sacrifice be in vain." ().
4The Emotional Depth of Character Arcs
The hosts praise the film's ability to quickly establish deep connections with its characters, even those with complex or flawed motivations like Boromir. Kristen appreciates his raw honesty and the authenticity of his struggle.
Kristen's commentary on Boromir: "He had his demons, but he was a really good person." () and her appreciation for his admission of trying to take the ring ().
5Enduring Quality of Filmmaking
Despite being over 20 years old, the film's visuals and storytelling hold up remarkably well. Achara attributes this to the use of New Zealand locations and strong acting, which overshadows any minor dated VFX.
Achara's observation: "It aged so well... choosing New Zealand as the location for Middle Earth was such a great idea." (). Kristen agrees that the acting and story make any minor VFX issues irrelevant ().
6Filmic Adaptation Preference and Emotional Impact
Kristen expresses a strong preference for 'The Lord of the Rings' films over the original books, a 'hot take' given common sentiment. She attributes this to Peter Jackson's evident love for the source material and the collective effort of the cast and crew, which brought the book to life in a 'magical' and emotionally resonant way.
Kristen states, 'I prefer the films.' and 'Peter Jackson handled this so well. You can tell how much he loves the source material and everyone who worked on this... so much love was put into this movie and you can really feel it because it truly is like the book come to life.'
7Gollum's Complex Character and Groundbreaking Performance
The hosts delve into Gollum's character, viewing him as a 'broken creature' who is fundamentally good but corrupted by the Ring. They praise Andy Serkis's motion-capture performance as revolutionary, making Gollum feel 'real' and eliciting deep empathy, despite his manipulative nature. This portrayal highlights themes of abuse, manipulation, and the potential for redemption.
Kristen describes Gollum as 'this broken creature who's actually good. He has a lot of good in him. He's just been tortured and abused and manipulated by the ring.' She also states, 'Andy Serkis is like the god of movement... make the character feel so real.'
8Samwise Gamgee: The Epitome of Loyalty and Hope
Sam is consistently celebrated as the ultimate loyal companion and 'husband material.' His unwavering dedication to Frodo, his compassion, and his ability to see the good in the world serve as Frodo's anchor against the corrupting influence of the Ring and the despair of the quest. Sam's role is framed as essential for Frodo's continued journey.
Achara declares, 'Sam Wise is husband material. 100%.' and later, 'Sam is his anchor.' Sam's quote, 'There's some good in this world, Mr. F. And it's worth fighting for,' is highlighted as a core message.
9Gandalf's Rebirth and Enhanced Power
Gandalf's return as Gandalf the White is a moment of significant power and transformation. His 'glow up' signifies not just a change in appearance but an elevation in his capabilities and purpose, becoming a crucial leader at a critical juncture in the war.
Upon his return, Gandalf states, 'I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide.' The hosts react with 'He got an upgrade. He had a glow up.' and 'You're the coolest of the cool.'
10Hobbits as Unsung Heroes and Moral Compass
Merry and Pippin, initially seen as mischievous, evolve into key players. Their interaction with the Ents is crucial for the war effort, demonstrating that even the smallest individuals can have a massive impact. The hobbits generally represent purity and resistance to the Ring's temptation, making them ideal bearers and companions.
Achara notes, 'Pippen and Mary are becoming like very key players. Without them, the trees would not be on their side.' Kristen adds, 'They're very pure of heart... they're not really tempted by the ring.'
11Tolkien's War Experience and LOTR Allegory
The hosts note the strong warlike imagery and themes in the film, prompting one to research if Tolkien intended it as a World War allegory. While Tolkien denied direct allegory, his service in World War I likely influenced the portrayal of war, particularly scenes like the drafting of young men for Helm's Deep, which mirrored the 'war fought by boys' in WWI.
JRR Tolkien fought in the first world war and so you really... when they were preparing for the battle of Helm's Deep and they were getting all of the young men... it did make me think of World War I because so many young men were drafted and it was like a war that was fought by boys.
12The Necessity of Hope and Unity
The hosts emphasize the critical role of hope and unity in overcoming overwhelming evil. They appreciate Peter Jackson's choice to end the film on a light, hopeful note and highlight how the various peoples of Middle-earth coming together, despite past betrayals, is a powerful message.
