Reviewed by: Oktay Ege Kozak
Everything we have been waiting for was coming to this moment. All the awe, the expectations, the wonderment we have been holding dear for the last two years. All of them were created so we could see this moment. Forget the “Fellowship” or the “Towers”. This is the moment. “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” is one of the greatest film conclusions of all time.
Everything in this film is perfect, and far beyond. The story is impeccable, the characters come full-circle in a beautiful way, the visuals are perfect and as for the battle sequences including what the characters go through during them; well, the excitement cannot be described in words. So why is “Return of the King” the greatest in the trilogy? There is a very simple answer to that. Considering all films come in three acts, this film is probably the greatest third act in film history, lasting longer than three hours (which pass like a flim by the way) and presenting probably the greatest and longest battle scene in film history. The marvel of this event cannot be expressed by a few humble words.
I'm worried about how the other professional critics will be able to deconstruct this masterpiece in little details. I really am. Because in a way, how can you even begin to describe and event like this? How do you analyze it perfection, or compared to which film will you weigh its supreme quality? In the eve of this film, all a human being can do is shut the hell up and clap his ass off and garner in the pride of knowing that you have been a part of a film history landmark that will be remembered long after your ashes are dispersed in your favorite sea.
Even though I could go on forever, I don't want to give away even a smidgen of the story or any part of the plot details. I didn't know anything other than the trailers when I walked into this, and that's the way I preferred it. Knowing anything about this film coming from mere human conversation will not do it justice. If you want proof that I do know what I'm talking about and that I am not just a blabbering idiot, let me tell you this: I saw “The Return of the King” back-to-back with “Fellowship” and “Towers” extended editions in a theater through the wonderful event the Loews Theater in San Francisco have put together (major kudos for them) in a big block of thirteen hours. So, I guess it's sufficed to say that my memories of the previous films were extremely fresh before I started gazing upon the third installment of the New Line logo.
And I have to tell you guys, “Fellowship” and “Towers”, no matter how perfect they can be, are all crap compared to “The Return”. You though the story was interesting or the characterizations were perfect in “Fellowship”? You better think again. And if you though the battle scenes in “Towers” were beyond incredible, all I can say is; my friend, you haven't seen anything yet.
Last night, I was part of a feeling that I can only guess our parents have felt when they first saw “Star Wars”. These past years have been very busy considering the continuations or conclusions of epic fantasy/sci-fi films. “Star Wars” pulled out its second episode while “The Matrix” trilogy came to an end. But none of them could even dream of coming close to the awesome capacity of this masterpiece. Peter Jackson and all the rest of his team should be proud as punch knowing that they have delivered and not only knocked down every single big franchise film you can imagine, but created a new and fresh representation of a classic story that will go on for the ages. As for you the audience, buy the damn ticket, sit down on your damn seat, open your eyes and enjoy. You deserved this
Special thanks to Movie - Vault
