RotK won the Oscars, but which of the LotR movies is really the best?

[Felix]

The most stirring opening of any move: Gandalf v Balrog

The introduction of the Gollum.

Sam coming into his own after being overshadowed in FotR.

Grima Wormtongue.

"The women of this country learned long ago that those without swords can still die on them."

Helm's Horn.

Foreshadowing-ish downhill charge of the Rohirrim.

The Final March of the Ents and the Breaking of Isengard.

"Gollum's Song" when they roll credits.

Has to be TTT.

 

[Mark]

I can't choose (vote). It's all one, big movie, IMO, and I don't feel any of the three parts holds up on its own as complete.

 

[Kai Lord]

I can't choose (vote). It's all one, big movie, IMO, and I don't feel any of the three parts holds up on its own as complete.

The question wasn't "which movie holds up on its own as complete" but rather which chapter is the best. I'm always curious as to why every thread like this has to have a number of responses like yours.

Kind of like someone asking "What was your favorite scene from Braveheart?" and then someone replying "well I can't pick a favorite scene because to me all the scenes combine to make one big movie." Well yeah, duh.

No big deal, I just find it odd.

 

[Mark]

The question wasn't "which movie holds up on its own as complete" but rather which chapter is the best.

The question was which of the three movies would I, were I the academy and could use a time machine, laud with 11 oscars. That is the question that I answered and I think if you re-read the first post my answer will make more sense to you, or perhaps not.

Still, nothing odd about it other than your mistaken impression that I should be answering a question that exists within your mind rather than the one posed in the first post. Perhaps you should revisit some of those other old threads where this has been your impression and find out where this problem of yours began. If this has happened so often that it compels you to make such comments then it might be a bigger deal than you realize.

 

[JRRNeiklot]

They screwed up less in FoTR.

 

[Gronin]

not an easy choice, but I have to go with FotR.

For me, much of this has much to do with the House of the Stewards of Gondor.

Boromir has been my favourite character since I first read the books almost 30 years ago and the movie did nothing to change that. I have always loved the scene where he finally falls prey to the draw of the ring and then redeems himself (and yes I am aware of which book it was in and I am quite happy with the change).

In TTT I was not happy with the portrayal of Faramir, I cannot figure out why they might have changed his personality as much as they did.

In RotK I was very, very disappointed with Denethor. In the books he is a tragic figure, in the movie he was quite simply repulsive.

I have one other reason for picking the FotR, relief. I was so incredibly worried about how these movies would look and feel and so very pleased with the way it was done, the casting (the actors cast/makeup/wardrobe came pretty close to making the characters look just the way I thought they would/should) and the changes made to the story (ie Arwen taking over the Glorfindel role).

 

[Taelorn76]

I also voted for FotR. I had read the Hobbit years ago, and heard about LotR, but never realy had a desire to pick up the books. After seeing the FotR I rushed out and bought the books and read them all. So FotR really introduced me to Middle Earth and set me on my way to become a die hard fan.

 

[Kai Lord]

Still, nothing odd about it other than your mistaken impression that I should be answering a question that exists within your mind rather than the one posed in the first post.

Not too odd considering it was the question asked in the subject header, the poll itself, and yes, the first post as well. If you're choosing a movie to give 11 Oscars to, its because you think its the best, particularly when one of those Oscars is titled "Best Picture." So yeah, I still think responses like yours are odd.

 

[Mark]

If you're choosing a movie to give 11 Oscars to, its because you think its the best, particularly when one of those Oscars is titled "Best Picture."

Then you've missed the point of this year's Oscars. I said it two years ago, last year, and you can see how I did this year with my predictions. If you're choosing a year to give eleven Oscars to a trilogy, you do it in the last year. I find it odd that you're in such denial of the obvious.

 

[Kai Lord]

I voted The Return of the King.

The epic grandeur of Minas Tirith, Rivendell, the lighting of the beacons, Denethor seeing the assembled orc army for the first time, the Oathbreaker's ghostly city, and the charging of the Rohirim.

The visceral thrills of the Fell Beasts swooping down on Faramir's fleeing men, the Battle of Pelenor Fields, Shelob. Any one of those could have been the action set piece of a spectacular film, having all three elevates ROTK above any action/adventure/fantasy film ever made.

The emotion of Sam being sent away, Frodo and Sam climbing the mountain, "I'm glad you're with me here at the End of All Things," the people of Gondor bowing to the Hobbits, their knowing glances to each other in the Shire tavern, and Frodo's departure.

The gleeful "hero" moments of Gandalf charging the Nazgul, the trumpets of the Rohirim, Eomer slaying the Oliphant driver, Eowyn facing the Witch King, Aragorn charging the orcs as the Oathbreakers materialize behind him, Legolas on the Oliphant, and Aragorn's "For Frodo."

And just one more mention of Sam carrying Frodo up the mountain.

I can't articulate how much I love this movie.

FOTR might feel a little more "polished", but if you look back at the history of cinema the setup is always easier than the payoff. And ROTK certainly delivered. I'd probably give FOTR a 10/10 and ROTK something like a 13/14. Not quite as "perfect" in its execution as FOTR, but very, very close, and overall a much more enriching experience.