Review of the animated movie «The Lord of the Rings: the War of the Rohirrim»

On December 5, Ukrainian cinemas began to release the full-length anime «The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim» —, a new project from Warner Bros. that immerses us in the legendary world of J.R.R. Tolkien. This is not only an experimental format for the franchise, but also one of the most anticipated premieres of the winter. Did the authors manage to preserve the spirit of Middle-earth and give fans something new? Let’s find out!

Pluses:

an atmosphere that fully conveys the spirit of Tolkien's world; high-quality animation that adds a new dimension to the familiar universe; interesting characters, especially Helm and Hera; a dynamic plot that does not let you get bored

Minuses:

Sometimes it seems that the plot is too simplified to please a wide audience; some moments look too dramatic, almost caricatured

7.5/10

Rating
ITC.ua

«The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim»

Genre action adventure, drama, fantasy
Director Kenji Kamiyama
Starring Brian Cox, Miranda Otto and others
Premiere Cinemas
Year of release 2024

The movie takes place 183 years before the events we all know from Peter Jackson’s trilogy. The plot centers on the story of Helm the Hammer, the legendary king of Rohan, after whom the famous fortress is named. The main conflict is based on the invasion of neighboring tribes who decided not just to capture Rohan, but to destroy it for revenge and, of course, power.

King Helm is forced to gather all his forces and people to defend his land. But, as in any good story, there is room for drama, unexpected alliances, and great sacrifices.

Atmosphere — one of the key trump cards «The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim». There are no long introductions, explanations or unnecessary exposition text. The viewer is almost instantly thrown into the thick of things, and it works.

One of the opening scenes shows a peaceful life that suddenly disappears in the flames of war. The powerful contrast between calm and chaos sets the perfect tone for the story to follow. The characters seem to be thrown into new conditions that force them to change and grow in new ways.

At first, the anime format seemed like a risky decision, but after watching it, it’s clear that it was the right choice. Each scene looks so epic that you want to pause it right in the theater and look at the details. The battles are dynamic and large-scale, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the characters look expressive. This format allowed the creators to combine the majesty of Tolkien’s world with the expressiveness of animation. As a result, we got something completely new, but at the same time very familiar.

«The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim» accurately and clearly works with the characters. Helm the Hammer is not just a warlord, but a lively, charismatic hero. His determination and love for his people are felt in every scene.

The story also features Helm’s daughter, Hera, who is a real discovery in this film. She adds a new perspective to the classic story because female characters in Tolkien’s world rarely play such a significant role. Hera is the real star of this animated film. Her character adds drama and modernity to the story.

It is also worth mentioning the secondary characters who get their moments of glory. Each character has a clear motivation, a well-written backstory, and is sympathetic. It is easy for the viewer to find a favorite among this company.

Of course, any return to the world of Middle-earth is impossible without a comparison with Jackson’s classic. What is the main difference? It is a completely different experience. If Peter Jackson’s trilogy emphasized the realism and majesty of the natural landscapes of New Zealand, then «The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim» goes towards artistic stylization.

This story is a true epic of struggle, heroism, and incredible will to live.

It’s stylish, bright and with feeling, but not always. Animation allowed the creators to show scenes that would be almost impossible to realize in live action. For example, the battles look so large-scale that you feel like you’re part of this epic. But at the same time, there is a point that fans may not like: the movie sometimes loses its authenticity trying to please a wide audience.

It is not clear who it was made for. Either for fans or for the average viewer. For example, fanservice, in its abundance, may not appeal to the average viewer. And the style of the new adaptation and the peculiarities of the new characters may not appeal to the fans. This can be called a balance to reach a wider audience, or a big disadvantage because sometimes the story itself does not know for whom it was written and created.

«The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim» tells not only about battles, but also about the value of human resilience and unity in the face of a devastating threat. The authors raise difficult questions about how legends influence future generations, revealing that behind every great name lies a bitter sacrifice and a huge responsibility. This approach allows not only to expand the familiar mythology, but also to add emotional depth to it.

Conclusion:

«The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim» — is a bold experiment that proves that Tolkien's world can evolve and find new forms. The movie impresses with its scale, emotionality and modern approach to the classic story.