The main reason to watch reaction videos is that it’s like watching a friend taste your favorite meal, watching them enjoy it too. You’re no lightweight, you’re a tender heart.
After the ring was destroyed: -Frodo left Middle Earth, so that he may be fully healed. He was still able to feel the wound on his arm from the sword at the beginning, plus for being the ring-bearer and it nearly consuming him like it did Gollum. -Aragorn returned Gondor to it's former glory, and ruled happily with Arwen for 120 years. He had one son and two daughters. When his time drew near, he chose to take command of his own end. We laid in the House of the Kings in Minas Tirith with Gondor's past rulers and drifted into eternal sleep. Arwen passed one year later. -Gimli became the Lord of the Glittering Caves under Helm's Deep, as it was rich with Mithril. He kept his word to Galadriel, and encased the strands of hair within glass and treasured it. Legolas restored the woodlands of Middle-Earth that were ravaged by the war, along with adventuring with Gimli. -After Aragorn's death, Legolas made a ship of his own in Ithilien, and left Middle-Earth to cross the sea to reunite with the rest of the elves in the Undying Lands. Due to their close friendship, Gimli was also allowed to cross the sea, the only dwarf to receive that honor. -Samwise married Rosie and had 13 children. He was also elected Mayor of the Shire for seven consecutive seven-year terms (49 years.) Afterwards, Sam was given passage to the Undying Lands to reunite with Frodo, as Samwise was also a Ring-Bearer, even for a short time. -Pippin became the 32nd Thane of the Shire, and held that position for 50 years. He had one son named Faramir Took I, who later married Sam's daughter. After he retired as Thane, he left with Rohan and Gondor with Merry. He remained there for the rest of his life, and was entombed in the Hall of the Kings, and later moved to be laid to rest alongside Aragorn. -Merry was knighted by King Eomer and become Master of Buckland. He married, and wrote a book. He had at least one son. At 102, he returned to Rohan and Gondor with Pippin, dying around the same time as Pippin. He was laid to rest in Gondor with Pippin, and later moved alongside Aragorn.
Arwen also went to Lothlorien, silent and dark after Galadriel and Celeborn departed with Gandalf, Bilbo, and Frodo all those years ago. Arwen passed away frightened and alone, the second known time an elf died of old age.
@@craigbryan6980You sell the experience of the trilogy short if you don’t read at least the Fourth Age section of the Tale of the Years in the Appendices. The final line of the final entry there is the real end of the book.
Tolkien truly understood post war PTSD and Jackson translated it perfectly to screen. 2007 after my second deployment to Iraq, I was selected to join 3 others for a memorial day ceremony and game at Yankee Stadium. Having 50,000 people standing and cheering us while we stood in the infield feeling the most complex mix of emotions. People smiling and cheering for doing things I'm ashamed of and tried to forget was surreal. I immediately thought of the expression on Frodos face during the bow to no one scene. When people asked me what it was like coming back, I directed them to the last 45 minutes of this movie. Drinking silently in a bar with your friends after you've all changed so much, you're strangers to yourselves. But half the point of getting out of the war alive was to enjoy that beer with your friends back home. Even now it's hard to articulate, but it's in the Hobbits eyes. Tolkien understood it, and everyone who made it back home alive does too
Yeah that scene reminded me a lot of how my cousins felt after returning from Iraq. Everything seemed hollow to them, and they knew nobody other than each other would ever understand why. Thank you, for your service. It does mean a lot to most Americans. Even though we can't understand what you went through, we hope you find peace.
@@KaiserKiller 4 deployments for me, 3 to Middle East and 1 down south. This movie and American Sniper are the only ones I believe that show PTSD properly. It’s the little mannerisms that no one sees and hits the hardest. Having a welcome back party after coming home after serving for 11 years while everyone else celebrating and you’re trying to celebrate too because it’s why you fought and what you’ve dreamt of coming back to, but the moment is never what you think.
The entire trilogy takes on a much deeper meaning when you watch the entire thing understanding that the Hobbits are young boys going to war for the first time. The other characters are the people they meet along the way (generals, officers, troops from other countries, etc). The dead marshes in the 2nd film is widely believed to be Tolkien remembering the bomb craters from the battle of the Somme, which would have dead bodies in them and then fill with water from the rain. Tolkien saw all of that stuff first hand. Edit: Tolkien was the only one in his friend group to make it home alive from WWI.
That scene where Eomer find Eowyn seemingly dead on the battlefield. Its an absolutely chillingly realistic performance by Karl Urban. At that point Eomer knows his uncle, the king, had died. He thinks "Its ok I will still have my sister when I get home." Then there she is lying dead on the battlefield. In that moment Eomer truly believes he has nobody left and it unmakes him. That look of horror and absolute despair on Eomer's face just guts me everytime.
"You bow to no one" will never not bring tears. Literally every time I see it. Just the recognition that someone so seemingly small was able to perform deeds that require a king to kneel before them. The smallest person can change the world - all they need is a bit of courage and a push out the door.
Brilliant, few realize that. Denethor is a far better character than portrayed in the films, and he took his position as Steward seriously. He never would presume to sit in the throne of the King. Sharp eyes and understanding in pointing that out.
Denethor is a character that unfortunately was sacrificed in the adaptation. The movie correctly depicts him as going mad and insane, but there is no explanation as to why. Denethor is actually a proud (in a good way) and noble man. Unknown to anyone, Denethor has a Palantir (the ball that Pippen looks into). For years and years he contends with Sauron directly and resists Sauron’s attempts to corrupt him. He uses the Palantir to fight Sauron and keep Mordor at bay. Sauron eventually realizes that he won’t be able to turn Denethor (showing that Denethor is actually a good person), so he instead resorts to driving him insane by showing him images of destruction and despair through the Palantir. Unfortunately, Sauron succeeds, but not until after years and years of a noble fight from Denethor. Denethor even leads part of the fight himself in the battle in this movie. He doesn’t just do nothing as depicted in the movie. Denethor is another tragic story of the nobility and weakness of man, who eventually succumb to the evil that they consistently and nobly fight.
Also waaay more competent than in the movie. The women, children and old were evacuated from the city and the banners were called. Maybe not loved by many but certainly respected. Far closer to a Tywin Lannister type (even had the same breaking point: their wife died who "softened" their hearts) than this character.
Yes, and he saw the black ships sailing up the Anduin river and thought that this would be the downfall of Gondor. However, as we all know, it was Aragorn coming from the Paths of the Dead. It is actually tragic in the books , the movie butchered him
Yeah, his real backstory from the books kind of underscores what Faramir says to Pippin in the movie about how Boromir and his father were very similar. Both were good noble men who were corrupted by Sauron but only because of their genuine drive to protect their people and not out of greed and personal benefit. It's sad that they cut all that from the movie and just made him seem like a huge a-hole who inexplicably had two great sons who are much better men than him, even if one of them also fell to the Ring's power.
It’s absolutely insane to me that they filmed all three movies at the same time. The amount of work and manpower that went into these masterpieces is just mind boggling. The “making of” and behind the scenes footage is super interesting too
@@crispy_338 What blows my mind is that helms deep stuff was filmed first, and then they built minas tirith on the same site afterwards. That little scene in the beginning of the first film, where gandalf is reading about the ring, that was filmed after all the battles and the action had been filmed at helms deep. 🤯
The amount of love and respect that went into these movies from everyone involved is why it walked off with so many awards and still enchants audiences today. I may not agree with all of Jackson’s decisions, but there isn’t a single doubt in my mind that he was honoring Tolkien’s works as best he could.
Not only that, but with an international cast, filmed in a country that wasn't known for major film production by a director who'd never done anything on such a scale (because nobody ever had) and all based on a trilogy of books that was considered unfilmable.
A minor detail I rarely see mentioned. The ring is at its most powerful at the place it was forged, i.e. Mount Doom, the only place it can be destroyed. Within Mount Doom, the ring's power is near absolute, and even the strongest will cannot resist it. Which means, once the ring is in the place it can be destroyed, there is no person that could destroy it. It practically makes the ring invincible. Falling by accident is essentially the only way the ring could have been destroyed, making Gollum's role as critical to the journey as Frodo's.
People can think of it as being in a room with a light bulb with unlimited brightness. The closer the ring is to Mount Doom, the brighter the light gets until there is nothing but blinding light. Frodo literally couldn't think of or see anything else at that point. The ring was all consuming.
Given this, I have thought people are unfair to Isildur. He gets portrayed as a bad guy for not destroying the ring when he had the chance, but he was no more able to than Frodo was. It wasn’t because he was a weak-willed, power hungry Man, but because the ring simply cannot be let go in Mount Doom by any mortal being. Tolkien confirms this latter point in a letter.
@@frasler1the same thing with the Eagles. Eru (God of the story's universe) only helps out when all the good living beings did all their best and there's nothing more that can be done to achieve the final goal - to destroy the Ring.
Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin at the inn, sharing a somber ale, surrounded by people who have no idea what they’ve been through and not knowing how to share it with anyone else…that knowing glance…that’s sudden flash of memory…THAT is the veteran’s experience summed up in a single moment. “How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand... there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend.” Never truer words.
@@JediS1138 A misjudged sentiment from Andy there, but maybe there's a difference between the total war of WWII (and WWI) and the less all-encompassing wars fought by English-speaking countries since. However, I would say those lesser wars leave their veterans _more_ isolated and feeling _less_ like their experiece is appreciated by the people back home.
@@paulkennedy8701 Agreed. With WWII, the returning vets were celebrated, saluted, and cheered resoundingly. Korean veterans were nearly forgotten, and Vietnam vets spat upon, insulted, and tormented. Vets of the first gulf war were given a little more help, but vets of the war since 2003 have not. They have been ignored, like the Korean vets were. If you know any current vets, keep in touch with them - they are a demographic with one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, and it's far harder to get psychological help from the VA than it is medical help.
I'ts not silly, there is a depression that happens when you finish this series for the first time, its the only series in my life i wish I could watch it again for the first time, every single time.
@drakkonahn8544 I've read the books at least 6-7 times, and I've always found something new or a new perspective on something. There are parts that were left out of the Fellowship that were thought unnecessary. But what was what Tolkien called ' providence ', taking a hand and hiding the Hobbits from the Ring Wraiths on their way to Bree.
It’s rare to see any reactions where Frodo’s words on the lasting effect the ring had on him is highlighted like this. Thank you for this and sharing your journey with these movies! Wonderfully emotional and thoughtfull reaction! ❤
@@LiteWeightReacting I must say that your observations are amazingly insightful and you are ahead of the story. After watching several of your reaction videos I have noticed this trait about you but it seems to really stand out in the Lord of the Rings series. Your exceptional high intelligence and your reasoning ability is only surpassed by the joy that you radiate and watching the movies and your overall Beauty and persona. You have made a lifelong fan!
