jjphtm Reviews

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Fantastic, challenging, ultimately misunderstood

[10/10 · 7 March 2005]

Love, friendship, courage. Persistence. That's what it's about to me. A fairy tale for the ages, over the expanse of time, a small band of quietly heroic brothers who have been given an impossible task.

It is the story we all dream about living (admit it)- but never will, except through films like these. Tolkein's books weren't especially great in the scheme of literature or storytelling quality (I must say I doze every time I read Bombadil, so thank goodness they left that out - sorry hardcore folks!), so the films were built on imperfection.

Though, Tolkein's brilliance shines through the imperfections, and no one else has been able to touch it since. So my take on the films is just that - they have the same brilliance built on imperfection. And does that not embody the spirit of the story itself? The harsh details, the flawed characters, the ugly and disgusting, the beauty of the landscapes and the music, the pain and triumphs of the ordinary being. To me, the changes from the book were appropriate for today's viewing audience. Of course J.R.R. would probably find the films completely incorrect - but he died 32 years ago. Audiences are very different now.

Each film is long, and too long for any person to sit still for. Especially the last hour of RotK, which was simply extended to please too many different audiences (unforunately failed to please many at all).

But watching in appropriately measured viewings on DVD, my soul still sinks at the tragedies, and tears flow when the incredible Howard Shore soundtrack tugs at my heart. The DVD commentaries are hugely important to those interested in the films, because the details are astounding.

After reading many of the extremely negative (and almost silly) reviews, it is clear many miss the message of it all - possibly a lack of attention span, forcibly having to read subtitles for Elvish, maybe not understanding the books - I can't really say why. This film trilogy, obviously, is not meant to compare to a "Die Hard" or other action films. And the comparisons of Lord of the Rings to the Godfather movies or even Star Wars scream ignorance at its worst. I hope that those folks will read the books (again) and watch the films again, so they can understand the limitations and triumphs of each medium a little better.

Namarie...

The Way Home (2002)

A lesson in simplicity: or, less is more

[2 August 2004]

After reading comments about this film by folks expecting some "big payoff" in the end and being disappointed, wanting to tweak the script to make it more exciting, surprised the grandmother didn't "shout" at the boy (are you for real?), that they were "bored" and the story was "depressing", I simply don't believe many of these people actually watched the movie. Maybe it's the lack of skill reading subtitles, the patience of a long-tailed-cat with ADD in a room full of rocking chairs, or ignorance of any other culture other than their own. Who knows? Maybe film class does have its merits. Some people need to be taught how to watch a movie.

I felt compelled to comment on this film because of its simplicity. I recently watched "Rabbit- Proof Fence" whose filmmakers fascinated me with their desire to utilize simple, native folk as actors. The actions and emotions portrayed in 'The Way Home' were simple, and with few words, a few gestures, sometimes one can say more than what's contained in a volume of text. I admire a filmmaker who can use the entire screen to tell a story, and make the audience feel without having to say a word. Even the music was quiet, and used sparingly.

'The Way Home' is a fine, brief glimpse into a culture clash between young and old, rich and poor (of money, and of spirit). I think it's also an important film for western cultures to embrace, since respect for our elders seems to have fallen by the wayside.

Babylon 5 (1993–1998)

we all have something to say, and JMS has said it

[10/10 · 27 June 2004]

I usually steer clear of TV because of its lack of depth, but once in a while something special happens and I put aside my movie "habit" to spend some time with that rare, great show.

For those who have said Babylon 5 as a series "sucks" or worse after only seeing the first few episodes, I understand. We all felt a bit uncomfortable when it began. It was different, something none of us were used to. But as it is a 5 year story arc, the rest of us say "give it a chance". You'll see what we mean.

For those of us who are fans, I must say I feel the same as you all do. JMS has something to say, and he said a lot of it in this series. His words and ideas reflect what we all feel in our hearts and minds - about the ordinary person living a life with choices and their consequences.

I'd also recommend seeking out JMS' words on the net - the B5 quotes are everywhere - even his recent writings and reflections on 9/11 from The Amazing Spiderman comic are compiled out there. He says the words that we all wish we could say, and that's what makes his work truly great.

If you love it, get the whole series. Play it for your kids someday. If your own words of wisdom don't get through to them, these just might make a small difference.