Thoughts on the Films

Greetings! I am still working on the book and will be for a while yet, but wanted to drop in to assure you that I have not left the Circles of the World. Warning - this is quite long. I watched all the Extended Editions in the theatre and it was neat to do that for the first time. I loved Peter Jackson’s intros. To think my second favorite scene from Two Towers was almost not filmed! I liked that he noted there was 6000 of the Rohirrim riding to battle just as at Waterloo. I thought it was neat that he, almost shyly, thanked us for coming and appreciated that we had mad the effort. Hey, no problem, glad to do it!

It’s appropriate on this 4th of July weekend to reflect on what impressed me the most this time was the tremendous courage of the men of Gondor and Rohan to ride into battle, knowing they would likely die, but willing to make that sacrifice to save their world and those they loved. Freedom is not free. It is brought in blood and sweat, toil and tears, sacrifice of wholeness, redemptive suffering for the sake of others, lives given to save their world. Frodo shows this as well, of course, but the men really stood to me this time.

Needless to say, I love the films and in writing this I come to realize anew how much. I came to this marvelous tale through them and I am a happily obsessed Frodoaholic (or FrodoandSam-aholic) because of them. Every single performance is perfect (though I strongly disagree with some of the interpretations, more on that later), the music is magnificent and the special effects spectacular. The only thing that mars my enjoyment is becoming increasingly uncomfortable with how very much they diverge in parts from what really happened. In becoming more loyal to the books and the magnificent BBC Radio adaptation that is so faithful, I have become more of a purist and I cringe when I see in the credits “Based on J.R.R.Tolkien” when parts of it are most definitely not based on the Red Book at all, but are in direct opposition to it.

I don’t mind all the changes of course as you can see from the quite extensive list below. Some of them are just plain fun. Some are beautiful moments of grace that are not in the original but are wonderful additions. There are many love stories or individual scenes of love in the films, most having nothing to do with romantic love but based on family ties or compassion, mercy and pity. That all these are celebrated is another great strength of this version of the tale.

In no particular order, I love:

- Arwen’s embrace of and prayer over the dying Frodo, someone she just met but to whom she already shows such tender care.
- Frodo’s vision of Galadriel in Shelob’s Lair is another marvelous addition. I never understood how some others saw even when the book first came out a comparison with the Virgin Mary, but in this scene, that is portrayed perfectly. (I doubt very much that is intentional, but it is there nonetheless which is lovely). Galadriel is shining so beautifully and lovingly smiling and offering her hand to aid the exhausted Ring-bearer. Now that’s Mary!
- “Oh, the perfection that is Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins” to quote the Artisan of the Shire. Those wonderfully expressive eyes show everything from innocent joy and love to fear, torment and grief as the Ring slowly and painfully devours him and he can do nothing but endure it. Truly those eyes are windows to the soul which the Artisan so wonderfully expresses in her wallpapers that you must check out to understand even more about the terrible cross Frodo willingly took upon himself. The Mouth of Sauron was right when he said it is amazing how much torment such a small being could endure. Frodo did indeed spend time in the houses of lamentation.
- the loyalty to the greatest love story in the tale, that of Frodo and Sam, showing it in its pure and innocent glory in all the hugs and loving and supportive looks they share. Frodo indeed would not have got far without his Sam and throughout the films this bond is beautifully celebrated.
- Frodo saying Sam’s name in fear and sorrow when he comes to his senses in Shelob’s Lair after the insanity of sending him away and apologizing to his absent friend for that just before he collapses in exhaustion.
- that look of joy, love and forgiveness that is Sam’s smile as they reunite in the Tower. So much said in that loving look and not a word spoken. I think this well conveys the happiness that book-Sam felt upon seeing his treasure again. A lot of Ring-induced tension has passed between them, angry words and accusations, all melted away in that look. If such love and forgiveness could be felt in all relationships!
- the tender look they share in the Houses of Healing, when all else fades as they stare into each other’s eyes, happy, proud, grateful, content. Again so much shared that no tongue could speak anywhere as adequately as their eyes do.
- the encouragement that Sam continually gives to his Frodo when the Ring-bearer is most despairing, like when Frodo says he has a feeling he won’t be coming back and Sam says of course they are going to return home, just like Bilbo, and when looking down at the huge Orc host and saying, let’s just get down this hill first. The gaze that Frodo gives to Sam, desperately trying to draw some of that strength into himself. They are so cute as orcs.
