The Lord of the Rings trilogy of fantasy novels is a cult phenomenon in both the literary and cinematic worlds. Tolkien and his books are considered by many critics and fans to be the founders of the fantasy genre, and with over one hundred and fifty million copies in circulation, it is one of the best-selling book series in history. When Peter Jackson released the film adaptation of the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring, in 2001, the hearts of millions of fans jumped for joy. A mania began, which only intensified with the next two parts. I still remember squatting next to my parents as a ten-year-old, watching goblins in the movie theater who were just as engrossed in the plot as I was. And also about how, somewhere in 1996, my mother locked herself with books in her grandmother’s country house and allowed herself to be carried away by the beauty and adventures of Middle-earth. My dad or my older sister had to cook breakfast for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1teNj9pitA
Video games, card games, stickers, T-shirts, and other merchandise began to appear at the same time as movies. My room was decorated with posters and figurines. I had a ring around my neck and spent my free evenings playing The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth, which I still consider to be one of the best real-time strategy games. As a result, I completely fell in love with the magic of The Lord of the Rings, and when I sometimes think about it, a nostalgic smile appears on my face. The Hobbit prequel film trilogy, released about ten years after the original, unfortunately didn’t reach the same quality as its older siblings. Despite this, my parents and I again went to the cinema and were completely satisfied. After all, the book “The Hobbit: The Way There and Back Again” is one of my favorite books in my childhood.
I completely fell in love with the magic of The Lord of the Rings.
When Amazon announced that they were going to make a new series based on the Tolkien universe, I was skeptical from the very beginning. It often happens that greedy people with means that mere mortals never dream of can trample on the heritage of otherwise excellent works so much that they cause irreparable damage to it. And that’s exactly what I was worried about. The fact that in the case of Rings of Power, as the new series is called, is the most expensive series in history, it didn’t change anything. $465 million was spent on the first series. But nothing is eaten as hot as cooked. Come with me from the Gray Ports to Middle-earth in the days when its future was still being formed, and let’s see together how the first two parts of one of the biggest fantasy events of this year came together.
visual intoxication
Let’s start with the positive. The quality of the setting and visuals in Rings of Power is really high. Almost half a billion dollars is easy and simple to see. Compared to Dragonborn – the currently released prequel to Game of Thrones – we’re talking about a completely different league. However, it is impossible to compare the visual effects with the original film trilogy, as technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past twenty years. From the environment and the effects that you see on the screen breathes beautiful and mysterious magic, without which Middle-earth would not be Middle-earth. The creators have relied on a high level of computer graphics, and it paid off. The quality of the costumes is slightly worse, but it’s definitely not the same mess that Nilfgaard’s armor was in the first season of The Witcher. Filming the highlands from the air is once again breathtaking, and shooting in New Zealand, as with the original trilogy, is a very good choice. I highly recommend watching Rings of Power on a high-quality and preferably large TV with 4k resolution and HDR. It’s worth it. So I have almost nothing to complain about the visuals.
The following text contains spoilers.
Part One: Shadow of the Past
I used to let go of power rings with some trepidation, as I mentioned at the beginning. The first part begins with a visually stunning intro that introduces the viewer to a story revolving around a near-forgotten threat. Morgoth was defeated and Middle-earth passed to his servant Sauron. The goblins that once roamed the desert have not been seen for many years, and so the elven king Gil-galad decides to declare the war over. This results in the withdrawal of elven troops from the outposts and patrols controlling human territories. Galadriel, absorbed in memories of the war and the death of her brother, does not believe that everything is over. Together with a group of loyal warriors, he goes to the northern regions, where he is looking for Sauron. He believes that he is only gathering strength to attack again. Toward the end of the piece, the hobbit Nori finds a creature that has landed near the hobbit village, accompanied by fire.
The introduction to the series is rather weak. That is, except for the aforementioned introduction. The battle of Galadriel and her group with the snow giant made me feel a little uncomfortable. Elves’ agility probably means nothing to the creators, and while chasing a sword that ended in a jump, I tapped my forehead. And this despite the fact that I remember very well how Legolas went down the stairs on the shield. The first part introduces us to the characters and the environment and is generally slower. I can’t say that I was bored, but I certainly wasn’t thrilled. Pretty weak in the beginning.