You need hope... I'm really glad that we had that moment of like uh you know Gandalf coming in and then the ants fighting... like fine Sauron's going to regroup and he's going to come back but we have hope and that's all we need. ...everybody's showing each other like, 'No, we fought be side by side and this is the one we should be together on. Let's come together and be one.'
13Arwen's Mortal Choice and the Ring's Fate
Arwen's decision to forgo her immortality for Aragorn directly links her life to the success of the Ring's destruction. Her fading health serves as a stark reminder of the urgency and stakes of Frodo's quest, emphasizing that the evil spreading from Mordor affects even the most powerful beings.
Arduin is dying... Arwin's life is now tied to the fate of the ring.
14Samwise Gamgee: The True Hero
The hosts consistently praise Sam as the MVP and the true hero of the story, highlighting his unwavering loyalty, resilience, and strength. His ability to carry Frodo when Frodo can no longer carry the Ring is seen as the ultimate act of friendship and heroism.
Samwise is the coolest, dude. He really is... I can't carry the rings, but I can carry you. Something like that. I was just like, Sam, Sam, you're the best.
15Frodo's Unreturnable Journey
Frodo's experience with the Ring and the quest leaves him irrevocably changed, making it impossible for him to fully return to his old life in the Shire. This reflects a profound sense of post-traumatic stress and the idea of 'outgrowing' one's home after a transformative ordeal, mirroring Bilbo's own departure.
How do you go on when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back? ...Frodo was so changed by his ordeal and by his adventure. You know, it's like when when you've changed so much and you go home, it doesn't really feel like home anymore.
16Post-Trauma Character Evolution and the Drive for New Adventure
The hosts discuss how characters, particularly Frodo, undergo such profound changes through their traumatic experiences that they develop a need for further adventure. This drive helps prevent stagnation and offers a way to cope with trauma by continuously moving forward, even if healing time is still necessary.
Achara notes, 'You change so much that you're like, I need more adventure. You start to want more.' Kristen adds, 'And you want to see and explore and like experience more than just you're like just this is this all life has to offer? No, I've seen it.' They link this to not staying stagnant when dealing with PTSD, suggesting continuous movement as a coping mechanism.
17The Enduring Appeal of 'The Fellowship of the Ring'
One host expresses a strong preference for the first film due to its balance of levity and the powerful narrative of the team coming together. The subsequent films, while epic, are perceived as 'rough' due to their relentless focus on hardship and battles, making the initial camaraderie and lighter moments of 'Fellowship' more appealing.
Kristen states, 'my favorite is still the Fellowship of the Ring the first one... I find for me personally a lot of the hardship and the battles and the fights that they have to to do and and go through like I find that stuff like so rough. Whereas like the first one, there's so the there's so much more like lightness and levity and fun until it gets dark.'
18Peter Jackson's Strategic Inclusion of 'Happy Moments'
The hosts appreciate the director's deliberate choice to include moments of reunion and happiness after intense periods of conflict. These 'breather' scenes allow the audience to experience relief and see the characters' bonds reaffirmed, even if some moments might feel slightly over-the-top in their cheerfulness.
Achara notes, 'I do appreciate that Peter Jackson always takes the time to give us the audience those happy moments where where they're like, "Oh, yay. We can have a breather. We're together now. We can like laugh about it and like be friendly and have a moment and smiles."'
19The Comprehensive Thematic Scope of Lord of the Rings
The trilogy is lauded for its ability to seamlessly integrate a wide array of genres and themes—romance, action, friendship, family, and even horror—without becoming disjointed or 'messy.' This breadth contributes to its universal appeal and enduring quality.
Achara exclaims, 'the Lord of the Rings literally has all bases covered... Do you like romance? Cool. We've got like an epic love story for you. Do you like action? Cool. There's tons of amazing battles... Bromance, friendship, family, everything. Horror.' Kristen adds, 'It's got it all without feeling messy, which I really like.'
20Liv Tyler's Definitive Performance as Arwen
Liv Tyler's portrayal of Arwen is highlighted as a career-defining role, praised for her striking appearance, powerful delivery, and ability to embody an ethereal yet strong character. Her performance is seen as perfectly capturing the essence of an elf and making her character entirely believable as Aragorn's love interest.