- Sam offering the last of the water to Frodo. When Frodo says there will be nothing left for the way back, Sam admits he doesn’t think there will be one, then immediately offers his hand to help his treasure up and they continue on. This moment is Sam’s finest, surpassing even carrying Frodo later
- holding Frodo on Mount Doom
- after Sam nearly drowns and Frodo rescues him, the Ring-bearer is so moved he is in tears, both from the horror of what almost happened and gratitude for the loyalty and love Sam bears him. I love their big hug in the boat, all they care about at that moment is holding onto each other, and Frodo’s look at Sam afterwards to reassure himself that his beloved brother is truly all right and ready to continue on.
- the smiles that Sam inspires in Frodo that Sam doesn’t even see: the first night out in the woods when Sam is complaining that he will never be able to sleep on the ground and Frodo tells him to imagine he’s really in a soft bed with feather pillows. He has such a sweet smile then and after praising Samwise the Brave, especially touching to see such a tender and happy smile then after the horror of holding Sting at Sam’s throat. It is a beautiful gift for him to feel and for us to see
- Sam saying “It’s all right” in the Dead Marshes and “You’re all right” at Osgiliath as the Nazgûl is near, just as he does in the BBC adaptation at several different times. Things are definitely not all right, but at the same time, they are since Sam says they are. In the Dead Marshes he holds onto Frodo’s hand tightly to keep him from reaching for the Ring and says, “I’m here”: those two words are why it’s all right. Every moment Sam is with his treasure is a moment of grace for the beleaguered Ring-bearer, whether it is in the book, films or musical (what I know of it, since I have unfortunately not seen it).
- The scene of Frodo/the Ring drawing Sting on Sam is my favorite in TTT because it shows not just the terrible corruptive power of that fell object, but more the greater power of love which Sam continues to display without skipping a beat, despite having a sword held at his throat by the one he loves most in the world.
- how the hidden-in-plain-sight love story of Frodo and Sméagol is portrayed; a love based on understanding and compassion for another tormented soul, faithful to the book, though different in how it is shown how Frodo wished to be “my brother’s keeper” or as The Jerusalem Bible has it, “my brother’s guardian.” That is who the younger Ring-bearer is to his wretched guide and kindred spirit. This is most beautifully shown when Frodo crouches close to him one night and softly calls him Sméagol, a voice that is almost a caress, restoring to him his God-given name and some dignity and worth. It’s a wonder to that creature who has only known centuries of Gollum to hear a kind voice. I love the expression on Sméagol’s face at that time as he speaks his name himself. Frodo telling Sam he wants to help their guide and believe that he can come back. If Sméagol can, then Frodo can himself. “This creature is bound to me. And I to him.” Frodo offering his hand to Sméagol which he takes. After Frodo nearly throttles his shadow/mirror/dark brother and self under the influence of the Ring, he says, “I have to destroy it, Sméagol. I have to destroy it for both our sakes.” This love and bond begins because of the pity and compassion that Frodo has gained through his own growing addiction to the Ring and the realization of the harm that it is causing to both their souls. This is why Frodo wants to destroy it and to save Sméagol and himself if he can. In a way only an addict can understand another addict. It is a love that Gollum is constantly trying to undermine while Sméagol struggles to remain loyal to it with limited success. The wretched creature shows when he brings back the coneys and excitedly drops them by Frodo who wakes and smiles at him and up at Sam, as though to say, ‘See, he’s not so bad, look at what he’s brought us.’ It is a love that is ultimately destroyed by the Ring-lust that unites them.
- The lighting of the Beacons gives me goosebumps it is so beautiful and the music so majestic. I am touched by the inspiring men who are there, so isolated from all else but who remain loyally there just in case they are needed. You don’t even see their faces, but they are still living beings, if only seen from a distance for a moment, showing another great strength of these films. “Hope is kindled.”
- Frodo staying in the Shire long enough to know Elanor much longer and able to see his namesake born. It is too bad they didn’t show a moment of them together, but they must have of course.
- Aragorn’s ‘Henry V’ speech at the Black Gate - so rousing and inspirational I almost want to join the battle myself
- Merry and Pippin as they part after Pippin has his terrifying encounter with Sauron and has to be carried off by Gandalf
- Gandalf and Pippin immediately after that encounter when the wizard rouses that fool of a Took with tender care, holding his cheek and hand.
