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The Lord of the Rings The War of the Rohirrim movie review: Why, Why, why? Are very obvious questions about this franchise that has had a long, successful run as a trilogy, a TV series, and with more movies coming. The War of the Rohirrim, however, stands apart in that it is a prequel whose only connection to the original J R R Tolkein books is that it arises out of a mention in an appendix, and that it is an anime.
When beautiful painted landscapes and people, rendered in light and shadows, meet a story with a large fan base, and bring on board several names from behind the camera from the Peter Jackson award-winning films, what you get is a product that may be unnecessary – but as far as movies riding on franchise fandom go, a pretty solid effort.
What The War of the Rohirrim has going for it is a story – set 200 years before Bilbo laid his hand on The Ring – that feels unique, even if it started with a mention in an appendix (four screenwriters, and three writers plus Tolkein pay off). Where its heart lies in it is not glorifying war even as it glorifies its heroes, but in repeatedly underlining the cost of it – for the good and the bad side, which both make mistakes. Where its beauty lies in its relationships, major and minor, which seem amazingly fleshed out despite the medium.
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At the centre of it all is Hera (voiced by Gaia Wise), the daughter of Helm Hammerland (a suitably gravelly Brian Cox), the king of Rohan. In a storyline that has its share of brave women, Hera stands tall for her bravery, wisdom and nobility. Helm clearly adores her but doesn’t reckon her as anything but a bride-to-be, preferably to be married in a strategic alliance with a friendly kingdom. The troubles arise when Helm’s challenger Freca asks for Hera’s hand for his son Wulf (Luca Pasqualino), and Helm summarily dismisses it.
While Hera is not ready for marriage, she is not exactly immune to Wulf, her closest friend from childhood. Egos clash, revenge is sworn, blood is spilled and soon anger takes dimensions beyond the control of either side.
There is a long winter siege at what would go on to be known as the ‘Helm’s Deep’ of the Tolkein films. There are several battles, big elephants and mythical beasts. Orcs make an appearance, so does their search for rings. Mordor is mentioned and there is a glimpse of Lord Sauron.
Shield Maidens are a dying breed, though there is still Olwyn (Lorraine Ashbourne), the predecessor presumably of Éowyn from the Rings trilogy.
Miranda Otto, who plays Éowyn in the Peter Jackson films, is a narrator here – in a rather portentous job.
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However, having established itself as a deserving inhabitant of the Rings universe – the jerks of combining anime with frenetic action apart – The War of the Rohirrim does manage to overstay its welcome. At 134 minutes, it is a little too long, and a little too caught up towards the end in its own heroine.
The Lord of the Rings The War of the Rohirrim movie director: Kenji Kamiyama
The Lord of the Rings The War of the Rohirrim voice cast: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luca Pasqualino, Lorraine Ashbourne, Laurence Ubong Williams, Bilal Hasna
The Lord of the Rings The War of the Rohirrim movie rating: 3 stars
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