Regarding Gandalf's awareness of Gollum being with Frodo and Sam: Recall that Faramir knew Gollum was with them, and Gandalf had him tell all he knew. So he would have known Gollum was with them. There's a meme out there that the third eagle was indeed for Gollum. Speaking of Gollum, there's something that most folks miss (or perhaps forget). When we first saw Gollum following them in Moria, and Frodo says it's a pity that Bilbo didn't kill him, Gandalk replies that it was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. He goes on with, "My heart tells me that he [Gollum] has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end; and when that comes, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many- yours not least." So, ultimately, it was Bilbo sparing Gollum's life that saved the world, for Frodo succumbed to the Ring in the end and it was Gollum that prevented disaster. So, Bilbo saved the world.
If you read Tolkien’s letters (highly recommended), you see that this was absolutely his position. Bilbo’s act of mercy in the Hobbit was really the pivotal moment in the whole series. Although the themes of friendship, perseverance, the corrupting nature of power, etc. are in there too, Tolkien said for him the main theme of the story was mercy.
Note also that Gollum “sweared to the precious” that he wouldn’t betray Sam and Frodo. Remember that “oaths” have a deeper power in this world, and if you break your oath nature/fate/(Illuvitar) will have consequences. And the “irony” was that by breaking his Oath to the precious resulted in the destruction of both of them. Not some external force, but fate itself.
When I first saw the movie, I just thought the 3rd eagle was flying top-cover. I used to joke... If the hobbits represent the English, the elves the French, the dwarves the Germans... Obviously the Strike Eagles represent the Americans... always showing up late to the war.
One change I think is unneeded. In the book there's not a struggle after Gollum bites the ring off. He basically just jumps around with glee and trips and falls into the fire. It seems a little silly, but it redeems Frodo from fighting further over the ring which he claimed - his failure.
The closest most of us can get to watching these movies again for the very first time is to watch someone like you watching them for the first time and allowing us to re-experience it through YOUR eyes -- and heart and soul. I think hearing your perspective and thoughts gives us an even fuller appreciation for the magic that is this trilogy. Thank you, darling lady, for taking us along with you on your first Middle Earth adventure. 🤗🥰
Brought me to tears, watching again with full understanding as an adult. And sharing that deep Catholic faith with the late and great Tolkien, which he did say helped the story’s philosophical themes, it takes on a whole new meaning when we realize that in those moments where we become that Prodigal Son from Jesus’s parable, and we find our way back time after time as like beggars at the feet of the King of Kings, He rejoices and tells us in that moment that we bow to no one. 🥹🥲
As a teen watching, I loved Aragorn. Now as an adult, my favorite character arch has to be the redemption of Theoden. From frightened old man afraid of losing everything to a war hero who steps up to help others and goes to his fathers, "in whose mighty company no longer ashamed." Bernard Hill, the actor who portrayed him so excellently, passed away this past year and was quoted as saying this was one of the greatest experiences of his career. Hail the victorious dead!
What makes the trilogy so rich are the side characters: Boromir, Theoden, Denethor, Faramir, Eowyn, even Grima Wormtongue, are so complex and powerfully acted considering how little screen time they actually get. They steal every scene they're in.
@@charlize1253 Eomer. And Haldir! He starts off distrustful of outsiders (especially Gimli), and he ends up proudly fighting alongside them, even though his people will shortly be leaving the land entirely. (He does die fighting side by side with a friend.)
Theoden is my favourite character - admittedly against stiff competition! His arc is so good; I love the moment when he says "And Rohan shall answer" - that is the moment you know when he has come fully back to himself and is what sets the groundwork for the amazing lead he gives in the battle that follows; I love how he encourages his troops and then leads the charge against the siege, and then later, "reform the line - charge!". And Bernard Hill did such a great job - to take just one moment, for example, when he is released from Saruman's spell and he takes his sword and the camera pans across from his face smiling at Arwen, the the sword covering his face and then his face frowning and turning to anger as he looks at wormtongue - so well done! Forth Eorlingas!
The composer of these movies, Howard Shore, is a true genius, but for whatever reason he’s not talked about with quite the same reverence as John Williams or Hans Zimmer. He absolutely deserves to be he’s just as talented, if not more so.
The two you mention have a huge body of work when compared to Shore, and that would be the only reason IMO. Wendy Carlos, whom scored the original TRON also has several other popular films that many don't realize were scored by him/her. As for Williams, Memoirs of a Geisha is the ONLY film he ever asked to score.
@@terrylandess6072 I mean, Howard Shore also has some big movies under his belt, like Departed, Silence of the Lambs or Gangs of New York. But those aren't movies that are typically mentioned when talking about memorable movie scores. I feel like John Williams and Hans Zimmer have a talent for catchy and easily recognizable scores that stand out, while Howard Shore's talent lies in embedding the score in the movie, enhancing the overall experience. As a personal anecdote: My father has watched the LotR movies plenty of times, yet he still does not immediately recognize most of its soundtrack (with the exception maybe for Ride of the Rohirrim). Yet he immediately recognizes Star Wars, Pirates of the Carribbean or Jurassic Park, even though he's not seen them nearly as often as LotR.
Maybe his catalogue isn’t as large? Not calling him a one hit wonder but just trying to see why maybe he isn’t thought of similarly! One thing is true for me, this score has been on repeat since I watched Fellowship!
The biggest compliment I can give these movies is that they make you want to be a better person. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you. Watched these movies in full and in bits and pieces more times than I can care to count and a day may come when I feel bored of them, *but it is not this day!*
Your reactions are spot on. I'm throwing my arms up and cheering at the same moments that you are. It's so fun seeing somebody enjoy these epic films. And your thoughts and insights are great, you have a real passion for what you do. It's great to see, keep it up!
Thank you for your donation 😊 I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying these as much as I enjoyed making them! I want to be in Middle Earth at all times and can’t wait to watch the Hobbit!
When you realize that the Rohirrim do not chant for the death of their enemies. They chant "Death!" for their own deaths. To die on the field of battle against an overwhelming force in the service of others is the highest honor. "For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City." - The Return of the King novel
@@LiteWeightReacting What I love about Theoden's pre-battle speech is that it can be summed up as, "We're gonna die in the greatest blaze of glory Middle-earth has ever seen! And we will drag as many of them down with us as we can!" If you recall, when Aragorn shows up in Theoden's tent, he was speaking with Elrond. Elrond told Aragorn that the only way they would win is with the army of the dead, because of the Haradrim (the Men from the southern desert) and the Mumakil (oliphaunts) would overwhelm the Rohirrim. He likely told Theoden the same thing (minus the Haradrim, hence Theoden's surprise during the battle), and to hold out as long as they can until Aragorn arrived with the ghosts.
💯 - Imagine staring down a charge of 1000s of cavalry who have not only accepted the likelihood of their own deaths, but are cheering for it and therefor have nothing to lose.
There's a really cool quote said by Simone de Beauvoir which Tolkien recited again during an interview in 1968: _"There is no such thing as a natural death: nothing that happens to a man is ever natural, since his presence calls the world into question. All men must die: but for every man his death is an accident and, even if he knows it and consents to it, an unjustifiable violation."_ As he finishes reading it, Tolkien says: _"Well, you may agree with the words or not. But those are the key-spring of The Lord of the Rings"_ And it really is! When you think about it, The Lord of the Rings is an essay on linguistic aesthetics about death and immortality, nothing more, nothing less. The Rohirrim chant is a tacit acknowledgment of the key distinction between Men and Elves, something Tolkien referred to as _"The Gift of Men"_ (i.e., death, or mortality), showing that unlike the Nazgûl, they don't fear it, they openly embrace a gift that even the Valar (pretty much the Greek gods equivalents of Middle Earth which are hugely powerful) will come to envy in the end.
@@LiteWeightReacting while that explanation IS correct in as far as it goes, there is a bit more to it: it is also way to try to weaken the resolve and the courage of the enemy, by demonstrating that you are NOT afraid of being killed. it is a manner of communicating as a group to the opponent that it doesn't matter how skilled they are or how many of them there are, you are fully committed to bringing the hammer down on them no matter what the cost.
I love how you're minutes ahead of this film! "That's got to count for at least 50." "That still just counts as one!" "How do you go back to your normal life after that though?" "In your heart, you begin to understand, there is no going back."
@@LiteWeightReacting Help! Come back! I need another 6 hours of you reacting to Lord of the Rings! I enjoyed it so much - Thank you! Please consider chiming in later with more thoughts or during your reading :)
I’m just a country rube from North Carolina, 29 years old, but there was a time in 8th grade where reading points were a requirement for literature grades for a single year. Everyone hated it and failed, because everyone is dumb, so they repealed it the next year. Anyways, I went to the library and The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy was there. Each book was worth around 30-40 points. You’re shooting for 100, but I didn’t give a damn one way or the other. I wanted to make it to the pizza party/movie day reward. I had already watched the movies and just became enthralled all over again. I started with The Hobbit. They are masterpieces and gave me my love for literature. God bless you all.
the reason I picked up The Hobbit in 7th grade was the same. It was before the movies came out (1998) but the hobbit alone was worth 26 points and based on my 13.1 grade reading level I needed more points than most and it was the highest points I could find in the library. It's been my favorite fantasy series ever since.
@ that’s awesome Steph! I totally get it. Tolkien is such an amazing writer. There was a Tolkien literature class taught at Belmont Abbey College that I graduated from and one of my regrets was that I didn’t sign up fast enough, because it was totally full every time.
"I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are an evil" is such an underrated quote, I'm so glad you mentioned it. There is no "toxic masculinity" in these films... we see all of our heroes grieving their friends and past lives and struggling with the weight of it all. It's beautiful. Thank you so much for your reactions. I feel it's the closest I will get to seeing them for the first time again. Welcome to your life never being the same!!!!
I think Christopher Lee, having been a british Commando in WWII, telling Peter Jackson how to do the Grima backstab gasp "because I know how a man sounds when he is stabbed in the back" is both amazing and increadibly threatening.
Not just that. He was a part of the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and hunted down escaped Nazis after WWII. Apparently he knew from firsthand experience how a man sounds when he's stabbed in the back.