Kristen states, 'I think Liv Tyler, this is my favorite role I've seen her in... this one I'm obsessed with her. She destroyed this role and I could not so good as an elf.' Achara adds, 'She's so striking and she delivers her lines and they're so powerful the way she does it.'
21The Trilogy's Flawless Casting
The entire Lord of the Rings trilogy is commended for its impeccable casting, where every actor, regardless of screen time, delivers a memorable and impactful performance. The hosts suggest there isn't a single 'weak' character or forgettable role, contributing significantly to the films' overall success.
Achara asserts, 'No. All every single character every sing they casted this so well there. I don't think there is one weak character that you don't like... All of them I'm like damn.' Kristen agrees, 'it is really well cast that everyone is so striking that that even if they didn't have that many lines they were still important characters.'
Bottom Line
The entire Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed concurrently over an extended period, fostering deep bonds among the cast.
This unique production approach contributed significantly to the authentic on-screen chemistry and emotional depth, particularly evident in the farewell scenes, where the actors' genuine sadness mirrored their characters'.
Filmmakers could explore similar long-form, concurrent shooting schedules for complex, character-driven narratives to enhance cast cohesion and emotional realism, especially for projects with ensemble casts.
Key Concepts
The Burden of Power
The One Ring's corrupting influence on nearly all who possess or desire it, illustrating how unchecked power can lead even the noblest to ruin. The hosts observe this repeatedly, from Isildur's failure to Boromir's temptation.
The Hero's Journey (Ordinary World to Special World)
Frodo and Sam's reluctant departure from the peaceful Shire into a dangerous quest, symbolizing personal growth through adversity. Kristen connects with Sam's line about taking the farthest step from home, highlighting this transition.
The Power of Pity
Gandalf's explanation that Bilbo's pity for Gollum may ultimately shape the fate of many, suggesting compassion can have unforeseen, far-reaching consequences, even for seemingly insignificant acts.
The Unreturnable Hero
After undergoing a profoundly transformative and traumatic experience, an individual may find themselves unable to return to their former life or 'home' because they have fundamentally changed. Their old environment no longer fits them, and they carry invisible wounds that prevent a full reintegration.
The Power of Distraction
In a high-stakes conflict, diverting the enemy's attention to a secondary front can create a critical window of opportunity for a primary, covert objective. By fixing Sauron's eye on the Black Gate, the heroes create a path for Frodo and Sam.
Lessons
- Cultivate empathy and seek the good in others, even those who appear broken or corrupted, as it can be a source of unexpected strength and loyalty.
- Recognize the power of unwavering support; being a steadfast 'anchor' for someone facing a heavy burden can be as crucial as direct action.
- Understand that seemingly insignificant individuals or actions can have profound, far-reaching impacts on larger conflicts and outcomes.
- For filmmakers: Integrate moments of levity and character reunion, even in intense narratives, to provide emotional relief and reinforce audience connection, as Peter Jackson effectively did.
- For screenwriters: Craft character arcs that explore post-traumatic growth and the psychological drive for new purpose, enabling deeper audience empathy and thematic resonance.
- For casting directors: Prioritize actors who embody the 'otherworldly' or iconic qualities of fantasy characters, as seen with Liv Tyler's Arwen, to enhance believability and audience immersion.
Notable Moments
Kristen's initial confusion and awe during the opening lore sequence, especially her reaction to Galadriel's voice and the forging of the rings.
Establishes her first-time viewer perspective and the immediate immersion into the epic scope of the story.
The emotional tension when Bilbo struggles to give up the One Ring, transforming from a kind figure to a desperate, possessive one.
Demonstrates the ring's corrupting power early on and the deep emotional attachment it fosters.
Gandalf's dramatic confrontation with Saruman, escalating quickly into a wizard duel that surprises Kristen.
Highlights the unexpected betrayal and the raw power dynamics among the wizards, raising the stakes for the quest.
The perilous journey through the Mines of Moria, leading to the discovery of Balin's tomb and the subsequent battle with goblins and the Balrog.
This sequence is a major turning point, introducing significant danger and culminating in a profound loss for the Fellowship.
