LOTR: Return of the King (2003)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 200 Minutes (Extended: 252 Minutes)

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Sean Austin, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Andy Serkis

IMDB Rank: 8.9/10

Part 1 Time:  105 Minutes (Extended: 127 Minutes)

Part 2 Time: 95 Minutes (Extended: 125 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? 

Theatrical Edition: Fodo (Elijah Wood) and Gollum (Andy Serkis) fight in Shelob’s lair, Frodo throws Gollum down a cliff.

Extended Edition: The Battle of the Pelennor Fields has begun between the combatants of Mordor and Gondor. Mordor outmatches Gondor and begins to break down the main gate of Minas Tirith.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: 

Theatrical Edition: “I have to destroy it for both our sakes” Frodo states to Gollum

Extended Edition: “Bring up the Wolfs Head!” Yells Lieutenant of Morgul Gothmog (Lawrence Makoare) to the Orc army.

First line of dialogue on the second part:

Theatrical Edition: “So sorry Sam, so sorry.” Frodo faints

Extended Edition: “You may go no further!” Shouts Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) to a fleet of Corsairs.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, Gondor is fully under attack from Mordor. Gondor is ill prepared and outnumbered. Will Rohan make it to Gondor in time? Also in Mordor, Sam (Sean Austin), Frodo and Gollum edge ever closer to Mount Doom.

Which part is better?  Hands down to part two, here we see the epic conclusion of this marvellous journey. Part two is full of action, suspense, and victory a must see for any fantasy fan.

Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing-Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, Best Music-Original Score, Best Music- Original Song, Best Sound Mixing, Best Visual Effects.