@NSUSashiel Christopher Lee was also good friends with Ian Fleming and was reportedly the inspiration behind the character of James Bond, due to his........activities during and after WWII lol
@LiteWeightReacting Christopher lee is definitely an interesting character, he released a few metal albums, the last of which was released on his 91st birthday:)
I don’t know if someone else has mentioned it before me but when Aragorn turns around and says “For Frodo” during the Assault on the Black Gates, the choir’s next lyrics in Sindarin are his oath to Frodo before the Fellowship left Rivendell. “If by my life or death I can protect you, I will! You have my sword.” 😭❤
I thought there will be this scene with Sauron facing them in the extended version, but apparently it is cut out completely :/ but "for Frodo" is definitely a better choice
@ It wouldn’t have made sense. They spent three movies telling the audience that Sauron cannot regain his physicality unless he gets the ring back. Since it’s the end of the trilogy and Frodo and Sam are going towards Mt Doom to destroy it, it clearly isn’t the case.
@@kratosGOW Also, in the deleted scene, Sauron was in his fair form, one he hasn't had access to since the drowning of Numenor. Better to leave him out
“I can’t carry it . . .” Is one of two lines that gets me misty every single time. The other one is “I would have followed you, my brother. My captain. My king.” I love the “You bow to no one” scene, but I’m usually too hyped that everyone lived and Aragorn and his lady are together to get misty. Besides, I get a kick that Elrond and the other elves are also bowing; they’re gracious enough they wouldn’t mind giving the hobbits some well-earned honor.
Bonus points for: - "For Frodo." - the look shared amongst those who have served in the Green Dragon. - "We set out to save the Shire, Sam. And it has been saved. But not for me."
Greatest Trilogy Ever! Nothing will ever come close. Seeing it in theaters is almost a fever dream and I wish I could have watched it in theaters when it came out. Thankfully I did get to watch it during rerun in theaters. And it still blows my mind.
I’m a grown man, 20 year military veteran, and probably seen this movie fifty or sixty times. And I still shed a tear EVERY TIME I hear “You bow to no one”! And also when Frodo reflects “there are some hurts that are too deep”.
*Into The West* - A young filmmaker named Cameron Duncan (born in New Zealand in 1986) befriended Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. During the production of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Cameron was fighting cancer. He died on November 12th 2003, a few weeks before The Return of the King was released. Cameron had been due to make a cameo in the movie, but his poor health prevented him from doing so. However, he inspired Fran to write a song, which she worked on with Howard Shore and Annie Lennox. That song was Into The West, which became the end-credits theme to the trilogy, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and has been a light on the water for many people, for many different reasons. It is a song about death, but also about life, and hope, and I think it's beautiful that you sing it to your daughter.
@bobblebardsley absolutely love that song, it will be on the list of music for my funeral whenever it may be. I have yet to see a reactor even mention the three signature songs at the end of each movie. Why even wait for the credits, eh?
@@patriklindholm7576 Sometimes life presents you with a truth and you can choose to believe it wholly, in part, or not at all. I've watched the whole-ass documentary they included about him on the DVD extras and seen how they regarded him, if Fran Walsh says the song is about him, I choose to believe it's about him. The first place it was ever performed in public was at his funeral, it's pretty clear that to anyone whose opinion actually matters, it's his song. Your choice to believe otherwise though, we're all living our own lives in our own worlds, making sense of it as we go.
If it's any consolation, the comfort you will find in these films in the years to come almost outweighs the hurt of knowing you'll never see them for the first time again. There are few things in my life I have such a strong emotional connection to as these films, and every time I watch them it feels like home. Amazing reaction trilogy, the absolute best.
One thing you have to understand is that at 56:26 Gandalf isn't describing just the afterlife; he's describing his home. The place he, as a Maia, has lived since the beginning of Arda. Sir Ian did a fantastic job of capturing that feeling. So, in the end, yes Gandalf is leaving too, because the task set to him by the Valor is complete and he can finally do what every warrior truly craves, he can go home. I've enjoyed watching you experience these movies and hope your journey in middle earth doesn't end here, because it is only really beginning.
Eowyn says to Aragorn: "Westu Aragorn Hál" which means "Good health to you Aragorn." The language of the Rohirrim is basically slightly modified Old English. It's a direct adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon phrase "Wes þu hal" (good health to you) or the shorter "Wes hal" (be healthy) which is where we get the word "Wassail" from.
This holds the record for the largest clean sweep in Oscars history. 11 nominations (including Adapted Screenplay, Director, and Picture) and WON ALL 11. It ties the record for most wins by any film ever too, alongside BEN-HUR (1959) and TITANIC (1997) which also won 11 Oscars each. Bernard Hill (Theoden in this film) is the only ever person to appear in 2 of the 3 film that won 11 Oscars apiece, with the other being TITANIC (where he played Captain Smith).
Still boggles me that this movie was not even nominated for Best Cinematography. Would've had the record with 12 Oscars. (Yes, Master and Commander had great cinematography, but not Return of the King great.)
@@RobertJ-vo4bk I suspect the main reason was because of the feeling that it was amply recognized as the first installment already won it. All 3 movies shared the same cinematographer (Andrew Lesnie).
Legolas was totally trolling Gimli during the drinking game. In Legolas’ kingdom, his father brings in wine from the east that has been fermented for a thousand years. Drinking Man’s alcohol is like drinking Kool Aid to Legolas. 😂😂😂 Love all of your LOTR reactions. On to The Hobbit?❤
That grief of a meaningful story coming to an end - it's not silly! We live a complicated, non-dualist existence, and endings are both a time to grieve the loss of something which cannot be experienced for the first time again, and to be filled with excitement and hope for new beginnings. A death - metaphorical perhaps even more so than literal - is just another path :) So please, don't feel silly - feel proud! Proud for feeling, and proud for earnestly engaging with a story which has touched many hearts over the years, and will touch many more in the years to come. "I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are an evil" is one of my favourite quotes in history, even though Lord of the Rings is full of them! "Do not be so eager to deal out death and judgement, for even the very wise cannot see all ends", "not all those who wander are lost", "there's some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for", "all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us", "even the smallest person can change the course of the future", "there are some things that time cannot mend, some hurts that go too deep"; so many condensed pearls of the wisdom explored by the story as a whole. Anyway! Before I get too lost in thought, I just wanted to say thank you so much for these reactions! As I said, you have engaged so earnestly with this story, with such a keen eye for details, and such a big heart for the feelings and messages of the tale. Thanks for being a cool human being! You deserve this thank you donation to be bigger, but please accept the little I can muster
1:20:08 Tolkien being a survivor of WW1 and the Battle of the Somme represents the feeling of soldiers returning home to the strangeness of normal life after the hells theyve seen
“Into The West” which is the culmination of “The Grey Havens” musical theme isn’t (just) about death, it’s about the goodness that transcends circumstance, kin, culture, and creed. It’s comes through in the music whenever the darkness is deepest, when all the more superficial sources of goodness are stripped away….a more foundational and archetypical form of goodness. For instance, when Frodo is crawling up the slope of Mnt Doom, we hear suggestions of the Shire Theme playing, as if he is channeling the goodness of the shire as inspiration for keeping going. But the shire is so distant both physically and as a memory, that it isn’t enough. A deeper and more fundamental source is needed. Sam finds it as he looks down at what remains of his friend. The will he summons to carry Frodo doesn’t flow from the innocence of the shire, because they aren’t the same innocent Hobbits they were at the start of the journey. Rather, Sam’s determination comes from the trauma of seeing his friend in pain and despair. It’s cuts right to the very heart of what it is to be human; the love shared between two friends who have suffered together. It’s absolutely the most beautiful musical moment in any film, and Howard Shore deserves endless praise for his design of it, as well as for having the discipline to hold it back for these darkest moments. On that note, I HIGHLY recommend a four-part series of video essays here on RUclips from a channel called Listening In. They’re basically love letters to the music of LOTR, and the most powerful of these is about Frodo and Sam, called “How Howard Shore Makes Us Care.” I would love to see your reaction to it, or failing that, just hear your thoughts about it in a comment. It’s not a long video, at 13 minutes. I’ll link it below. ruclips.net/video/Azd7lyJ4918/видео.htmlsi=sM-6pWKJSzNSBFeV
One reason I love Aragorn's character is that despite the fact that he just survived impossible odds in battle against pure evil, when Gandalf crowns him king he looks up at him with doubt on his face. Like he STILL isn't sure if he will make a good king. He has so much humility it is insane, and that's why he's such a great leader.
The behind-the-scenes tales from these films are incredible. For example, when Peter Jackson tried to explain to Christopher Lee how he wanted the scene where Grimma stabs him to go, Mr. Lee listened patiently, until finally he said to Jackson, “Do you know the sound a man makes when he is stabbed in the back? Because I do.” Mr. Lee served in World War II. John Rhys-Davies, who played the dwarf Gimli, was actually the tallest member of the principal cast. The pirate whom Gimli causes Legolas to shoot is Director Peter Jackson. He’s got cameos in all three films. In order to film the ride of the Rohirrim, Director Jackson put out an all-call - anyone in New Zealand who owned a horse and wanted to be in a movie was invited. They were able to clad everyone in armor, because they made over a thousand sets of actual armor during pre-production. There’s a tale behind “Into The West”. During the years Peter Jackson spent in NZ preparing for and then shooting these films, he got to know a young Kiwi film-maker named Cameron Duncan, and took him under his wing. Unfortunately, young Cameron was diagnosed with cancer, and shortly before filming was complete, he passed away. He was 17. But he so touched the production team that they got together with Composer Howard Shore and Singer Annie Lennox, to compose the musical theme we hear softly behind Gandalf when he tells Pippin about the White Shores, gently again at the Grey Havens, and triumphantly when Sam begins to carry Frodo. This theme was also used to create the beautiful “Into The West”. Finally, Peter Jackson sought, and was granted, special permission for the music to not be initially released the day the movie dropped, with the rest of the soundtrack. Instead, “into The West” received its world premiere a few weeks earlier, at Cameron’s funeral. Merry and Aowen were injured when they stabbed the Witch King because as a Nazgûl he was enchanted to stave off death. Anyone a Nazgul came into physical contact with, stabbing or being stabbed, were attacked by this enchantment, the Naguls’ ‘Death Breath'. Even a brief interaction could be fatal, and both of our heroes not only stabbed him, they were next to him when he died, and centuries of pent-up 'death' was released. Aowen’s single bark of grief and pain breaks me. Every time. She lived, in part, because the king of Gondor is said to have ‘the hands of a healer’. It’s never really emphasized in the films, but Orcs and Goblins and the other fell races don’t get along with each other at all. As we’ve seen, it doesn’t take much for them to start killing each other. Hobbits, as a race, are known to be extremely good shots with small stones. I can't recall a Hobbit missing with one anywhere in the trilogy. Bilbo and Sam (and Boromir) are pretty much the only people who were able to bear the Ring, and then willingly hand it over to Frodo. Gandalf brought three Eagles to rescue Frodo and Sam because he hoped Gollum had survived as well. ROTK was released only two years after 9/11, and it was decided that the actual sounds of Sauron’s tower Baradur collapsing might be too much of a reminder to audiences. So instead, the sounds we hear as the tower collapses are those of rotting fruits and vegetables being crushed. “Well, I’m back” is also the last line of the book. I thoroughly recommend listening to the Commentaries, at your leisure. I believe the are three for each film, with each one featuring several actors.