Gandalf's fall in Moria, which deeply saddens and shocks the hosts, prompting Kristen to exclaim, "NO. NO. NO."
Represents a major sacrifice and loss of a key mentor, leaving the Fellowship without its primary guide and emphasizing the high cost of their mission.
Boromir's temptation by the ring, his subsequent fight to protect Merry and Pippin, and his dying admission to Aragorn.
Showcases the ring's corrupting influence even on noble characters, but also highlights redemption through sacrifice and honesty, deeply moving the hosts.
Samwise Gamgee's unwavering loyalty to Frodo, particularly when he attempts to follow Frodo into the water despite not being able to swim.
Emphasizes the profound bond between Frodo and Sam, solidifying Sam's role as the ultimate loyal companion and a source of emotional strength.
Pippin lights the first beacon of Gondor, signaling for aid from Rohan.
This act, born from Pippin's curiosity and bravery, initiates the critical call for allies, showcasing how even seemingly small characters can trigger monumental events.
Aragorn reforges Narsil into Andúril and summons the Army of the Dead.
This moment signifies Aragorn embracing his destiny as king and gaining a powerful, albeit temporary, army, demonstrating the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the importance of leadership.
Éowyn defeats the Witch-king of Angmar, declaring, 'I am no man!'
This iconic scene subverts expectations and delivers a powerful feminist message, proving that courage and strength are not limited by gender and that prophecies can be interpreted in unexpected ways.
Sam carries Frodo up Mount Doom, uttering, 'I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you.'
This is highlighted as the ultimate act of loyalty and friendship, symbolizing Sam's unwavering support and physical strength when Frodo is at his weakest, making him the 'MVP' of the quest.
Gollum bites off Frodo's finger, claiming the Ring, and then falls into Mount Doom, destroying it.
This accidental destruction of the Ring, driven by Gollum's obsession, underscores the Ring's corrupting power and the idea that even evil can inadvertently serve a greater purpose, preventing Frodo from succumbing entirely.
Aragorn bows to the hobbits at his coronation, followed by all of Middle-earth.
This moment is a powerful recognition of the hobbits' immense courage and sacrifice, highlighting that true heroism comes in all forms and that even kings acknowledge the 'small folk' who saved the world.
Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, Elrond, and Galadriel depart Middle-earth for the Undying Lands.
This bittersweet farewell signifies the end of an era for Middle-earth and the hobbits' personal journeys, acknowledging that some wounds are too deep to heal, and a complete return to normalcy is impossible for those who bore the Ring.
Quotes
"The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I smell it in the air."
"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."
"Always remember, Frodo, the ring is trying to get back to its master... to be found."
"If I take one more step, it'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been."
"Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo?"
"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."
"Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!"
"I will diminish and go into the West. I cannot do this alone."
"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."
"I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places when all other lights go out."
"I made a promise, Mr. Frodo. A promise. Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee. And I don't mean to."
"I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide."
"There's some good in this world, Mr. F. And it's worth fighting for."
"He's that stray dog that that most people would just put down... Froto's choosing to see the good and choosing to trust. That's what he needs."
"You need hope... fine Sauron's going to regroup and he's going to come back but we have hope and that's all we need."
"I really like the line from Mary when he said, 'You're a part of this world.'"
"Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the king. Steward."
"I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you."
"How do you go on when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back?"
"If you're continuously like moving and you're you're still doing your journey, then you don't really have that much time to really dwell on it."
"I do appreciate that Peter Jackson always takes the time to give us the audience those happy moments where where they're like, 'Oh, yay. We can have a breather. We're together now. We can like laugh about it and like be friendly and have a moment and smiles.'"
"Well, I love that the Lord of the Rings literally has all bases covered, you know. Do you like romance? Cool. We've got like an epic love story for you. Do you like action? Cool. There's tons of amazing battles this week. Yeah. Bromance, friendship, family, everything. Horror."
"It's got it all without feeling messy, which I really like. It's such a great great trilogy. Great movies. Every single one."
"I think Liv Tyler, this is my favorite role I've seen her in. Honestly... this one I'm obsessed with her. She destroyed this role and I could not so good as an elf."
"Sha Sha Bean, I feel like people hire him just so that his character can die and then and then you feel really bad. He makes you hurt and suffer in ways like no other."
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