- Legolas touching Aragorn’s shoulder in compassionate support as the man falls to his knees in near despair after they leave the Paths of the Dead and see the black ships
- The hand Aragorn extends to help the traitorous Wormtongue up after preventing Théoden from killing him
- “Be at peace” softly spoken as Aragorn releases the Dead
- Théoden’s words to Wormtongue at Isengard, tenderly showing compassion and mercy so in contrast to his murderous rage before
- Faramir and Pippin in the Citadel, providing a basis for the bond they must have formed, deep enough that the hobbit would name his son after the man. Book-Faramir is essentially a hobbit in a man’s skin in his gentle nature, something that film-Faramir at last displays here which Pippin notices and is shown in his embrace of the shieldmaiden who comes so unexpectedly into his life and heart. Love the tween’s words that Faramir has a strength different than the warrior spirit Boromir and Denethor has. Indeed he has and it is correctly portrayed in ROTK.
- I ache for Faramir as he endures Denethor’s brutal emotional abuse of him, so true to the books.
- The embraces at the Grey Havens. There is so much love, grief and torment there that words cannot express the depth of them, only arms and eyes can in long, tight, silent embraces and final looks into beloved eyes. Frodo enters into the hugs with Merry and Pippin gently and slowly, but with Sam, it is so forcefully and quickly you can actually hear the embrace come together. I always felt bad that Sam was still holding onto the Red Book so couldn’t hold that half of his heart as tightly as he would have otherwise. This is the largest loss, and the only one that has hope for reunion. When Sam’s expression changes during this last embrace (at least last for a long while), it must have been then that Frodo gives his Sam hope of that reunion, something he would not have wanted Merry and Pippin to hear since he could not extend the same hope. Then there’s Frodo’s reverent farewell kiss to his most beloved friend and brother, part of his own heart and soul, even deeper than Merry and Pippin are. It’s more powerful that only Sam is kissed instead of all three as in the book. There is much is that loving touch that words could never say, ‘I love you, I’m so sorry, Thank you for everything you ever did for me.’ As Annie Lennox signs in “Use Well the Days”: ‘The love you gave is all I take with me.’ Pippin is grinning through his tears in response to Frodo’s smile, true to his cheerful nature. Merry is trying hard to smile but can’t quite manage it since he is in too much pain. Sam softly smiles in love and hope that he will see his treasure again one day. It is he who lingers longest at the shore.
- the joyful, innocent and love-soaked romp on the bed as Frodo and his cousins reunite in the Houses of Healing and if I didn't mention it, in Rivendell and hugging Bilbo
- Arwen giggling as she hugs Aragorn at his coronation
- Elrond’s agonized joy at the same as he finally lets her go
- The expressions on Gimli’s face after Aragorn says “Don’t look down” as they go through the Paths of Dead. This, of course, gives the dwarf an irresistible urge to look down which he struggles to overcome and when he fails, results in his very gingerly walk upon the myriad skulls that little the place.
- Pippin flinching in Moria at the terrible noise made when all that skeleton and stuff falls down the well
- Frodo trying to wake Aragorn after he’s fallen during the battle with the cave troll and orcs
- Aragorn’s refusal to take the Ring which Frodo plainly shows him after Boromir has tried to take it from him. Instead he gently closes the hobbit’s fingers around it and brings that hand against Frodo’s heart, saying he would have gone with the Ring-bearer to the very end. Love the soft and tender way that action and words are used.
- The wonder, joy and hope so long denied that shines in Hama’s eyes as he gives his beloved, restored king the sword that belongs to him.
- Frodo crawling on his belly with the very last bit of his strength. “We are not at our best perched at the summit. We are at our best climbing, even when the way is steep.”- Anonymous. This is the best example of Frodo offering his “living body as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God” (Rom 12:1).
- The expression in Frodo’s eyes when Sam speaks at the beginning of ROTK about the journey home. He is silent, but this is another look that speaks volumes without saying a word, words that at the moment the Ring-bearer does not dare speak and does not want Sam to even see. You know he is thinking, ‘Oh Sam, don’t you know there won’t be one?’ He has long lost hope but Sam speaks as though no other alternative but coming home has occurred to him. Frodo doesn’t want to say anything because he doesn’t want to ruin his beloved guardian’s hope and without that hope he cannot go on himself. He needs to hold onto something that has not been ruined by the Ring amid all the devastation in and around him, some piece of light that is still free. That something is his Sam.
- Sméagol being tormented by Gollum and commanding Gollum to go away and his astonished wonder and joy when it actually happens and his wild joy as he prances about celebrating his newfound freedom.
- Galadriel’s kiss to Frodo’s brow as they part
- “Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?” “Hehehehe.”
- The expression of Legolas triumphantly sliding down the trunk of the oliphant and landing in front of Gimli. “That still only counts as one!”
- The terrible seductive and corruptive power of the Ring is so well shown here as it tears Frodo and Sméagol apart within and from each other. Frodo stroking the Ring at night like a moth attracted and fascinated by a flame that is consuming him, a most obvious sign of the addict he is becoming, something that Sam notes more than once when he tells Frodo that it hasn’t escaped his notice that his beloved is hardly sleeping or eating.