Thank you so much for taking us with you on this journey, I know it can’t be easy to be this vulnerable with so many strangers. Your reaction was so raw and genuine. While what you said at the end is true, that there’s nothing quite like the first viewing of a story like this, I will offer you the consolation that the magic of these films never really fades either. I’ve watched them dozens of times, and dozens of reactions to them as well, and I can say without a doubt that they still hit just as hard as the first time. I promise that you will enjoy your second viewing just as much as your first, because even though you know what happens, you will notice details that you didn’t before, and will have a new found appreciation for all the subtle setups that you only noticed subconsciously on the first viewing. More importantly, LOTR is driven by themes of friendship, devotion, courage, sacrifice, and love; themes that transcend culture, to show us something that is fundamentally human in a way that nothing else I’ve seen has come close to representing. It is unashamedly genuine in its yearning to hold this mirror of humanity up to us, and I think that’s why it hits us so hard as emotional beings. That never gets old no matter how many times you watch it. It shows us that extraordinary acts can be performed by the most ordinary of people, when we are motivated by devotion to our friends. The greatest acts of courage in the story are performed not by its greatest warriors, but by its simplest and most genuine of people, because goodness is the ultimate virtue that determines all others. That is why we cry when Aragorn bows to the Hobbits; because the simple truth of his statement and the earnestness of its delivery resonates throughout the entire story.
I’m glad it wasn’t the typical John Williams or Hans Zimmer that were chosen for the score, as big movies like these are their forte. This wasn’t Howard’s typical style of movie he composes for but he absolutely nailed it and created some of the most beautiful and memorable music that were used in film.
You being sad at the end is why we love you and love reaction channels. While we can't watch it for the first time again, we can experience YOUR first time right along with you. I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness you put into this channel.
Saying you wish you could erase your memory and experience the film again for the first time, 10 seconds after watching it. WOW, I don't think there can be a greater compliment.
Tolkien wrote a final chapter that his publishers told him not to include. There's a video online where a woman talks about that unpublished final chapter. It's quite beautiful. As I recall, it takes place years later, on an evening after Sam and Rosie told their kids bedtime stories and put them to bed. Standing arm in arm outside, Sam talks about losing hope when Mount Doom collapsed, but Rosie talls Sam how that was when she first felt hope again, when she suddenly knew: "My Sam is coming home to me."
I just love (in the book), when Rosie says”they said you were dead but, I’ve been expecting you since the spring!” The ring was destroyed on March 25th !
Your point about the third eagle is interesting, I never really noticed that detail before! Gandalf would have known about Gollum because Faramir told him about his encounter with Frodo, so he likely told Gandalf that Gollum was leading them. It is a nice thought to think Gandalf was planning to try save Gollum too.
I never thought about it when I saw it but heard it when reading comments. I don't think it was for Gollum and it would even be a stretch for Gandalf to assume that both Sam and Frodo survived to be rescued.
I've heard more seasoned fans say that Gandalf was indeed hoping that Sméagol would redeem himself and the third eagle was for him. In the Fellowship Gandalf already knows Gollum / Sméagol is following them and says he believes Sméagol still has a part to play (which he did, even if Gandalf hoped it would have been in a different way)
Legolas knows a lot because he's a crisp 2,931 years old at this point. Gimli is 139, Frodo is 50, Sam is 38, Merri 36, Pippin 29, Aragorn 88 (his birthday was when they found Gandalf in the forrest), Elrond 6,497, Arwen 2,901, Galadriel ~8000, Gandalf.......~55,000. Err'body old as FUUUUUU-.
Galadriel: I'm older than the moon and sun. (Also if I remember correctly there is some debate /ie.: Tolkien never really setttled on it/ how long the years of the lamb were. She can be as old as 12.000, but at least 8.000.
@@matebakk5187 The Valian time is a headache to try to calculate because a Valian year is like 1000 Valian days and a Valian day is 12 Valian hours and a Valian hour is like seven of our hours. All elves were awakened at the beginning the Year of the Trees and the Year of the Trees pre First Age lasted about 1000 Valian years. If I recall correctly (could be wrong) Galadriel was quite young when Feanor asked her for three strands of her hair which was before he made the silmarils(?) I'm not good at math but she is very, very old.
I wept openly in theaters when "Into the West" played over the credits. I've never experienced anything like this story in my life, and I completely agree that they are perfect films. Your reflections were always so perceptive, and it was wonderful to see how you allowed yourself to be moved by this story. Thank you for allowing me to feel some of these things again. I'm really, really happy that I discovered your channel.
Speaking of “girl power”, have you ever seen girl power depicted in a more compelling manner than Eowyn’s character arc? Nobody believed in her, but she persevered and killed the Witch King - I mean, nothing better than that imho! The theater erupted in applause back in the day, I’ll never forget it. Brings me to tears every time now.
@ amazing answers actually. I really should go and watch Alien, surprisingly never seen it. But of course I’ve seen T2 many times, dunno why I didn’t think of her (and T1 a few times, T3 and beyond kinda don’t matter).
Spot on with all three of those characters: Eowyn, Ripley, and Sarah Conner. The biggest difference between them (and others that most of us can think of) and the vast majority of current movie girl bosses is that Eowyn and the others are genuine and relatable. Each one at times shows fear, uncertainty and doubt, but they battle on in spite of that and accomplish tremendous things. Most of the current ones are immediately great at everything, show no fear or doubt, and are cocky to the point of being gratingly insufferable. Give me Eowyn, Ripley or Sarah, every single time.
The final thing I recommend is to watch the behind the scenes content for these. They absolutely enrich your appreciation for these films, and they show you why these films were so great; because the many people who made them were insanely passionate about them, and there is absolutely no substitute for that
The "My friends, you bow to no one" is my favourite moment in the entire trilogy. The entire movie is full of the greatest scenes in movie history, but also I like the smaller moments like Arwen seeing her son or Galadriel helping Frodo get up.
my favorite quote in all of literature I memorized at age 7 , in my first reading of TLOTR , in 1976 "What a pity Bilbo didnt stab the vile creature when he had the chance" "Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Pity...and mercy: not to strike without need. Many that live deserve Death, and some that die deserve life...can YOU give it to them Frodo? Do not be too quick to deal out death in judgement, even the very wise cannot see all ends, my heart tells me Gollum has some part to play, for good or ill, before the end."
@@justinhephner2117 I love that dialogue too. The Fellowship of the Ring is my favourite, but the sheer relief and satisfaction of seeing the whole world of Men recognizing the Hobbits for the heroes they are is such a perfect combination. And Aragorn singing and him and Arwen reuniting right before that makes the coronation that much better.
The palantír is never explained in the movies. There were 7 of them brought to Middle Earth from Númenor (originally made by elves during the first age). They allow communication between the stones, and they were placed in strategic locations around Middle Earth. Sauron took the one that was in Minas Ithil, which became Minas Morgul after it was captured by the enemies. He used it to deceive others who looked in the other unlost stones, Minas Tirith and Isengard.
"Tall ships and tall kings Three times three, What brought they from the foundered land Over the flowing sea? Seven stars and seven stones And one white tree."
The locations of the palantirs were as follows: 1. Amon Sul (this hill where Frodo was wounded in the first movie) 2. Minas Tirith (controlled by Gondor) 3. Osgilliath (city where faramir fell in the 3rd movie, controlled by Gondor, lost) 4. Isengard (controlled by Gondor, later by Saruman) 5. Minas Morgul (controlled by Gondor, later by Sauron) 6. Blue Mountains (near Shire, controlled by elves and Arnor. Main stone, had 'free roaming' option, looker could see through the time and sea. Propably elves took it or was lost) 7. I dont remember, propably Fornost, capital city of Isildur on the North
Now is the time to read the books. The same story, but told quite differently in many ways. And you can continue to read the books and watch the movies for the rest of your life. 🙂 You will find so many more quotations that could not be fitted into the already lengthy films. And you will find many storylines that were not included. The World of The Lord of The Rings is almost infinite and you will discover wondrous things as long as you continue to exxplore this vast universe. It has been a real pleasure to share your reactions, your joy, your tears and your wonder. Thank you so much...
This was well worth the wait. Thank you for being the person you are. With your genuine emotion, awareness, and willingness to share with us your experience watching these films for the first time.
The lighting of the beacons should be such a boring and silly scene and still I get goosebumps everytime. It makes me excited. Even thought it's just a camera panning along the mountainside with cgi fires.
As a player of Lord of the Rings online, I was pleased to see the beacons properly presented. They occupy small towns between Minas Tirith and Edoras, are beautifully kept like light houses in the center so there was life being lived normally around them. Jackson's choice was purely cinematic and done well.
Awesome reaction! You've given an old man a lot of joy and tears reacting to my favourite story of all time, a story that has brought me through some tuff times in my life. All I can say is Thank you...
My mom took me to every movie as they came out. I remember coming home from the theater at 14, sitting on the couch and staring at nothing. Just thinking, “it’s all over… what do I do now?” And I just sat there for at least 30-40 mins. They are just so powerful.
I watched a video lecture once (now long gone in a drive crash) that talked about some of the subtexts in the books. JRR Tolkein was a World War One veteran, at a time when the rigid class system had started to break down in the UK. Frodo, the "rich" landowner, and Sam the "lower class" gardener, go to war, and in the process abandon the class system, and become brothers in arms. After the War of the Ring, All the Hobbits return home, but, some (Frodo) cannot adjust to life there any more. What we call PTSD now... All those the Ring (the War of the Ring) touched eventually went Into the West to Valinor... the Undying Lands. They were broken.... It's no coincidence that Peter Jackson took on a mammoth project a decade after these movies and restored hundreds of hours of World War One film, and created one of the finest World War One documentaries - They Shall Not Grow Old. The restored footage is amazing, as is the narration read from the journals of WWI Vets. I think you would enjoy reading about JRR Tolkein and the WRITING of the Lord of the Rings, and then seeing Peter Jacksons "THey Shall Not Grow Old". As for LotRs? My favorite line in Return of the King? THe one that never fails to open the tear faucet? "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!" - Every time. This one included. We will never see a movie like these again... The universe will never produce the author, the director, the cast, the crew, the extras, and the force of will that made them again. We can only enjoy what we have, and pass it down to others. I charge you now, my lady, to pass this masterpiece to others - teach them what they have missed, and in turn, relive seeing them by introducing others. This, so that Peter Jackson, and everyone else responsible for this masterpiece earns their place at the right hand of Odin, in the halls of Valhalla....
