Movie Detailed Information Page
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" is the third and final installment in the "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. Released in 2003, it is based on J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel of the same name. Here's a bio of the film:
Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Director: Peter Jackson
Release Year: 2003
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Runtime: 201 minutes (theatrical release) / 263 minutes (extended edition)
Plot:
"The Return of the King" continues the epic journey of Frodo Baggins and his companions as they face the ultimate battle against the dark forces of Sauron, the Dark Lord. With the One Ring, which holds immense power and corrupts those who possess it, Frodo and Samwise Gamgee make their perilous way to Mount Doom in the land of Mordor to destroy the Ring and ultimately bring an end to Sauron's reign of terror. Meanwhile, their friends and allies engage in a battle for the fate of Middle-earth as the forces of good unite to confront Sauron's armies in the climactic War of the Ring.
Main Characters:
- Frodo Baggins (played by Elijah Wood): The hobbit tasked with the burden of carrying the One Ring to Mount Doom. Frodo struggles with the Ring's corrupting influence as he journeys towards Mordor.
- Samwise Gamgee (played by Sean Astin): Frodo's loyal and steadfast friend who accompanies him on the perilous quest and provides unwavering support and strength.
- Aragorn (played by Viggo Mortensen): The heir to the throne of Gondor and a key figure in the fight against Sauron. Aragorn embraces his destiny and leads the armies of the Free Peoples.
- Gandalf (played by Ian McKellen): The wise and powerful wizard who guides and advises the Fellowship of the Ring. Gandalf plays a crucial role in the war against Sauron.
- Gollum/Sméagol (played by Andy Serkis): A tormented creature who was once a hobbit-like creature called Sméagol but has been corrupted by the Ring. Gollum becomes obsessed with reclaiming the Ring.
Significance and Impact:
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" garnered critical acclaim and became a commercial success. It won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Peter Jackson), and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film's stunning visual effects, immersive world-building, and powerful storytelling captivated audiences worldwide.
As the culmination of the trilogy, "The Return of the King" delivers a grand and emotionally charged conclusion to the epic tale of Middle-earth. It explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. The film's breathtaking battle sequences, memorable characters, and profound storytelling made it a beloved cinematic achievement and solidified its place as one of the greatest fantasy films of all time.
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" not only satisfied fans of Tolkien's original novels but also attracted a broader audience, expanding the popularity of fantasy films. Its success paved the way for subsequent fantasy adaptations and influenced the genre as a whole. The film's impact continues to endure, and it remains a significant cultural and cinematic achievement.
Movie Details
1. Record-Breaking Oscar Wins: "The Return of the King" won all 11 Academy Awards it was nominated for, tying the record for the most Oscar wins with "Ben-Hur" (1959) and "Titanic" (1997). This includes Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
2. Extended Edition Length: The extended edition of "The Return of the King" has a runtime of 263 minutes, making it the longest of the three extended editions in the trilogy. It includes additional scenes and expands upon existing ones to provide a more comprehensive storytelling experience.
3. Filming Challenges: The production faced numerous challenges during filming, including adverse weather conditions. The crew had to contend with extreme winds, snowstorms, and muddy shooting locations, which added to the difficulties of filming the epic battle sequences.
4. Multiple Endings: The film is known for its multiple endings, which some viewers found extensive. Peter Jackson defended this decision, explaining that he wanted to provide closure to each of the characters' storylines and give audiences a satisfying conclusion.
5. Sweeping Awards Season: In addition to its Oscar success, "The Return of the King" received numerous accolades during the awards season, including Best Motion Picture at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Critics' Choice Movie Awards.
6. Andy Serkis as Gollum: Andy Serkis delivered a groundbreaking performance as the CGI character Gollum. Serkis used motion capture technology and provided both the physical and vocal performance for the character. His work helped redefine the possibilities of motion capture acting.
7. Battle of the Pelennor Fields: The film's climactic battle sequence, known as the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, involved the largest number of extras ever used in a single scene. Over 1,200 extras were utilized, along with various practical and digital effects to create the epic scale of the battle.
8. The Cast's Tattoo: To commemorate their time working on the trilogy, nine members of the principal cast, including Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom, got matching tattoos in Elvish script. The tattoo features the word "nine" written in the fictional Tengwar script.
9. Record-Breaking Box Office: "The Return of the King" was a box office sensation, grossing over $1.1 billion worldwide. It became the second film in history to cross the billion-dollar mark at the time, following "Titanic."
10. Cultural Impact: The film's release solidified "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy's place in popular culture. It further popularized J.R.R. Tolkien's works and fantasy as a genre in mainstream cinema. The film's success also paved the way for subsequent fantasy film franchises.
These trivia facts highlight some interesting behind-the-scenes details and the remarkable achievements of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." The film's critical acclaim, commercial success, and enduring impact continue to make it a beloved and influential entry in cinematic history.