- Sméagol appearing upside down at the beginning of ROTK
- Frodo clutching Bilbo’s shoulder in silent support, love and forgiveness after being freaked out by the old hobbit’s continuing Ring-lust, Bilbo putting his hand over Frodo’s and Frodo’s tightening his grip - again so much love shown without a word being said
- Frodo’s dream of Gandalf falling into the abyss of Moria with the Balrog, showing in a different way that hobbit’s unusual gift for having such dreams and visions. As I watched that this time, I thought of the demon originally being a brother angel of Gandalf’s, now separated by malice, hatred, rage and choice. Did they recognize each other as once being kin in spirit? How would that have felt to fight such a one?
- Éomer’s howls of grief as he rushes to and holds his stricken sister on the battlefield. His worried looks as Aragorn tends her.
- Sam seeing his star and telling Frodo to look and aching that Frodo opens his eyes for a moment, looking straight ahead, so exhausted and unable to raise his head due to the terrible burden around his neck, the weight of the sins of a fallen angel
- Sam watching over him then
- Even with their heads touching as they await their deaths at Mount Doom, Sam still watches over his beloved
- The very deliberate but brittle calm and control Frodo has over himself in the Tower when he asks for the Ring back. He’s must have in the forefront of his mind his other betrayals of Sam’s love and he’s very determined not to do that again. One marvels at the strength it takes for him to hold back all the Ring-lust that he could not in the book or radio, but he’s not about to give them both another deep wound
- Frodo adjusting himself to again having that terrible physical and spiritual weight of the Ring around his neck, but also being relieved or grateful in some ways that it is there, telling Sam it would destroy him if he carried it. He is speaking from the horrific tears he feels in his own soul and does not wish to inflict them on his beloved friend and brother.
- Éowyn singing at her cousin’s burial.
- “You and what army?” “This army.”
- Aragorn’s blade meeting that of the King of the Dead
- Merry and Pippin greeting their friends at Isengard and Pippin making a deliberate show of smoking
- The love that inspires the great journey of the Three Hunters
- Gollum and Sméagol talking about giving the hobbits to Shelob for dinner and getting the Ring back that way. “And take it for meeee!” “For us” “Yes, we meant for us.”
- Sméagol saying he wouldn’t a fly and then looking at his hand and screaming that he has done so
- “What has Sméagol ever done to him?”
- “Looks like meat is back on the menu, boys!” - Don’t ask me why I found that amusing, I just do.
- Aragorn looking at the entrance to the Paths of the Dead and all that ominous music and then Gimli coming up oblivious and saying, “Let’s find some food.”
- “Courage, Merry. Courage for our friends.”
- I want to cry out “Death!” with the Rohirrim but I ache that Merry does, a gentle, innocent hobbit now filled with lust for battle.
- The charge of the Rohirrim at Pelennor Fields - how rousing and inspiring is that
- “Reform the line!” - same celebration of the hardy courage of the fighting men that is so well done here.
- Frodo and Bilbo on the way to the Grey Havens, that haunted expression in the younger Ring-bearer’s eyes and voice and then the two sleep sleeping head to head. Truly Frodo is one of God’s most beautiful creations.
- Frodo being aware of the coming of the Black Rider in the Shire as the air shimmers around him
- The entrance of the Nazgûl into Bree, seeing only their long ancient swords and that marvelous music which accompanies it - great stuff!
- Frodo comforting Sam at The Prancing Pony that Gandalf will come. For the Quest, Sam is hope-bearer for the Ring-bearer, but here Frodo gives hope and comfort.
- “What about second breakfast?”
- Sam’s frightened look at Frodo as the Ring-bearer and king to be are the last to make it across the crumbling bridge in Moria
- Aragorn’s expression when Gimli tells him to toss him at Helm’s Deep
- “My brother, my captain, my king.”
- Boromir’s valiant defense of Merry and Pippin and his incredible pain tolerance and brave death
- “If you want, come and claim him.”
- “Real Elvish rope” and that amused smile.
- “I think I’ve found the bottom” - the only time I can recall that Elijah speaks with an adorable British accent.
- “I’m here, Sam.”
- “We be nice to them if they be nice to us.” Sméagol swearing by the Precious, Frodo removing the rope and the wonder in Sméagol’s face as that happens. Expressing his disgust of Mordor, “pits, pits, pits and orcses, thousands of orcses”, disappearing and then reappearing. “This way, hobbits! Follow me!”
