When we were discussing The Fellowship of the Ring after seeing it, I found myself repeatedly quoting bits of the books. It hit home suddenly how many times I'd read them; how well I was acquainted with Middle-earth and those living there. And perhaps this is also the best way of describing what I feel about the film. Familiarity. I was taken, for a brief three hours, to a place I know so intimately I can dream about it. Throughout I kept recognising things, people, places, and at the end I was wrenched away against my will. I want to go back there.

Naturally this film wasn't perfect. But then, do we want it to be perfect? Surely then the next two instalments would be a let down? There were places I went “hmm,” and many, many more places I went “yes! That’s it!”

I recognised the Shire. I caught my breath in Rivendell and out in the Wild. I had tears dripping from my eyes at the meeting of Gandalf and Bilbo. I recognised Merry and Pippin and their hobbit pranks, Sam’s shyness and noble heart. I recognised Strider in Bree and Legolas, Gimli and Boromir in Rivendell. In fact, the acting was superb overall. Both Sir Ians were outstanding, particularly in their scenes together; Bilbo’s longing for the Ring was perfect. Elijah Wood, an actor with whom I’m not especially familiar, really made me feel for Frodo. He did not need to use words to portray the desire to put on the Ring. The other hobbits were perfect foils for Frodo – there’s enormous potential for Merry and Pippin in the Two Towers, and Sean Astin’s Sam was exactly how I always imagined him. Loyal, steadfast, brave, with a heart of gold. I was sorry we didn’t see more of Legolas and Gimli, but I think that both characters were caught just right. Orlando Bloom in particular moved like an Elf constantly. Christopher Lee’s voice made me shiver; Liv Tyler’s Arwen was ethereal and not in the slightest Xena-like.

As for the two Men in the Fellowship – well, I’m sorry Boromir’s dead. The final scene had me in sobs. Throughout Sean Bean was Boromir, showing all the weaknesses and the strengths of Men. I doubt many could have played his tortured character better. And I can’t wait for The Return of the King, because I think Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn will develop into a true leader. It showed at moments, several times – when he ordered Boromir to give Frodo the Ring back; after Gandalf’s death in Moria … yet also we saw a fighter, a man in deep, true love – a human. I’m more in love with Aragorn than ever, basically!

The scenery, sets, costumes – all were incredibly detailed and there were so many little nods to us, those who have read LOTR multiple times. The music was not intrusive but was used effectively to enhance scenes. The CGI monsters were terrifyingly real, though maybe there was too much cave troll. Most of the things which I was worried about from reading rumours proved to be unfounded doubts.

The things that made me go “hmm.” Well, Galadriel’s temptation in Lorien was the major one, partly because I think she no longer looked beautiful, and partly because the voice-effect stopped me from hearing her words clearly. I’m sure Cate Blanchett delivered them superbly, but we weren’t allowed to find out. Lórien was the weakest link, and I think Peter Jackson said “goodbye!” to lots of it – I would like to see if more Lórien would help it.

Overall, The Fellowship of the Ring is not flawless, but it has depth of heart such as I haven’t seen in a film for many years. I will renew my passport to Middle-earth more than once, that is sure.

© Joanne Harris 2002