Without question one of the most influential visual effects fantasy trilogies of all time, Oscar-winning and epic in every way.
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic novel (and previously made into a half-finished animated adaptation by Ralph Bakshi in 1978), THE LORD OF THE RINGS, comprising THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE TWO TOWERS and THE RETURN OF THE KING (the latter won all eleven of the Oscars it was nominated for in 2004) this is the most competent adaptation with some amazing visual battles and a powerhouse performance throughout from Ian McKellen as Gandalf.
However, the cast ensemble matches the vision of Tolkien’s text and Peter Jackson adapts the film with visual flair and pace with some excellent sequences. Cast includes the likes of Elijah Wood as Frodo, Sean Astin as Sam, Christopher Lee as Saruman and John Rhys-Davies (Sallah in the INDIANA JONES films), coupled with a brilliant atmospheric score from Howard Shore (David Cronenberg’s collaborator, SEVEN)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS is the tale of Frodo Baggins, who has to take a special ring of incredible power from his peaceful Middle Earth home in the Shire at the request of Gandalf who reveals that it is the one ring from evil lord Sauron that must be destroyed in Mount Doom. Across three films, Frodo has to battle all manner of things (and creatures, including a deadly giant spider in RETURN) with help from others to get to his goal.
Two versions of each film in the trilogy were produced and both versions have their own virtue.
Make a lot of time to watch them, but they are repeat viewing material.