- The two children of Rohan fleeing by horse and the girl saying in tears that she doesn’t want to and the mother promising she will find them later. The telling of these little love stories of ordinary people caught up in grief and fear, also shown in the women and children in the caverns at Helm’s Deep or watching the men leave Gondor for their futile mission to retake Osgiliath, is again one of the great strengths of the films. Everyone lives and are real, even if only on the screen for a few moments.
- The search for Théodred and the marvel that he is found alive. It’s even a greater marvel that he survived the trip back home with all that bouncing he did on his cousin’s horse. I feel bad for him just watching it.
- The Rohirrim as they surround the Three Hunters
- “Don’t talk to it, Merry. Don’t encourage it.”
- “Horrid, dark, dank... I mean charming, quite charming forest.”
- Aragorn’s joy and loving smile and tease of Gandalf after they reunite when he says, “You still speak in riddles.”
- “This new Gandalf is more grumpy than the old one.”
- Frodo and Sam hiding under the Elven cloak as the two Easterlings search for them. Their eyes have always struck me as female which is intriguing.
- Ache for Éowyn after she flees from Wormtongue after her cousin’s death. She runs out but there is so little space she can distance herself, tethered to home.
- Legolas and Gandalf praying over the dead
- “The defenses have to hold.” “They will hold.”
- Aragorn gallantly lying to Éowyn when he says her soup is good and then burning his hand when he stops himself from throwing the rest out when she turns back to him and he has to eat the rest in front of him, all to keep from hurting her feelings.
- Ache that Hama is killed by the warg.
- Sméagol at the Forbidden Pool, singing and whacking the fish
- Aragorn and Haleth
- Gimli and his chain mail: “It’s a little tight across the chest.”
- Aragorn’s hug of the startled Haldir
- Haldir’s death - the expression so well done there
- “Let’s hope it lasts the night. ... Let’s hope they last the night.”
- Gimli calling Aragorn ‘laddie’
- The charge of the king and his knights at Helm’s Deep and the charge of Gandalf and the Rohirrim. Gimli blowing the horn of Helm.
- It’s interesting that even though the book and film of TTT end at two very different points, the ending is still the same: Frodo is in the hands of the enemy
- Love the songs at the end of each film, especially “Into the West” a great love song celebrating the love of friends. Love also the one Liv Tyler sings.
- “You’re late.” “A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins...” - The contest to see who will laugh first and Frodo leaping into Gandalf’s arms for that happy hug.
- Bilbo telling his story to the hobbit children at the birthday party, especially love the girl with the wide beautiful eyes, one of Peter Jackson’s children if I remember correctly.
- Looking over Frodo’s shoulder at Bag End as Bilbo frantically searches for the Ring. You feel you are standing right with him, so close.
- Gandalf bumping his head on the ceiling, Bilbo scurrying around to find something for his friend to eat and talking with his own mouth full and their hug as the frightened and sorrowful hobbit flees into the safety of his friend’s arms after he has gotten mad at Gandalf about the Ring.
- “What must I do?” Frodo’s expression of vulnerability, terrible fear, but also determination, accepting that is up to him to responsibility for the Ring. I love the way he says this and you ache because you know this is the beginning of the end for him as a carefree, innocent hobbit but there is also admiration as he bravely embraces what will become a very heavy cross which will tear him inside out. It is far from only (book) Faramir that Frodo has “pity and honour.”
- Smiling up at Gandalf - “Hobbits really are amazing creatures.” Indeed!
- Sam holding Frodo’s hand at Weathertop after the wounding and Frodo’s fearful look and words - “Oh, Sam” and his cries out to Gandalf in pain and fear as Aragorn carries him away. He is so afraid, and now terribly, perhaps mortally, wounded and he longs to have Gandalf with hin, someone he loves and trusts and can reassure him that he will be all right. His slide into the wraith world is well shown in the choked cries he gives. As he comes closer to that, he can see Arwen as she truly is.
- “They have a cave troll” said so nonchantlantly.
- Gandalf closing his eyes in grief at the Council as Frodo announces he will take the Ring
- That brave announcement itself
- The music as the Company leaves the Golden Wood and think of the gifts the Lady gave them, especially Frodo’s thoughtful expression. This whole expedition stopped being fun a long time ago, but still he goes on because he must. He is such an inspiration. Also the music as Frodo looks back at Aragorn after they leave Moria and grieve for Gandalf. The emotions that are there, expressed without a word, something that Frolijah excels in.
- Frodo looking fearfully at Merry and Pippin as they hide from Orcs at Parth Galen. Again, so much anguish, sorrow and love expressed there, goodbyes silently said to beloved cousins through those eyes and shake of the head. Merry and Pippin’s brave diversion to make sure Frodo gets away safely.