I've read that Stephen Colbert wants to turn Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny into a movie, or maybe the whole series into movies. I cannot vouch for the truth of it, though.
@@pillmuncher67 That could be very good.... but, still not in the same class as LotR. I would definitely watch a serious production of the Amber books, though.
You are SO sharp. Of all the reactions I've seen, you are the first to notice & mention Denethor sitting at the foot of the dais in the Steward's chair. Sorry, no prize for that, but all the Kudos in the world is yours. 🤓
One of my favorite little moments of book adaptation is “I give hope to Man.” “I keep none for myself.” That is actually spoken by Aragorn’s mother in the book’s appendix. Aragorn’s childhood name was Estel, which is Elvish for “hope.”
You know what I love most about your Videos? No Sponsors (even though you'd certainly deserve it❤) no 10 Minute Monologues, just straight to the Point, but still carrying & portraying Emotions so well. Thank you for being the Way you are! ❤😊
@@LiteWeightReacting I wouldn't put too much on that "no sponsors" thing being that important. We're used to videos being sponsored; people have to make a living. It's nice when you can accept sponsorships from companies you actually like but do what you have to do to justify the time you put into these.
One of my favorite lines from the end of the book (which was partially included in the film) is when Frodo tells Sam, "We set out to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger: someone has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them." It perfectly encapsulates what you were talking about with the Hobbits not being the same when they return home. In particular, Frodo could not go back to normal life and had been so deeply changed by the Ring that he couldn't find healing in Middle-Earth (hence his sailing into the West). While many viewers see this as weakness, I appreciate that you understood the realism and depth of this portrayal. In some ways, our culture has been so conditioned to expect "happy endings" and everything being resolved at the end of the story that we see this as a character flaw in Frodo. In reality (and Tolkien said as much in his letters), the fact that Frodo was at least somewhat aware of what the Ring would cost him, yet chose to take the burden on himself anyway in order to save his home, is more a testament to his strength and heroism rather than weakness.
The “you bow to no one” scene could make a rock cry. This trilogy was a masterpiece in every regard: the musical score, the cinematography, the writing, the acting, etc.
I’ve seen a handful of reactions to this film, hands down, yours is the best. I love how you love these movies and I feel like I’m seeing them anew through your eyes. Thanks so much😀
What the choir sings after Aragorn says 'for Frodo' and charges into battle, is his Council of Elrond pledge in Elvish... 'If by my life or death I can protect you, I will'
I’ve seen this trilogy more times than I can count since it first was released… And I can say with complete honesty, that I have not had anything close to the emotional and visceral reaction to watching them the first time… than I did while you were sharing your first time watching it with all of us. I am in tears, and have been for all of your reactions to this beloved trilogy. Thank you for allowing me to relive how truly wonderful this story is for the second time.
This made my day! I’m so glad you found the channel and have been with me for this journey! It’s been a privilege! I will be reacting to the hobbit once BoB has completed!
I am so happy to hear that and I very much appreciate you responding to me. You’re in for a very special treat with the Hobbit movies, especially the first two, the third one felt a bit rushed to me, but I still enjoy them very much. As for Band of Brothers… buy stock in Kleenex, but it is also amazing. And that comes from someone who would describe himself as having more than the usual amount of knowledge of World War II.
You never forget your first time.. and watching with you, experiencing the joy with you, shedding tears along with you, is the closest thing to having that feeling again. Thank you, for your honest and beautiful reactions; I hope you truly enjoy the books (heavy read tho they may be in parts) and the Makings Of. Thank you from the bottom of this old fan's heart 🥰
58:00 "Why did it hurt them?" Eowen's arm and ribs were broken when the witch king smashed her shield. Then Merry and Eowen were magically burned when they each stabbed him.
They weren't just burned, they were affected by the so-called "Black Breath" which was poisonous and caused its victims to slip into a dark, deep and restless sleep. That's why they both became so weak and unconscious shortly afterwards. They could only recover if they were being healed by the herb "Athelas" or "Kingsfoil" - the same one used by Aragorn to try and heal Frodo's stab wound in "Fellowship of the Ring".
@@nathaliemelissa96What I think is interesting is that Athelas only works as a healing agent for Aragorn, specifically to cure the Black Breath. Aragorn fulfills the prophecy that the hands of the king are the hands of a healer.
"From the ashes a fire shall be woken A light from the shadow shall spring Renewed shall be blade that was broken The crownless again shall be king" I LOVE this trilogy so much! If you're interested in more lotr music, a group called Clamavi de Profundis sings arrangements of many of Tolkien's poems from the books and they are magical!
Now you know why all of us reactor fans were thrilled when you (any reactor) starts their LOTR journey! In the fresh eyes of a reactor we get to relive the adventures!
RIP Bernard Hill, Théoden King, Christopher Lee, Saruman, and Ian Holm, Bilbo Baggins. Christopher Lee read The Lord of the Rings books every year from when they were released until his death. 11 Academy Awards, tied with Ben Hur and Titanic for most awards. The death of Saruman in the movie isn't like the books. It is a subtle callback to Christopher Lee's most iconic role (prior to this) in the Hammer films, as Dracula.
@@LiteWeightReacting Many have passed from behind the scenes as well. Including Andrew Lesnie, the cinematographer who filmed both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. He died about 10 years ago at 59.
95% of reactors don't realize that when Frodo wakes up and sees Gandalf, he hasn't seen him since he fell fighting the Balrog in the first movie. Speaking of Gandalf: "I better order up a third eagle, just in case." Also, in the book, Shadowfax also boards the last ship to leave Middle Earth along with the others. RIP Blanco aka the lord of all horses (1989-2014).
@@Lathspell_ So many people say so, but I don't think so. Gandalf didn't know if he would find Frodo and Sam conscious or not. If they were conscious, they would fly on the eagles' back like Gandalf, so one eagle for each of them, Gandalf, Frodo and Sam.
14 дней назад+3
@@jolanas.5426 in the books it was stated that the third eagle was for Golum because Gandalf still held some sliver of hope that Smeagol can be redeemed.
For years, I have been convinced that right up until the very moment Aragorn comes bursting into the Throne Room and says “Gondor calls for aid” that Theoden was fully intending to say no. I swear you can see him change his mind right there on the spot just before he answers.
@@shaggybaggums True, which is why I think he responds the way he does is 60 percent because he’s a good man and 40 percent because he won’t abandon Aragorn. Theoden, book or movie, is one of my favorite characters.
I discovered your channel because of Fellowship and I’m very happy to see you finish off this trilogy. It’s been amazing to see you so taken with this world and its characters. You’ve quickly become my favorite reactor, approaching everything with so much empathy and compassion, as well as intelligence picking up on even the smallest details. Here’s to seeing you bringing it to so many other works as well!
Yeah, her attention to detail is pretty great. If you go back and watch more of her reactions you'll see it in a lot of them. She catches little details that a lot of us get on the 2nd or 3rd view, or learn about in commentary later.
0:14 Oh no...she is wearing mascara.....rookie mistake! Reaction rule #1 Never wear Mascara on the final movie of a trilogy! This will be messy and fun!
The themes of this trilogy are so beautiful. The main arching one, to me, is that each of us have inner darkness we’re all wrestling with and it’s about holding true to yourself and the ones you love to overcome your demons and never lose hope. I think it’s a world we all wish to share together. Allot of us can relate to experiencing some clouds in our lives and I feel that is why this trilogy is such a beloved work of art. Thank you Lite, for sharing your experience with us and allowing us all to love and experience these movies again through you. A wonderful reaction again! I do enjoy your channel so much. See you in the next reaction!
@ 1:21:01 the lines frodo says here hit hard especially for people that are veterans like myself with PTSD. extremely hard to return to a life once you go through it. great reaction as always and enjoyed your lord of the rings journey.
The House of Healing also isn't well explained during the films (no time. Otherwise, they'd be 5 hours) but its said in Gondor that the king has the hands of a healer. Eowyn and Merry were affected by the "black breath" for stabbing the Witch King. Faramir, if i recall, was hit by a poisoned arrow. Aragorn used Athelas (or Kingsfoil in the common tongue) to heal them. Also, during that scene, Liv Tyler (Arwen) is the one singing.
@LiteWeightReacting i really hope you enjoy the books. I've read/listened to them at least once a year ever since I saw Fellowship in 2001. You'll have to release a special video on YT talking about your experience with the books or something.
Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee) came to my hometown last year in July. I have it recorded as him stating his FAVORITE memory is that end scene. Yes, the little girl one running to him in the dress and hobbit ears is his real life daughter and it was COMPLETELY improvised. She wasn't actually supposed to be in the movie but they happened to be filming when she ran onto the set. They'd just put hobbit prosthetics on her to surprise Sean and she ran up on him as he was walking back.
I just have to repeat this comment in the hopes of you seeing it: "I recommend you watch the "making of" of these movies later, it just show the love for the source material of every single person related to the movie. One such example is the scene where the orcs try battering down the keeps door on the two towers. The art team knew the door was meant to be attacked, so they tried to make it hard, to build realism. The orcs attacking it couldn't break it down even with a real battering ram and a phisical coordinator (? don't know if this is the correct word) saying, and I quote: "F*** put some strenght in it like proper orcs! You are looking weak like elves!" Later they had to bring a engineering team to sistematically weaken the door, so it could break down. Pter Jackson said that if they ever had to sustain a siege, they wanted the art team to build their doors. Sorry for my broken english. Also, great reaction!" But i will also comment and like this video, that i already know it will be a blast Congratulations on you surpassing 75k subscribers, glad to be one of them
@TSABR Your English is very good no need to apologise even if it wasn't, the making of the movies is brilliant the construction of Minas Tirith is amazing
@@LiteWeightReacting I believe it's worthy of a reaction. I never saw anyone react to the behind the scenes, so that would be a first I think. And everyone likes those hahaha
@@paulosullivan3205 Thank you. I still get myself making some grammar mistakes, frequently I use google to right any wrong in my spelling. And I personally like the story about the tower of Barad-dûr. And the armor makers
Your laughter is so infectious and your reactions were a wonderful addition to the movie. Thank you for watching the Lord of the Rings, and welcome to the Fellowship. I love your Lothlorien long sleeve shirt too.
14:38 Gandalf says it's a 3 days ride to Minas Tirith as the Nazgul flies, meaning Shadowfax is as fast as the Nazgul flying on those fell beasts. That's pretty cool
1:23:17 “...and the ship went out into the High Sea and passed _into the West,_ until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air, and heard the sound of singing that came over the water. And then it seemed to him that, as in his dream in the house of Bombadil, the grey rain-curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them, a far green country under a swift sunrise.”
