This week we got another Lord of the Rings movie which means I had to sit for three hours to watch this film, but that’s okay because it was more interesting than the first one if you ask me. There were times where I got a bit antsy throughout the movie as I continued to talk a lot during it. Yes, I was that annoying person who talked during the movie, but I promise I’m not like that at movie theaters. This movie was a little difficult to follow only because everyone looks the same, but besides that I understood the gist of what was going on. Anyway, for those who haven’t seen this movie, here’s what you’re missing.
I took this first scene as a “previosly on” because it started at the part where Gandalf did the whole “you shall not pass” scene. But then it went to what Gandalf did after he fell, which was fight the Belrog in Moria. Then it fades to black and we are shown Frodo and Sam who find themselves lost in the Emyn Muil near Mordor and discover they are being tracked by Gollum, a former bearer of the One Ring. You know, the “My Precious” thing. Capturing Gollum, Frodo takes pity and allows him to guide them, reminding Sam that they will need Gollum’s help to infiltrate Mordor.
On the other side of Middle Earth, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli pursue a band of Uruk-hai to save their companions Merry and Pippin, entering the kindgom of Rohan. The Uruk-hai are ambushed by a group of Rohirrim, allowing the Hobbits to escape into Fangorn Forest. Meeting Aragorn’s group, the Rohirrim’s leader Eomer back with these names explains that he and his men have been exiled by Rohan’s king, Theoden, who is under the control of Saruman and his servant Grima Wormtongue. Let me tell you something about this Theoden guy. When he is under this guy’s spell he literally looks like a dead man. Like this guy is just some dead king sitting on the throne. I don’t know why they didn’t just kill him in the first place, but this guy looked rough. Eomer believes Merry and Pippin were killed during the raid but leaves the group two horses. Oh thanks. Searching for the Hobbits in Fangorn, Aragorn’s group encounters Gandalf, who after his fight against the Balrog was resurrected as Gandalf the White to help save Middle-Earth. Oh, well that’s convienent I guess. Meanwhile, Frodo is thinking this guy is dead and still doesn’t know he’s alive until probably the last film.
Gandalf leads the trio to Rohan’s capital, Edoras, where Gandalf frees Theoden from Saruman’s control. Aragorn stops Theoden from executing Wormtongue, who flees. Learning of Saurman’s plans to destroy Rohan with his Uruk-hai army, Theoden evacuates his citizens to the fortress of The Hornburg at Helm’s Deep. Gandalf departs to find Eomer and his followers, hoping they will fight for their restored king.
Aragorn befriends, more like starts to have a thing for, Eowyn, who becomes infatuated with him. She really does. When the refugees traveling to Helm’s Deep are attacked by Saruman’s Warg-riding Orcs, Aragorn falls from a cliff and is presumed dead. Let me tell you I was not happy about this, because he was one of the best characters. Luckily, he is found by his horse Brego and rides to Helm’s Deep, witnessing Saruman’s army marching to the fortress. And let me tell you there are a lot of them. Like 10,000 of them.
In Rivenell, Arwen is told by her father Elrond that Aragorn will not return. He reminds her that if she remains in Middle-earth, she will outlive Aragorn by thousands of years, and she reluctantly departs for Valinor. That’s tough. Elrond is contacted by Galadriel of Lothlorien, who convinces him that the Elves should honor their alliance to men, and they dispatch an army of Elves to Helm’s Deep.
In Fanforn, Merry and Pippin meet Treebeard, an Ent. This is literally a walking and talking tree. Convincing Treebeard that they are allies, they are brought to an Ent Council, where the Ents decide not to take part in the coming war. Pippin asks Treebeard to take them in the direction of Isengard, where they witness the deforestation caused by Saruman’s war effort. Enraged, Treebeard and the Ents storm Isengard, trapping Saruman in his tower. lol loser.
Aragorn arrives at Helm’s Deep, bringing the word that Saruman’s army is close and Theoden must prepare for battle despite being vastly outnumbered. The army of Elves from Lothlorien arrives, as does Saruman’s army, and a battle ensues. This battle lasts for the rest of the movie. The Uruk-hai breach the outer wall with explosives and during the ensuing charge kill the Elves’ commander, Haldir. The defenders retreat into the keep, where Aragorn convinces Theoden to meet Uruk-hai in one last charge. At dawn, as the defenders are overwhelmed, Gandalf and Eomer arrive with the Rohirrim, turning the tide of the battle. The suriving Uruk-hai flee into Fangorn Forrest and are killed by the Ents. ha. Gandalf warns that Sauron will retaliate. Well yeah.
During all of this, Gollum leads Frodo and Sam through the Dead Marshes to the Black Gate, but recommends they enter Mordor by another route. Frodo and Sam are captured by Rangers of Ithilien led by Faramir, brother of the late Boromir. I’m pretty sure we could’ve figured out that one on our own. Why would you rhyme your kids’ names? Anyway, Frodo helps Faramir catch Gollum to save him from being killed by the Rangers. Learning of the One Ring, Faramir takes his captives to Gondor to bring the ring to his father Denethor. Passing through the besieged city of Osgilliath, Frodo tries to explain to Faramir the true nature of the ring, and Sam explains that Boromir was driven mad by its power. A Nazgul nearly captures Frodo, who falls under the ring’s power, fortunately Sam saves him and reminds him that they are fighting for the good still left in Middle-earth. Thank god for Sam. Impressed with Frodo’s resolve, Faramir releases them. Gollum decides to betray Frodo and reclaim the Ring by leading the group to “Her” upon arriving to Cirith Ungol. The end.
Way to leave it on a cliff hanger am I right? This movie was mostly action, which was fine. I really liked the scenes with Treebeard to be honest, but we didn’t get a lot of him. This whole movie is up to these two Hobbits who literally have no idea what’s going on, but it’s fine whatever. I’m mad about Gollum, he was pretty cool and then he just said “nevermind.” We also find out that his real name is Smeagol and apparently he’s a Hobbit, but we’ll figure that out in those movies. The lesson I learned from this movie: If 10,000 people are going to fight you, make sure you have backup.
Next Movie: The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King
Gabriella Dragone 