- Frodo crying on the river bank as he struggles with overcoming his terror of going off by himself, then hearing Gandalf’s words and being inspired to push off the shore.
- Sam’s grief over Frodo’s apparent death. Coming to challenge Shelob - imagine fighting a spider taller than you and not only that but a demonic spirit in spider form
- “Such a weight.”
- Frodo telling Sam to start a fight to keep them from being discovered after they are captured and forced to march with the Orcs.
- “Release us.” “Bad idea.”
- “There’s still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the Plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that.”
- “Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?”
- Merry and Pippin being the first to run toward the enemy at the Black Gate and everyone else following.
- “Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken! Now, fulfill them all. To Lord and Land!” Such a stirring moment
- Pippin searching all day for Merry on the fields of the Pelennor
- Frodo’s words as he realizes he is too wounded to get back to his old life - interesting that he is shown alone in shadows, showing what his life was like now
- Merry, Pippin and Sam trying to protect Frodo from the wraiths on Weathertop
- Watching Mount Doom explode from afar and celebrating because Frodo is there and succeeded, then mourning because Frodo's there and how could he have survived? They have essentially for they know witnessed their cousins' death and that of Sam.
- Love the music as Gandalf and Pippin ride up the levels in Minas Tirith
- Frodo's voice about the Fellowship being forever bound by friendship and love

Then there are the changes/additions, some of which are truly outrageous and the complete opposite of what really happened and some I just don’t understand:

- The complete change of personality of Faramir in Two Towers until he sees with his own eyes what the Ring is capable of doing. What happened to the gentleman who in the book is wise enough to know he must flee the peril of the Ring and who is a gracious host to the two strangers he comes upon in the woods? Instead we get this ungentleman who treats the hobbits as prisoners of war; holds his sword at Frodo’s throat as he lifts the Ring with it, freaking out the already stressed-out Ring-bearer; and is completely intent he is on bringing the Ring to Gondor which causes more stress. He only becomes his true self again after Frodo/the Ring attacks Sam, an abrupt conversion that is certainly welcome but strange that he is suddenly willing to forfeit his own life in deciding to free his prisoners and who threatens and nearly throttles Gollum, saying he hopes death finds him quickly if the wicked creature betrays the hobbits. The real Faramir would not have done threatened Gollum in such a way and it is rather ridiculous to all of a sudden be this way so shortly after he has just been doing the same thing himself in his rough treatment and intention to bring the Ring-bearer and Sam to Minas Tirith.
- The complete change in Aragorn not wanting to be king and trying to break up with Arwen. He has only wanted these things all his adult life and here he doesn’t. Give me a break.
- His sigh at his coronation, like he’s thinking, ‘Well, I’m stuck now, great, just great.’
- Even making Merry silly in the beginning instead of the responsible organizer of the conspiracy to keep Frodo from leaving the Shire is dumb.
- The Ents first deciding against getting involved in the war, again the opposite of what they choose from the onset to do. Treebeard has to be ‘tricked’ by Pippin into doing so. I love the music as the March of the Ents begin though.
- Gandalf being afraid to enter the Mines of Moria when it was he who advocated for that very thing in the book when no one else but Gimli wanted to go there
- Gandalf blaming himself for sending Frodo to his death. The real Gandalf knows Who sent the Ring-bearer on his way. Gandalf had nothing to do with it really.
- Gandalf being sure that Sauron won’t take the bait Aragorn says they should offer at the Black Gate when the wizard was actually the one that strongly counseled for that very thing in the book. He didn’t have to be convinced by Aragorn. He was the one leading the argument that Aragorn and the others agreed to.
- Gandalf being in near despair about the coming battle at Minas Tirith. The real one knew Who was in charge and so Pippin could detect barely repressed mirth, not the negativity he encounters in the film.
- Elrond’s terrible manipulation of Arwen to convince her to leave for the West and abandon Aragorn
- Frodo sending Sam away - how ridiculous is that, and how ridiculous that Sam obeyed!
- Frodo telling Aragorn at Parth Galen to particularly watch over Sam who would not understand why Frodo had to leave, when in the book, the Ring-bearer is sure that his loyal servant would the one that would most understand.
- What was the point of Legolas shooting Wormtongue?
- And why in the world were there still women in harms way while the battle of Minas Tirith raged around them?
- Never understood why Sam says “You can’t go walking through Mordor in naught but your skin.” Of course this makes perfect sense in the book where it’s from, but not in the movie since Frodo is still wearing something on his legs, so why is it said?
- Why wasn’t the trek through Mordor filmed in the dark as it should have been?