You really are by far the best movie reactor i have seen. And believe me, i have seen many going back a decade. You just let your empathy and emotions carry you to whatever journey they may take you on given the context of whatever is laid in front of you on screen and during said journeys. To whatever end.
![The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring [EXTENDED CUT] | First Time Watching | REACTION](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6wMCAVwk0GQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring [EXTENDED CUT] | First Time Watching | REACTION](/img/tr.png)
![First Time Watching THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING [EXTENDED] | Movie Reaction](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/O5pMdSIKgj0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
The main reason to watch reaction videos is that it’s like watching a friend taste your favorite meal, watching them enjoy it too. You’re no lightweight, you’re a tender heart.
THIS!
@@jontastic great comment!
Yes. Sadly we can never have our very first LOTR experience ever again. Vicariously reliving it through reactors is as close as we can get 😅
Well said, friend. Well said.
Fawkin’ beautifully put
After the ring was destroyed:
-Frodo left Middle Earth, so that he may be fully healed. He was still able to feel the wound on his arm from the sword at the beginning, plus for being the ring-bearer and it nearly consuming him like it did Gollum.
-Aragorn returned Gondor to it's former glory, and ruled happily with Arwen for 120 years. He had one son and two daughters. When his time drew near, he chose to take command of his own end. We laid in the House of the Kings in Minas Tirith with Gondor's past rulers and drifted into eternal sleep. Arwen passed one year later.
-Gimli became the Lord of the Glittering Caves under Helm's Deep, as it was rich with Mithril. He kept his word to Galadriel, and encased the strands of hair within glass and treasured it.
Legolas restored the woodlands of Middle-Earth that were ravaged by the war, along with adventuring with Gimli.
-After Aragorn's death, Legolas made a ship of his own in Ithilien, and left Middle-Earth to cross the sea to reunite with the rest of the elves in the Undying Lands. Due to their close friendship, Gimli was also allowed to cross the sea, the only dwarf to receive that honor.
-Samwise married Rosie and had 13 children. He was also elected Mayor of the Shire for seven consecutive seven-year terms (49 years.) Afterwards, Sam was given passage to the Undying Lands to reunite with Frodo, as Samwise was also a Ring-Bearer, even for a short time.
-Pippin became the 32nd Thane of the Shire, and held that position for 50 years. He had one son named Faramir Took I, who later married Sam's daughter. After he retired as Thane, he left with Rohan and Gondor with Merry. He remained there for the rest of his life, and was entombed in the Hall of the Kings, and later moved to be laid to rest alongside Aragorn.
-Merry was knighted by King Eomer and become Master of Buckland. He married, and wrote a book. He had at least one son. At 102, he returned to Rohan and Gondor with Pippin, dying around the same time as Pippin. He was laid to rest in Gondor with Pippin, and later moved alongside Aragorn.
The story of Sam always brings me to tears.
Arwen also went to Lothlorien, silent and dark after Galadriel and Celeborn departed with Gandalf, Bilbo, and Frodo all those years ago. Arwen passed away frightened and alone, the second known time an elf died of old age.
Does anyone else read this like they're reading the whole life history of a dear close friend?
@@craigbryan6980You sell the experience of the trilogy short if you don’t read at least the Fourth Age section of the Tale of the Years in the Appendices. The final line of the final entry there is the real end of the book.
@@AdderTude that is heartbraking
Tolkien truly understood post war PTSD and Jackson translated it perfectly to screen.
2007 after my second deployment to Iraq, I was selected to join 3 others for a memorial day ceremony and game at Yankee Stadium. Having 50,000 people standing and cheering us while we stood in the infield feeling the most complex mix of emotions. People smiling and cheering for doing things I'm ashamed of and tried to forget was surreal. I immediately thought of the expression on Frodos face during the bow to no one scene.
When people asked me what it was like coming back, I directed them to the last 45 minutes of this movie. Drinking silently in a bar with your friends after you've all changed so much, you're strangers to yourselves. But half the point of getting out of the war alive was to enjoy that beer with your friends back home. Even now it's hard to articulate, but it's in the Hobbits eyes. Tolkien understood it, and everyone who made it back home alive does too
Yeah that scene reminded me a lot of how my cousins felt after returning from Iraq. Everything seemed hollow to them, and they knew nobody other than each other would ever understand why. Thank you, for your service. It does mean a lot to most Americans. Even though we can't understand what you went through, we hope you find peace.
@@KaiserKiller 4 deployments for me, 3 to Middle East and 1 down south. This movie and American Sniper are the only ones I believe that show PTSD properly. It’s the little mannerisms that no one sees and hits the hardest. Having a welcome back party after coming home after serving for 11 years while everyone else celebrating and you’re trying to celebrate too because it’s why you fought and what you’ve dreamt of coming back to, but the moment is never what you think.
The entire trilogy takes on a much deeper meaning when you watch the entire thing understanding that the Hobbits are young boys going to war for the first time. The other characters are the people they meet along the way (generals, officers, troops from other countries, etc). The dead marshes in the 2nd film is widely believed to be Tolkien remembering the bomb craters from the battle of the Somme, which would have dead bodies in them and then fill with water from the rain. Tolkien saw all of that stuff first hand.
Edit: Tolkien was the only one in his friend group to make it home alive from WWI.
"By 1918, all but one of my close friends were dead."
Tolkien
Thank you for sharing this.
That scene where Eomer find Eowyn seemingly dead on the battlefield. Its an absolutely chillingly realistic performance by Karl Urban. At that point Eomer knows his uncle, the king, had died. He thinks "Its ok I will still have my sister when I get home." Then there she is lying dead on the battlefield. In that moment Eomer truly believes he has nobody left and it unmakes him. That look of horror and absolute despair on Eomer's face just guts me everytime.
Absolutely heart wrenching. Karl Urban has always been an underrated actor in my opinion.
"You bow to no one" will never not bring tears. Literally every time I see it. Just the recognition that someone so seemingly small was able to perform deeds that require a king to kneel before them. The smallest person can change the world - all they need is a bit of courage and a push out the door.
I love how she immediately noticed that the throne of the Steward was separate from the throne of the King
🙏🏻
Brilliant, few realize that. Denethor is a far better character than portrayed in the films, and he took his position as Steward seriously. He never would presume to sit in the throne of the King. Sharp eyes and understanding in pointing that out.
She's a sharp cookie, no mistake [as my Da used to say].
She's a damn lot smarten than your average cookie..
YES
“ I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed.” 💔💔
I hope to be worthy enough to have that written on my gravestone!!!
Hail, the victorious dead!
RIP: King Theoden/Bernard Hill
And that gut-wrenching sob from Eowyn... It gets me all the time.
RIP, sir. You played one of my favorite kings.
"That has to count for at least 50"
Gimli: "And I took that personally"
HAHAHA
"Even getting a shot at the driver is not going to be possible."
Eomer: "And I took that personally."
Also Eomer: Challenge accepted
Also also Eomer: "Hold my beer" 😋
We managed to re live watching them again for the first time again though you. You gave us that joy
🥹
through
Faramir: Father, I met a halfling.
Denethor: Boromir would’ve met a wholeling 😒
Goddangit
Faramir: "Father, I've brought you the one ring."
Denethor: "Boromir would've brought me the two ring."
Denethor is a character that unfortunately was sacrificed in the adaptation. The movie correctly depicts him as going mad and insane, but there is no explanation as to why.
Denethor is actually a proud (in a good way) and noble man. Unknown to anyone, Denethor has a Palantir (the ball that Pippen looks into). For years and years he contends with Sauron directly and resists Sauron’s attempts to corrupt him. He uses the Palantir to fight Sauron and keep Mordor at bay.
Sauron eventually realizes that he won’t be able to turn Denethor (showing that Denethor is actually a good person), so he instead resorts to driving him insane by showing him images of destruction and despair through the Palantir.
Unfortunately, Sauron succeeds, but not until after years and years of a noble fight from Denethor. Denethor even leads part of the fight himself in the battle in this movie. He doesn’t just do nothing as depicted in the movie.
Denethor is another tragic story of the nobility and weakness of man, who eventually succumb to the evil that they consistently and nobly fight.
I never knew this. Thank you for sharing
Well said.
Also waaay more competent than in the movie. The women, children and old were evacuated from the city and the banners were called. Maybe not loved by many but certainly respected. Far closer to a Tywin Lannister type (even had the same breaking point: their wife died who "softened" their hearts) than this character.
Yes, and he saw the black ships sailing up the Anduin river and thought that this would be the downfall of Gondor. However, as we all know, it was Aragorn coming from the Paths of the Dead. It is actually tragic in the books , the movie butchered him
Yeah, his real backstory from the books kind of underscores what Faramir says to Pippin in the movie about how Boromir and his father were very similar. Both were good noble men who were corrupted by Sauron but only because of their genuine drive to protect their people and not out of greed and personal benefit. It's sad that they cut all that from the movie and just made him seem like a huge a-hole who inexplicably had two great sons who are much better men than him, even if one of them also fell to the Ring's power.
It’s absolutely insane to me that they filmed all three movies at the same time. The amount of work and manpower that went into these masterpieces is just mind boggling. The “making of” and behind the scenes footage is super interesting too
Have you watched the making of Lord of the rings, it's just as good as the film
@@crispy_338
What blows my mind is that helms deep stuff was filmed first, and then they built minas tirith on the same site afterwards.
That little scene in the beginning of the first film, where gandalf is reading about the ring, that was filmed after all the battles and the action had been filmed at helms deep. 🤯
The amount of love and respect that went into these movies from everyone involved is why it walked off with so many awards and still enchants audiences today. I may not agree with all of Jackson’s decisions, but there isn’t a single doubt in my mind that he was honoring Tolkien’s works as best he could.
@nancyhayes9958 Peter Jackson did an amazing job of bringing all 3 books to the screen, I still watch it with awe today
Not only that, but with an international cast, filmed in a country that wasn't known for major film production by a director who'd never done anything on such a scale (because nobody ever had) and all based on a trilogy of books that was considered unfilmable.
A minor detail I rarely see mentioned. The ring is at its most powerful at the place it was forged, i.e. Mount Doom, the only place it can be destroyed. Within Mount Doom, the ring's power is near absolute, and even the strongest will cannot resist it. Which means, once the ring is in the place it can be destroyed, there is no person that could destroy it. It practically makes the ring invincible. Falling by accident is essentially the only way the ring could have been destroyed, making Gollum's role as critical to the journey as Frodo's.
People can think of it as being in a room with a light bulb with unlimited brightness. The closer the ring is to Mount Doom, the brighter the light gets until there is nothing but blinding light. Frodo literally couldn't think of or see anything else at that point. The ring was all consuming.
