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LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

The Lord of the Rings is a book set in Middle Earth. It can be clearly defined as a fantasy film because it features magic and takes place in another world- an ancient world- home to hobbits, orcs, elves and wizards, and a variety of other strange creatures.

The setting of Middle Earth is important in the movie because it is a mystical land well populated with imaginary creatures - the land that Frodo and the Fellowship are trying to save from the deadly forces of evil. Evil that is lead and controlled by the Dar Lord and his rings, all created from Mt Doom, and quickly taking over all creatures and land.

This evil is what Frodo, the Ringbearer, must set out to destroy. The Ring that hangs from his neck, the One that controls all others, will only make his efforts more difficult. But with the help of a fighting force from the Rivendale Council, known as the Fellowship, he is lead closer to Mt Doom, but with one member considered dead, and two about to be killed, the Fellowship must split, Frodo and his gardner Sam continuing towards much more danger ahead.

Frodo has the same characteristics as any hobbit - short in height and one to forget about adventures. But the brave little Frodo must ignore his Hobbits instints, swallow hard, and prepare for a frightening adventure through Middle Earth to save all the creatures that sit and relax in all corners of the magical ancient world. He will journey far away, inspired by his uncle Bilbo, a role model of his dreams, and somehow battle the Dark Lord Sauron.

Overall I would judge The Lord of the Rings a magical masterpiece. Peter Jackson and his predominently New Zealand crew have done an excellent job telling an amazing story of The Fellowship of the Ring while promoting New Zealand as Middle Earth. The magnificent New Zealand scenery enchanced the movie, particuarly in 'Hobbiton' and the 'Hithaeglir' mountain range. An effect was used of speeding up parts of the movie, including fight between Erond's army and the Dark Lord at the very beginning of the movie and the encounter between the Dark Riders and Frodo. This was quite a challenge to take in at once, though I must admit it adds to the effect.

The first movie presents the beginnings of the journey of Frodo to destroy the ring, and the development of a Fellowship to protect him until it comes time for him to go alone. He finds himself in threatening situations that almost turn fatal for not only him but the goodness that cradles and protects existence. The movie is filmed in the beautiful scenery of New Zealand that has taken the tourism alias of Middle Earth for the duration of the movie's popularity.

The movie has continued to be awarded, recieving the title 'Best Movie' at the 2002 MTV Movie Awards. At the same awards Orlanda Bloom won 'Breakthrough Performance, Male' for his performance as Legolas. In the April, Academy Awards®, The Fellowship of the Ring recieved 4 awards. Andrew Lesnie recieved Best Cinematography, Jim Rygiel and Richard Taylor had Best Visual Effects, Peter Owen and Richard Taylor were awarded Best Make-Up, and the Best Original Score went to Composer Howard Shore.