The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim opens in theaters Friday, December 13.
We’ve all grown accustomed to certain expectations when it comes to adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The visual aesthetic, the iconic character voices, and the rich storytelling influenced by various sources. However, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim presents a bold departure from the norm. This anime movie, set in the same universe as Peter Jackson’s renowned trilogies, takes a different approach. Despite sharing the epic scale and dramatic essence of Tolkien’s work, The War of the Rohirrim falls short in justifying why this specific narrative needed to be translated into anime form. While filled with action, it fails to make a compelling case for future animated adaptations within the Lord of the Rings realm.
Uneven Execution and Familiar Themes
From the hesitant opening narration by Éowyn to the recycled phrases and familiar scenes, The War of the Rohirrim struggles to find its own identity within the established Lord of the Rings lore. Even the inclusion of Saruman, voiced by the late Christopher Lee, feels like an attempt to recapture the magic of the original trilogy without much success.
An Intriguing Yet Flawed Story
The movie introduces Héra, a strong female character created specifically for this narrative, as she navigates the challenges facing Rohan. The plot revolves around a usurper threatening the kingdom, culminating in a conflict that echoes the iconic Battle of Helm’s Deep. While this premise may pique some viewers’ interest, it ultimately feels like a shallow attempt to explain minor details from Middle-earth.
Lackluster Animation
Director Kenji Kamiyama’s experience in the world of anime shines through in The War of the Rohirrim, but the animation falls short in bringing the story to life. The static beauty of the visuals is overshadowed by choppy motion and lackluster horse animations, creating a disconnect that hampers the viewing experience.
While The War of the Rohirrim has its merits and may appeal to certain audiences, it lacks the timeless appeal of the original Lord of the Rings trilogy. It’s an interesting experiment that ultimately falls short of its lofty ambitions, leaving little desire for repeat viewings.