Subjective rating: 5/10
Soft composition
I know absolutely nothing about the actors who played in “Rings of Power”. I haven’t seen them anywhere else and the vast majority seem insipid. Galadriel is undoubtedly a beautiful woman, but I was not very impressed with her storyline. At the moment, I don’t see anything rosy in the fact that he should be one of the main drivers of the series. Elrond, Gil-galad, and the retinue of Galadriel evoke the same feelings in me. Hobbits do not offend and do not excite. On the contrary, I was very pleasantly surprised by the Dwarf Prince Durin, including his companions.
The vast majority of actors seem insipid.
Dwarfs are treated well, with exceptions, and their city in the depths of the mountain is a delight to look at. I was also very interested in the elf ranger Arondir, but I have the highest hopes for the storyline of Bronwyn and Thea. With the kind of budget that Rings of Power has, one would expect to see some well-known actors on screen. But maybe they did not trust the creators, like many fans, and therefore did not want their coats sewn out of shame.
Part two: At sea
After the meager and unsalted Shadow of the Past, I no longer had much hope. But I have to admit that I ended up having a very good time. The plot gets more interesting. This is if you do not take into account the scenes with Galadriel and her sea agony on a raft. But I understand that it is necessary to introduce another important character for the story. The Elven King Gil-galad sends Elrond and Master Celebrimbor to negotiate with the Dwarves to build the largest forge the Elves have ever owned. Gil-galad wants to restore order in Middle-earth, and for this, I believe, the rings of power so well known to us are called upon to serve. In the city of the dwarves, Elrond meets Prince Durin, who does not receive him very warmly. Although they have known each other for many years. Friendships need to be developed, and Elrond hasn’t done that in the last twenty years.
Gil-galad wants to bring order to Middle-earth.
The storyline of Nori and the strange creature she encountered at the end of the first part takes an interesting turn. Personally, I think it’s Gandalf, but I won’t turn it down. I think the Arondira, Bronwyn and Theo line is the best part of the second episode. The goblin scene at Bronwyn and Thea’s house was great and, to me, almost horror. But horror films are taboo for me, so my fear threshold is quite low. On the whole, I am much more satisfied with the second volume than with the first. If the show maintains the same quality, I won’t be angry.
Subjective rating: 7/10
Correctness and quotas
We are walking on thin ice. Today’s society is chaotic and often divided. Issues of racial diversity and LGBT concern the world of show business and pop culture. Of course, this is also reflected in Rings of Power. I never cared what color a person’s skin was. Character, intelligence and behavior are important to me. However, in recent years, we have faced completely senseless pressure that lurks at every turn. I believe that the result is exactly the opposite of what the authors want. People are poisoned by propaganda and this adds fuel to the fire of racism and homophobia. Too much is bad, and when I think of Anne Boleyn, recently played by an African-American actress, my mind stops. Why change historical facts for the sake of hypercorrectness and quotas?
I use a similar approach with Rings of Power. Of course, this is a fictional universe, but the feeling that we have once again become victims of propaganda and coercion does not leave me. Durin Dees’ girlfriend is just the tip of the iceberg. Dark-skinned dwarves just don’t fit in Middle-earth, and neither does the elven ranger Arondir, whose character is otherwise great. In addition, instead of a beard, Disa has only a miniature mustache, which contradicts the canons of Tolkien’s work. Gnomes must be properly bearded. So I don’t mind casting black actors? Absolutely not. Don’t I mind when they’re given inappropriate roles just to make the creators blend in with the crowd, quotas and time? Definitely yes.
Gnomes must be properly bearded.
I suppose it would be appropriate for the inhabitants of the desert of Harad or the corsairs of Umbar, but for the elves and dwarves of Middle-earth? Even by mistake. Yes, you can argue, for example, that the drow dark elf race from the Forgotten Realms exists, but a canon has been created around them, in which the dark elves are rooted. So it’s all right. In the case of Rings of Power, I expected this and certainly will not stop watching the series because of this. I’m only sorry that he was driven into a world in which he does not fit.
No thorns, no trouble
The Rings of Power, to my surprise, were not as messy as I expected. After a weak first part, they were able to get my attention, and if the quality remains at least at the same level as in the case of Na mori, I will be satisfied. It’s definitely not something that can be compared to the original trilogy, but I’m glad to be able to revisit Middle Earth years later. In addition, in the highest visual quality. It’s a shame for the lackluster cast and hyper-correct decisions, sometimes spoiling the atmosphere. I’m curious to see where the story goes and next Friday I’ll pick up Rings of Power again. But I’m looking forward to learning more about the Rodu draka episode coming out on Monday. I recommend that you, readers, push away the whirlwind of negative comments that pile up on social networks like snow during an avalanche. It’s best to form your own opinion. But as always.
Source :Indian TV