- What was the point of Sam saying, “It’s six days to Rivendell. He’ll never make it.” It’s much farther than that and Frodo certainly didn’t need to hear that his Sam has already given hope. Why did they choose the number six? If they were going to mention distance at all, why not the real one?
- It’s annoying to hear Sam say he doesn’t know why he’s sad that the Elves are leaving. He’s sad because he has loved Elves since he was a child and they are leaving Middle-earth forever. Duh!
- The Council degrading into a huge argument
- Elrond saying Arwen's life is bound to the Ring. Give me a break.
- Get rid of that 'helicopter landing pad' at the top level of the Citadel
- Thank you to one of my reviewers, Paul, for pointing out a scene I forgot Gandalf and the Witch-king. Why does Gandalf the White shrink before a mere wraith when the Grey boldly defied a Balrog and why does the Witch-king having his enemy in his grasp, do nothing about it? I know he leaves because the Rohirrim, but he could have taken a couple more minutes to kill Gandalf off (not that I would have wanted that, of course, just talking from the enemy's POV). The only thing good was the flaming sword.
- Gollum saying Sméagol lied when he made the promise to serve Frodo. No, he didn't. Gollum had no intention of keeping the promise, but Sméagol did. However, Sméagol was already dead at this point. He died before Gollum did.

I wish one day someone would film the story totally loyal to the books so I can see everything as it should be. Some parts I most want to see, again in no particular order:

- Pippin saying, “Good heavens! At breakfast?” when Frodo says on the way to Crickhollow he wants some time to think
- Frodo saying, “I don’t keep water in my pockets.” Don’t why I like that, I just do as I imagine him saying it.
- Tom and Goldberry and the interesting dreams/visions Frodo has there
- The Hall of Fire and more of Frodo’s dreams/visions
- Frodo’s anniversary illnesses
- Living with Sam
- Sam watching Frodo sleep in Ithilien and thinking of how much he loves him.
- Amon Hen better done, hearing Gandalf’s voice and all that
- Frodo defying the Black Riders at the Ford and calling upon Elbereth and Lúthien.
- Sam kissing Frodo’s hand near the Fire when Frodo is tempted to put on the Ring and asks for Sam to hold his hand.
- Sam’s struggle to decide what to do after Frodo had apparently been struck down by Shelob, talking to him as though he was still alive, realizing he’s put forward, asking for forgiveness, kissing him goodbye, that wonderful pledge to return if he can, looking back at him and seeing his light, his doubts whether he has made the right decision to leave.
- Meeting Gildor and Frodo asking Sam the next morning if he plans to continue since it’s likely to cost him his life if he does and Sam’s response
- Sam holding and weeping over Frodo’s hand in the Dead Marshes - “my dearest hobbit, friend of friends”
- Frodo seeing Arwen for the first time
- Frodo receiving from the queen those two tremendous blessings and his use of the gem to combat his memories
- Gollum finding Frodo and Sam asleep in each other’s arms and reaching out to Frodo, almost repenting.
- The reunion in the Tower. It would be a marvel to pull off the innocence and purity of that loving union in our sex-obsessed society, but it could be done. Certainly Elijah and Sean portray such innocence so others could.
- Sam’s visions of Frodo
- Frodo’s lament and breakdown in the Tower, so marvelously done in the BBC adaptation.
- Sam conquering the power of the Watchers and saying, “Now I’ve rung the front door bell!”
- His whole journey through the Tower to reach his treasure, calling himself “miserable sluggard”, hearing the shriek that may or may not have been Frodo, singing and thinking he’s been answered, coming upon Frodo as he is being whipped, Frodo waiting for his Sam to return, Sam calling his costumed master, a “perfect little orc” and their escape from the Tower and the privations they suffer afterwards, drinking the muddy water at the end
- Sam praying for water and light and being answered and saying he wants to drink first if it’s poisoned but Frodo saying they should drink together because it could be their blessing instead
- Frodo asking Sam to tell him what happened while Sam searched for him and silently pressing his hand in gratitude and love too deep for words
- Holding hands or each other as they sleep
- Both hearing the voice to get up after they have made it part way up the Mountain.
- Sam’s unquenchable hope, even at the Fire
- The pity of Sam for Gollum. If the pity of Bilbo ruled the fate of many, it was the pity of Sam that ruled the fate of all
- The exposing of the conspiracy to make sure Frodo does not leave the Shire alone – Frodo being so dumbfounded etc. “We are your friends, Frodo.”
