As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for all things fantasy and a soft spot for the world of Middle Earth, I must say that “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is an animated gem that deserves recognition. With a rich history of Tolkien adaptations under my belt, from Rankin/Bass’s TV specials to Ralph Bakshi’s pioneering efforts, this anime-style extension feels like a natural evolution in the annals of Middle Earth lore.
Prior to Peter Jackson’s adaptation of “The Lord of the Rings,” audiences were already introduced to J.R.R. Tolkien’s magical universe through a series of animated projects in the late 70s. These included two TV specials by Rankin/Bass (with “The Hobbit” being particularly well-received), and a dramatic, foreboding movie from Ralph Bakshi, who is known for directing “Wizards.” Therefore, it’s fitting that Jackson and screenwriter Philippa Boyens chose to create an intense, hand-drawn supplement to the existing mythology, similar to what “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” represents.
When I mention “poetry,” I’m likely referring to a unique type, similar to what you might encounter at your local Renaissance Festival, complete with pipe music, an assortment of quirky characters dressed up, and perhaps even a jig or two. The main attraction of “The War of the Rohirrim” isn’t its animation, but rather its anime-style, reminiscent of the intricate, maturely themed Japanese TV series and films. To add to its credibility, this production was helmed by Kenji Kamiyama, who previously directed “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” for Warner Bros. and “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
If you’re a fan of Middle Earth and crave more details, here’s over two hours of intricate background information focusing on the siege at Helm’s Deep, a fortress later famous for the battle where Saruman’s Orcs were destroyed by Ents in “The Two Towers”. This isn’t so much an adaptation as it is an extension based on Tolkien’s rich writing. It might satisfy die-hard fans, but it may not provide the same level of excitement that the live-action movies once did for less dedicated viewers.
160 years prior to “The Hobbit”, the story begins with a young woman with hair like Advil pills riding up a mountain, offering a huge ham bone to one of the mighty eagles. This is no ordinary girl, as a sweeping 360-degree shot and Éowyn’s voiceover clarifies: “Through her actions, many great feats were accomplished. However, you will not find tales of her in the old ballads. There are none.” The film score, created by Stephen Gallagher (a music editor on Jackson’s films), might send shivers up your spine. If nothing else, “War” showcases the excitement of delving into that cinematic fantasy world we call Middle Earth.
The writers, numbering five including Boyens, haven’t made “The War of the Rohirrim” overly simple for beginners. The title refers to the people from Rohan, ruled by a formidable character named Helm Hammerhand, who bears a resemblance to Vikings and has the ability to kill enemies with a single punch, as demonstrated in a confrontation with a rival leader. This role is played by Brian Cox, known for his gruff voice from “Succession”, fittingly cast given the story’s focus on succession and Rohan’s leadership. Among Helm’s offspring, it’s evident that he favors his red-haired daughter Héra (Gaia Wise).
The conflict initiates with an initial confrontation where another leader proposes his son, Wulf (Luke Pasqualino), for marriage to Héra. However, this is less an invitation and more a command for her to accept the proposition. A flashback discloses that Héra and Wulf were once playmates in their childhood, and there’s a hint they could have developed romantic feelings for each other (though she did give him a distinctive scar on his left eye). If Helm refuses to relinquish his kingdom through marriage, Wulf intends to seize it by force, amassing a vast army of four-tusked elephant-like creatures to assault the grand hall.
Cleverly foreseeing the attack, Hera ensures the safety of the townsfolk by leading them to Fort Hornburg, a colossal fortress carved into a mountain. The initial part of the movie keeps viewers hooked, but as the story progresses, it becomes somewhat repetitive as the Rohirrim seek shelter and Wulf, though appealingly portrayed, displays an unyielding ruthlessness, attempting to force entry.
King Helm continues wielding his powerful hammer, yet it’s clear he can’t fend off the invaders by himself. This situation calls for Héra, a character who Boyens and Jackson aim to portray as equally brave and resourceful as the heroic males they highlighted in their live-action films. After all, fantasy provides an excellent platform to counterbalance the predominantly male achievements that have characterized our earthly history, where we find no parallel.
Simultaneously in Middle Earth, Tolkien had previously envisioned Éowyn, portrayed by Miranda Otto, who was a shieldmaiden of Rohan. Héra bears a striking resemblance to her, serving as another inspiring female character in the franchise, which is slowly regaining momentum. “The War of the Rohirrim” may not be enough to fully revive it (it’s not enough to warrant a theatrical release), but it does provide a link between “The Hobbit” and Jackson’s upcoming “The Hunt for Gollum.” Scattered throughout, fans will find some references that most people can easily overlook. It seems the allure of the ring has faded somewhat.
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2024-12-09 20:16