THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM Gallops to Greatness, Delivers Spectacular THE LORD OF THE RINGS Anime Movie (Review)

As a lifelong fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, I must say that “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” has left me utterly spellbound! This cinematic masterpiece is not just an anime movie or a mere addition to the beloved franchise, but a breathtaking journey into the heart and soul of Rohan.

It has been 21 years since “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” graced theaters, marking the end of Peter Jackson’s trilogy of “The Lord of the Rings” movies. Remarkably, it’s also been 10 years since the final movie in “The Hobbit” trilogy hit the big screen. For a decade now, our Decembers have felt bare without the release of a sweeping Tolkien tale during the holiday season. So, when news broke that we would be revisiting the world of “The Lord of the Rings”, this time under the direction of Peter Jackson’s collaborator Philippa Boyens, and conceived as a new genre by director Kenji Kamiyama, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. However, there was also a collective breath held – with such a massive legacy to live up to, would “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” measure up to its predecessors in terms of nuanced storytelling, emotional resonance, and stunning visuals? Thankfully, the answer is an emphatic yes. Not only is “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” a fantastic addition to the “The Lord of the Rings” series, it stands as a remarkable film in its own right.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve learned that reigniting the nostalgia dragon can be tricky business. Some revivals might strive for greatness but fall short, feeling more like pale shadows rather than the original, cherished versions. But what sets The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim apart is its bold decision not to merely serve as a stage for familiar faces and nods to past tales. Instead, it intentionally distances itself from the icons of previous narratives, choosing instead to engage an audience that hasn’t yet joined its world. Unlike other retreads, The War of the Rohirrim doesn’t rely on magic tricks to captivate viewers; rather, it focuses squarely on its own story with the hope of genuinely earning our affection and respect, not merely commanding it.

Despite having its own unique elements, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim undeniably captures the essence of Peter Jackson’s interpretation of Tolkien’s world, providing long-time fans with a nostalgic sense of peace that comes from revisiting a cherished location. This film subtly references designs from the original movies, including architecture, creatures, and costumes, and brings back talented individuals to maintain a familiar feel reminiscent of Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings films without compromising its own richness and innovation. Furthermore, the writing is rich and poetic, emulating Tolkien’s style, with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou incorporating some of Tolkien’s original words throughout their work.

Absolutely, the poignant melodies from Rohan’s theme in “The War of the Rohirrim” can prompt tears even in longtime fans, stirring a torrent of emotion. That’s exactly what makes it special. This film is a piece of a cherished legacy and manages to capture the essence of that beauty while simultaneously crafting its own substantial narrative. In time, these stories within “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” will evoke deep, nostalgic feelings in fans’ hearts. Of course, there are a few subtle references to Tolkien lore, but the film offers much more than that.

In the narrative unfolds, the fierce shieldmaiden Hera, daughter of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan, plays a central role. The wrath (possibly pride) of Helm Hammerhand over his daughter’s hand in marriage stirs up a grave danger for Rohan, causing its people to flee and barricade themselves in the Hornburg, later known as Helm’s Deep, in a desperate struggle for survival. Much like other brief tales within Tolkien’s appendices, the story is rich in intrigue but leaves many details of the adventure unexplored. The epic saga, The War of the Rohirrim, builds on this promising foundation and expands into a tale steeped in history, worthy of becoming an enduring song and legend. This is the perfect setting for a film adaptation, as it offers creative freedom while preserving the essence of its revered originator. (Interestingly, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim dares to alter certain aspects of the lore significantly, but in ways that perfectly suit this particular story.)

In the film “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” an unnamed princess is bestowed a name. This succinctly illustrates the movie’s potency. Hera is an exceptional character, mirroring Éowyn in many ways but ultimately evolving into a warrior whose impact will be felt by her descendants who will proclaim, “I am no man” in Tolkien’s universe. Rarely do we encounter a story like Hera’s, one of a leader who emerges not from ambition for a throne or nobility, but merely out of necessity – as someone had to step up.

Fundamentally, “The War of the Rohirrim” unfolds as an extraordinary tale of love, though not in the conventional sense of a romantic liaison between two individuals. Instead, it revolves around a woman’s profound affection for her people and potentially, her own self-discovery. Hera’s transformation from an unnamed woman subject to male dominance into a courageous leader willing to risk all for her people resonates deeply with anyone who has ever harbored more within themselves than society perceives, striving to express that inner strength in the world. (A narrative seldom encountered.)

Apart from Hera, there are numerous other significant characters in “The War of the Rohirrim”. Each character, whether hero or villain, is instantly captivating – such as the towering Helm Hammerhand, Hera’s brothers Haleth and Háma, the virtuous Hela, and the enigmatic Wulf, whose heart is multifaceted but driven solely by his craving for victory.

Apart from its numerous appealing aspects, the film embodies everything you’d expect in an enchanting fantasy saga, particularly one reminiscent of Tolkien. It showcases a diverse panorama of Middle-earth’s wonders, such as colossal eagles, mumakil, snow trolls, and even an unexpected tentacled creature. Orcs, ever on the lookout for something sparkly, make their presence felt and contribute to resolving a longstanding canon enigma. Last but not least, there’s no dearth of horses – given its equine-themed focus, it truly lives up to being a horse enthusiast’s movie.



In “The War of the Rohirrim,” viewers can anticipate a signature element consistent with “The Lord of the Rings” films: breathtakingly epic battles. The conflicts in “The War of the Rohirrim” encompass various scales, from the intensely personal to the vast and overwhelming. These encounters are brutal, gripping, and filled with emotion, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the outcome and who might prevail. Additionally, there’s a creature confrontation that is simply awe-inspiring, rivaling any other tooth-to-claw battle ever witnessed.

It’s important to note that this film is both an anime movie and comparable to “The Lord of the Rings” series. The visuals and artwork are truly stunning, enhancing the overall experience. Animated movies often hinge on their aesthetic appeal, and “The War of the Rohirrim” stands out as one of the most visually appealing to grace our screens. Detailed scenes in both the foreground and background offer something new to discover with each viewing, characters brim with emotion, and the snow and ice scenes create a chill that’s hard to ignore. The art complements the narrative, and vice versa. Additionally, Kamiyama seems to have meticulously crafted the storytelling to fit the anime genre. Scenes featuring exaggerated expressions, dynamic movements, radiant landscapes, and transforming monsters are all hallmarks of an experienced anime creator.

fundamentally, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is a vast and compact narrative. It concentrates on telling its chosen story effectively while also hinting at additional stories and fresh viewpoints for existing tales. Concurrently, it narrates its own Tolkien tale without demanding extensive familiarity with the lore (although it does provide some) or relying too heavily on nostalgia. As a result, it appeals both to long-time fans of the series and newcomers encountering Middle-earth for the first time. Ultimately, it encourages every fan to delve deeper into the world of “The Lord of the Rings.

In a cozy, fireside setting, Éowyn weaves a tale steeped in authentic history and culture that kickstarts The War of the Rohirrim. Watching The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is like receiving an invitation to gather by a mighty hearth in Middle-earth, allowing us to cherish and continue the saga of Rohan’s shieldmaidens within our own hearts.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim ⭐ (5 of 5)

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2024-12-09 20:03