- Frodo cooperating with the Will that presents his vocation at the Council
- Elrond and everyone else who drops hints that God is in charge here
- Frodo’s forgiveness and mercy to Saruman
- Frodo’s forgiveness of Gollum
- Frodo realizing that the lembas bread may help Sméagol in time.
- Frodo with Elanor
- Faramir, Aragorn, Gandalf, Elrond and the Ents are they truly are
- Sam’s temptation to use the Ring
- The fog the hobbits get lost in and the temptation Frodo has to flee within the barrow
- Sam’s argument with the voice
- The dancing around in excitement at Crickhollow and Sam’s dance when Frodo is awake in Rivendell
- Sam holding the hand of his gravely ill master in Rivendell
- Elrond healing Frodo - what exactly did that entail? It would be interesting for that to be explored since the book does not, rather understandably.
- Hobbity songs
- “Why was I chosen?” and Gandalf's response, both aware there is a Chooser.
- Frodo watching his hand move seemingly on its own toward the Ring, brushing against the phial - more of his struggle against it
- Sam offering to carry the Ring once more and Frodo freaking out then apologizing
- Sam holding Frodo’s maimed hand, celebrating his joy that his master is free, wishing he had something to bind the wound with
- Frodo and Sam sleeping together in Ithilien after the eagles bring them back
- The moment the eagles return with them and Aragorn tending them - that would be neat to see even if it's not in the book
- Frodo saying he won’t budge in the Tower until Sam has something to eat
- The interrogation of Frodo by the orcs and I’m intrigued with what his horrible dreams were
- The veil Frodo feels over his sight after Weathertop as he struggles against his wound and being glad when night comes because he can’t see the veil then
- More of the Emyn Muil when Frodo is temporarily blinded while climbing down the rope
- Frodo wanting nothing more to do but sit down and eat right on landing since there is no dining room in Moria after he’s barely escaped with his life after being attacked by the Watcher in the Water
- Holding his face up to the sun after so long in cloudy weather after they leave Rivendell
- Shelob’s Lair as it should be and Frodo going down with the phial to challenge Shelob and afterwards running to the exit but getting stung first
- The coming of Frodo to the West, hearing the music, seeing the white shores just as he had in his dreams
- Gandalf being able to see Frodo’s light in Rivendell and musing about what end he will come to
- Frodo’s transfiguration at the Fire and then again being seen as the spent creature he is
- Being clear that Frodo is being compelled to put on the Ring at Weathertop, calling upon Elbereth, stabbing at the Witch-king
- Riding Asfaloth himself
- It’s Frodo’s birthday not just Bilbo’s
- Frodo walking under starlight, meeting with Elves – I can see imagine his light softly shining, a bit of moonlight on the ground, an Elven hobbit in all his beautiful glory
- Muttering about whether he’s ever going to see a particular place again as he walks about with Merry and Pippin
- "Where is the pale king?"
- Bilbo volunteering to destroy the Ring even though it will probably ruin the happy ending he wants for his book
- More of the voyage to the Grey Havens - what was it like for Frodo? Hardly any of that time is noted.
- More of what the weight of the Ring really felt like, except for "Such a weight" which I love, you don't get much of that idea of the horrible burden.
- The fell beast that Legolas shoots down and the way Frodo's wounds responds
- Sam telling Frodo that he saw or thinks he saw Gollum behind them on the river and Frodo saying Sam should be their lookout - "Luggage with eyes"
- The awe and fear Frodo feels upon seeing the Argonath
- Sam and Frodo arguing whether Sam should come along after he has nearly drowned and Sam saying it would be the death of him if he doesn't go with Frodo and that he couldn't bear being without him and Frodo saying it would be the death of Sam if he comes and Frodo couldn't bear that and then Frodo laughing when Sam says he'll punch holes in all the boats if he's not allowed go and Frodo saying how glad he is that Sam is coming with him and that is clearly meant to be
- Sam telling the Elves that he will follow his master even if he goes to the Moon and his knowing the way is going to lead into darkness but he knows he must go
- Frodo's response to Sam that he is not convinced they are lost in the Emyn Muil - that a way will be found to Mordor since it is his doom to go there - his trust in the One Who chose him who he is only dimly aware of
- Sam's excitement that he'll be going with his master after he's been caught eavesdropping
- Their whole talk on the Stairs about the power of tales and Frodo laughing
- Frodo and Sam walking hand-in-hand in Shelob's Lair so they don't lose each other
- Frodo talking out loud to Gandalf upon meeting Gollum for the first time
- Pippin splashing around in the bath at Crickhollow and Merry's reaction to the mess he makes
- Frodo's song at The Prancing Pony

What would you like to see? Which were your favorite parts in the masterpieces we have now? What parts did you despise?