Given this, I have thought people are unfair to Isildur. He gets portrayed as a bad guy for not destroying the ring when he had the chance, but he was no more able to than Frodo was. It wasn’t because he was a weak-willed, power hungry Man, but because the ring simply cannot be let go in Mount Doom by any mortal being. Tolkien confirms this latter point in a letter.
@@micahnieman673 In one of his letters, Tolkien alludes to Eru causing Gollum to trip at that moment.
@@frasler1the same thing with the Eagles. Eru (God of the story's universe) only helps out when all the good living beings did all their best and there's nothing more that can be done to achieve the final goal - to destroy the Ring.
The only reason it was destroyed was because Gollum swore on the ring not to betray Fredo. So the rings own power was finally working again it.
Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin at the inn, sharing a somber ale, surrounded by people who have no idea what they’ve been through and not knowing how to share it with anyone else…that knowing glance…that’s sudden flash of memory…THAT is the veteran’s experience summed up in a single moment.
“How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand... there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend.”
Never truer words.
Completely agree. It's a sense and a feeling that only warriors (in whatever life context you want to use), know.
But there are almost no more eterans left. The last veterans were in the WW2. All other wars had no meaning really.
@@andymlakcs Naw bro there are *plenty* veterans and folks struggling with PTSD
What’re you on about?
@@JediS1138
A misjudged sentiment from Andy there, but maybe there's a difference between the total war of WWII (and WWI) and the less all-encompassing wars fought by English-speaking countries since. However, I would say those lesser wars leave their veterans _more_ isolated and feeling _less_ like their experiece is appreciated by the people back home.
@@paulkennedy8701 Agreed. With WWII, the returning vets were celebrated, saluted, and cheered resoundingly. Korean veterans were nearly forgotten, and Vietnam vets spat upon, insulted, and tormented. Vets of the first gulf war were given a little more help, but vets of the war since 2003 have not. They have been ignored, like the Korean vets were. If you know any current vets, keep in touch with them - they are a demographic with one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, and it's far harder to get psychological help from the VA than it is medical help.
I'ts not silly, there is a depression that happens when you finish this series for the first time, its the only series in my life i wish I could watch it again for the first time, every single time.
Movie hole!
@drakkonahn8544 I've read the books at least 6-7 times, and I've always found something new or a new perspective on something.
There are parts that were left out of the Fellowship that were thought unnecessary. But what was what Tolkien called ' providence ', taking a hand and hiding the Hobbits from the Ring Wraiths on their way to Bree.
@@LiteWeightReacting It means it's time to read the books! Get the full story.
I felt that, worse than ever, when the end credits of The Witcher 3 rolled.
Ive never had, before or after, an experience like that game gave me.
@@alanmacification I read them every year, since I am 12 years old. I turn 52 this year...
"End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take." Favorite quote
Same. That scene always makes me so emotional but weirdly hopeful, for whatever reason!
@@DecodethefallenmoonGandalf view death not as something to be afraid of, but something beautiful. It’s a comforting thought.
and as I get older, that quote gets favoriter and favoriter with me... :)
I want that shit on my tombstone. Along with the "I will not say do not weep" line too
@mikecooper7755 I want them to play "Into the West" at my funeral.
It’s rare to see any reactions where Frodo’s words on the lasting effect the ring had on him is highlighted like this. Thank you for this and sharing your journey with these movies! Wonderfully emotional and thoughtfull reaction! ❤
Thank you for this wonderful comment! It was a privledge sharing the journey with you 🥹
@@LiteWeightReacting I must say that your observations are amazingly insightful and you are ahead of the story. After watching several of your reaction videos I have noticed this trait about you but it seems to really stand out in the Lord of the Rings series. Your exceptional high intelligence and your reasoning ability is only surpassed by the joy that you radiate and watching the movies and your overall Beauty and persona. You have made a lifelong fan!
Regarding Gandalf's awareness of Gollum being with Frodo and Sam: Recall that Faramir knew Gollum was with them, and Gandalf had him tell all he knew. So he would have known Gollum was with them. There's a meme out there that the third eagle was indeed for Gollum.
Speaking of Gollum, there's something that most folks miss (or perhaps forget). When we first saw Gollum following them in Moria, and Frodo says it's a pity that Bilbo didn't kill him, Gandalk replies that it was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. He goes on with, "My heart tells me that he [Gollum] has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end; and when that comes, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many- yours not least." So, ultimately, it was Bilbo sparing Gollum's life that saved the world, for Frodo succumbed to the Ring in the end and it was Gollum that prevented disaster. So, Bilbo saved the world.
If you read Tolkien’s letters (highly recommended), you see that this was absolutely his position. Bilbo’s act of mercy in the Hobbit was really the pivotal moment in the whole series. Although the themes of friendship, perseverance, the corrupting nature of power, etc. are in there too, Tolkien said for him the main theme of the story was mercy.
Note also that Gollum “sweared to the precious” that he wouldn’t betray Sam and Frodo. Remember that “oaths” have a deeper power in this world, and if you break your oath nature/fate/(Illuvitar) will have consequences. And the “irony” was that by breaking his Oath to the precious resulted in the destruction of both of them. Not some external force, but fate itself.
When I first saw the movie, I just thought the 3rd eagle was flying top-cover.
I used to joke... If the hobbits represent the English, the elves the French, the dwarves the Germans...
Obviously the Strike Eagles represent the Americans... always showing up late to the war.
One change I think is unneeded. In the book there's not a struggle after Gollum bites the ring off. He basically just jumps around with glee and trips and falls into the fire.
It seems a little silly, but it redeems Frodo from fighting further over the ring which he claimed - his failure.
The closest most of us can get to watching these movies again for the very first time is to watch someone like you watching them for the first time and allowing us to re-experience it through YOUR eyes -- and heart and soul. I think hearing your perspective and thoughts gives us an even fuller appreciation for the magic that is this trilogy.
Thank you, darling lady, for taking us along with you on your first Middle Earth adventure. 🤗🥰
"My friends, you bow to no one" In this moment four Hobbits, little people of the Shire, stood taller than all the Kings of Men.
Best moment
Brought me to tears, watching again with full understanding as an adult.
And sharing that deep Catholic faith with the late and great Tolkien, which he did say helped the story’s philosophical themes, it takes on a whole new meaning when we realize that in those moments where we become that Prodigal Son from Jesus’s parable, and we find our way back time after time as like beggars at the feet of the King of Kings, He rejoices and tells us in that moment that we bow to no one. 🥹🥲
As a teen watching, I loved Aragorn. Now as an adult, my favorite character arch has to be the redemption of Theoden. From frightened old man afraid of losing everything to a war hero who steps up to help others and goes to his fathers, "in whose mighty company no longer ashamed." Bernard Hill, the actor who portrayed him so excellently, passed away this past year and was quoted as saying this was one of the greatest experiences of his career.
Hail the victorious dead!
What makes the trilogy so rich are the side characters: Boromir, Theoden, Denethor, Faramir, Eowyn, even Grima Wormtongue, are so complex and powerfully acted considering how little screen time they actually get. They steal every scene they're in.
Hail!
@@charlize1253
Eomer. And Haldir! He starts off distrustful of outsiders (especially Gimli), and he ends up proudly fighting alongside them, even though his people will shortly be leaving the land entirely. (He does die fighting side by side with a friend.)
Theoden is my favourite character - admittedly against stiff competition! His arc is so good; I love the moment when he says "And Rohan shall answer" - that is the moment you know when he has come fully back to himself and is what sets the groundwork for the amazing lead he gives in the battle that follows; I love how he encourages his troops and then leads the charge against the siege, and then later, "reform the line - charge!". And Bernard Hill did such a great job - to take just one moment, for example, when he is released from Saruman's spell and he takes his sword and the camera pans across from his face smiling at Arwen, the the sword covering his face and then his face frowning and turning to anger as he looks at wormtongue - so well done! Forth Eorlingas!
@@paulkennedy8701 he doesn't die in the books... thankfully, because I really liked him :)
The composer of these movies, Howard Shore, is a true genius, but for whatever reason he’s not talked about with quite the same reverence as John Williams or Hans Zimmer. He absolutely deserves to be he’s just as talented, if not more so.
I actually think his work is better than those two. They’re masters for sure but the LOTR score is on a whole other level.
The two you mention have a huge body of work when compared to Shore, and that would be the only reason IMO. Wendy Carlos, whom scored the original TRON also has several other popular films that many don't realize were scored by him/her. As for Williams, Memoirs of a Geisha is the ONLY film he ever asked to score.
@@BlairKillgallon if it makes you feel better LOTR was voted as the # 1 ST. SW was 2nd
@@terrylandess6072 I mean, Howard Shore also has some big movies under his belt, like Departed, Silence of the Lambs or Gangs of New York. But those aren't movies that are typically mentioned when talking about memorable movie scores. I feel like John Williams and Hans Zimmer have a talent for catchy and easily recognizable scores that stand out, while Howard Shore's talent lies in embedding the score in the movie, enhancing the overall experience.
As a personal anecdote: My father has watched the LotR movies plenty of times, yet he still does not immediately recognize most of its soundtrack (with the exception maybe for Ride of the Rohirrim). Yet he immediately recognizes Star Wars, Pirates of the Carribbean or Jurassic Park, even though he's not seen them nearly as often as LotR.
Maybe his catalogue isn’t as large? Not calling him a one hit wonder but just trying to see why maybe he isn’t thought of similarly!
One thing is true for me, this score has been on repeat since I watched Fellowship!
The biggest compliment I can give these movies is that they make you want to be a better person. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you. Watched these movies in full and in bits and pieces more times than I can care to count and a day may come when I feel bored of them, *but it is not this day!*
Your reactions are spot on. I'm throwing my arms up and cheering at the same moments that you are. It's so fun seeing somebody enjoy these epic films.
And your thoughts and insights are great, you have a real passion for what you do. It's great to see, keep it up!
Thank you for your donation 😊
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying these as much as I enjoyed making them! I want to be in Middle Earth at all times and can’t wait to watch the Hobbit!
When you realize that the Rohirrim do not chant for the death of their enemies.
They chant "Death!" for their own deaths. To die on the field of battle against an overwhelming force in the service of others is the highest honor.
"For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City." - The Return of the King novel
So badass!
@@LiteWeightReacting
What I love about Theoden's pre-battle speech is that it can be summed up as, "We're gonna die in the greatest blaze of glory Middle-earth has ever seen! And we will drag as many of them down with us as we can!"
If you recall, when Aragorn shows up in Theoden's tent, he was speaking with Elrond. Elrond told Aragorn that the only way they would win is with the army of the dead, because of the Haradrim (the Men from the southern desert) and the Mumakil (oliphaunts) would overwhelm the Rohirrim. He likely told Theoden the same thing (minus the Haradrim, hence Theoden's surprise during the battle), and to hold out as long as they can until Aragorn arrived with the ghosts.
💯 - Imagine staring down a charge of 1000s of cavalry who have not only accepted the likelihood of their own deaths, but are cheering for it and therefor have nothing to lose.
There's a really cool quote said by Simone de Beauvoir which Tolkien recited again during an interview in 1968:
_"There is no such thing as a natural death: nothing that happens to a man is ever natural, since his presence calls the world into question. All men must die: but for every man his death is an accident and, even if he knows it and consents to it, an unjustifiable violation."_
As he finishes reading it, Tolkien says: _"Well, you may agree with the words or not. But those are the key-spring of The Lord of the Rings"_
And it really is! When you think about it, The Lord of the Rings is an essay on linguistic aesthetics about death and immortality, nothing more, nothing less. The Rohirrim chant is a tacit acknowledgment of the key distinction between Men and Elves, something Tolkien referred to as _"The Gift of Men"_ (i.e., death, or mortality), showing that unlike the Nazgûl, they don't fear it, they openly embrace a gift that even the Valar (pretty much the Greek gods equivalents of Middle Earth which are hugely powerful) will come to envy in the end.
@@LiteWeightReacting while that explanation IS correct in as far as it goes, there is a bit more to it: it is also way to try to weaken the resolve and the courage of the enemy, by demonstrating that you are NOT afraid of being killed. it is a manner of communicating as a group to the opponent that it doesn't matter how skilled they are or how many of them there are, you are fully committed to bringing the hammer down on them no matter what the cost.
LiteWeight-"Does that horse ever get tired." Shadow fax-"Lady I am the lord of all horses. I never tire!"
@@J_Michael-wr6hi Now she knows the meaning of haste lol
🤣🤣
I love the scene in The Two Towers where Shadowfax is introduced as the Lord of all Horses and Gimli gives it a bow.
I love how you're minutes ahead of this film! "That's got to count for at least 50." "That still just counts as one!" "How do you go back to your normal life after that though?" "In your heart, you begin to understand, there is no going back."
Hi Michael! Hope you enjoyed the reaction! Is been a pleasure sharing the journey with all of you!
@@LiteWeightReacting Help! Come back! I need another 6 hours of you reacting to Lord of the Rings! I enjoyed it so much - Thank you! Please consider chiming in later with more thoughts or during your reading :)
I’m just a country rube from North Carolina, 29 years old, but there was a time in 8th grade where reading points were a requirement for literature grades for a single year. Everyone hated it and failed, because everyone is dumb, so they repealed it the next year. Anyways, I went to the library and The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy was there. Each book was worth around 30-40 points. You’re shooting for 100, but I didn’t give a damn one way or the other. I wanted to make it to the pizza party/movie day reward. I had already watched the movies and just became enthralled all over again. I started with The Hobbit. They are masterpieces and gave me my love for literature. God bless you all.
the reason I picked up The Hobbit in 7th grade was the same. It was before the movies came out (1998) but the hobbit alone was worth 26 points and based on my 13.1 grade reading level I needed more points than most and it was the highest points I could find in the library. It's been my favorite fantasy series ever since.
@ that’s awesome Steph! I totally get it. Tolkien is such an amazing writer. There was a Tolkien literature class taught at Belmont Abbey College that I graduated from and one of my regrets was that I didn’t sign up fast enough, because it was totally full every time.
"I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are an evil" is such an underrated quote, I'm so glad you mentioned it. There is no "toxic masculinity" in these films... we see all of our heroes grieving their friends and past lives and struggling with the weight of it all. It's beautiful.
Thank you so much for your reactions. I feel it's the closest I will get to seeing them for the first time again. Welcome to your life never being the same!!!!
I think Christopher Lee, having been a british Commando in WWII, telling Peter Jackson how to do the Grima backstab gasp "because I know how a man sounds when he is stabbed in the back" is both amazing and increadibly threatening.
Not just that. He was a part of the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and hunted down escaped Nazis after WWII. Apparently he knew from firsthand experience how a man sounds when he's stabbed in the back.
Omg! What a great detail!
@@LiteWeightReacting Must be why Christopher Lee's Dracula used a knife (!) in SCARS OF DRACULA.
@NSUSashiel Christopher Lee was also good friends with Ian Fleming and was reportedly the inspiration behind the character of James Bond, due to his........activities during and after WWII lol
@LiteWeightReacting Christopher lee is definitely an interesting character, he released a few metal albums, the last of which was released on his 91st birthday:)
I don’t know if someone else has mentioned it before me but when Aragorn turns around and says “For Frodo” during the Assault on the Black Gates, the choir’s next lyrics in Sindarin are his oath to Frodo before the Fellowship left Rivendell.
“If by my life or death I can protect you, I will! You have my sword.”
😭❤
Love that.
Boom!! Wow. In that moment, he kept his word. He followed through.
I thought there will be this scene with Sauron facing them in the extended version, but apparently it is cut out completely :/ but "for Frodo" is definitely a better choice
@
It wouldn’t have made sense. They spent three movies telling the audience that Sauron cannot regain his physicality unless he gets the ring back. Since it’s the end of the trilogy and Frodo and Sam are going towards Mt Doom to destroy it, it clearly isn’t the case.
@@kratosGOW Also, in the deleted scene, Sauron was in his fair form, one he hasn't had access to since the drowning of Numenor. Better to leave him out
If someone doesn't feel moved by "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you" and "You bow to no one", then they don't have a soul
“I can’t carry it . . .” Is one of two lines that gets me misty every single time. The other one is “I would have followed you, my brother. My captain. My king.” I love the “You bow to no one” scene, but I’m usually too hyped that everyone lived and Aragorn and his lady are together to get misty. Besides, I get a kick that Elrond and the other elves are also bowing; they’re gracious enough they wouldn’t mind giving the hobbits some well-earned honor.
@@nancyhayes9958 brother captain king hardly does it for me
I dont know why
As a kid, as an adult, never did it for me
Love!
Bonus points for:
- "For Frodo."
- the look shared amongst those who have served in the Green Dragon.
- "We set out to save the Shire, Sam. And it has been saved. But not for me."
Bruh, when I saw this in theaters in 2003, I was teary during the scene of Frodo's farewell to Merry, Pippin, and Sam.
Greatest Trilogy Ever! Nothing will ever come close. Seeing it in theaters is almost a fever dream and I wish I could have watched it in theaters when it came out. Thankfully I did get to watch it during rerun in theaters. And it still blows my mind.
Perfect! Can’t wait to return to middle earth for a rewatch!
I’m a grown man, 20 year military veteran, and probably seen this movie fifty or sixty times. And I still shed a tear EVERY TIME I hear “You bow to no one”! And also when Frodo reflects “there are some hurts that are too deep”.
*Into The West* - A young filmmaker named Cameron Duncan (born in New Zealand in 1986) befriended Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. During the production of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Cameron was fighting cancer. He died on November 12th 2003, a few weeks before The Return of the King was released. Cameron had been due to make a cameo in the movie, but his poor health prevented him from doing so. However, he inspired Fran to write a song, which she worked on with Howard Shore and Annie Lennox. That song was Into The West, which became the end-credits theme to the trilogy, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and has been a light on the water for many people, for many different reasons. It is a song about death, but also about life, and hope, and I think it's beautiful that you sing it to your daughter.
Well described, hard to type with puddled eyes
@bobblebardsley absolutely love that song, it will be on the list of music for my funeral whenever it may be. I have yet to see a reactor even mention the three signature songs at the end of each movie. Why even wait for the credits, eh?
As a summary: this Cameron Duncan had in fact nothing to do with the song except perhaps farfetched came to mind when it was written.
@@patriklindholm7576 Sometimes life presents you with a truth and you can choose to believe it wholly, in part, or not at all. I've watched the whole-ass documentary they included about him on the DVD extras and seen how they regarded him, if Fran Walsh says the song is about him, I choose to believe it's about him. The first place it was ever performed in public was at his funeral, it's pretty clear that to anyone whose opinion actually matters, it's his song. Your choice to believe otherwise though, we're all living our own lives in our own worlds, making sense of it as we go.
@@revbenf6870 Or wherever MAY IT BE ... Sorry, couldn't resist.
If it's any consolation, the comfort you will find in these films in the years to come almost outweighs the hurt of knowing you'll never see them for the first time again. There are few things in my life I have such a strong emotional connection to as these films, and every time I watch them it feels like home. Amazing reaction trilogy, the absolute best.
Agreed.
The Charge of the Rohirrim is THE MOST EPIC piece of cinema history
One thing you have to understand is that at 56:26 Gandalf isn't describing just the afterlife; he's describing his home. The place he, as a Maia, has lived since the beginning of Arda. Sir Ian did a fantastic job of capturing that feeling. So, in the end, yes Gandalf is leaving too, because the task set to him by the Valor is complete and he can finally do what every warrior truly craves, he can go home. I've enjoyed watching you experience these movies and hope your journey in middle earth doesn't end here, because it is only really beginning.
"Home is where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in" - Fallen Angels.
Eowyn says to Aragorn: "Westu Aragorn Hál" which means "Good health to you Aragorn." The language of the Rohirrim is basically slightly modified Old English. It's a direct adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon phrase "Wes þu hal" (good health to you) or the shorter "Wes hal" (be healthy) which is where we get the word "Wassail" from.
This holds the record for the largest clean sweep in Oscars history. 11 nominations (including Adapted Screenplay, Director, and Picture) and WON ALL 11. It ties the record for most wins by any film ever too, alongside BEN-HUR (1959) and TITANIC (1997) which also won 11 Oscars each.
Bernard Hill (Theoden in this film) is the only ever person to appear in 2 of the 3 film that won 11 Oscars apiece, with the other being TITANIC (where he played Captain Smith).
So deserving!
@@axr7149 RIP Bernard Hill
Still boggles me that this movie was not even nominated for Best Cinematography. Would've had the record with 12 Oscars. (Yes, Master and Commander had great cinematography, but not Return of the King great.)
@@RobertJ-vo4bk I suspect the main reason was because of the feeling that it was amply recognized as the first installment already won it. All 3 movies shared the same cinematographer (Andrew Lesnie).
For those whom never bothered: The Scorpion King has Bernard in a 'comedic' role and it was a very nice change.
Legolas was totally trolling Gimli during the drinking game. In Legolas’ kingdom, his father brings in wine from the east that has been fermented for a thousand years. Drinking Man’s alcohol is like drinking Kool Aid to Legolas. 😂😂😂 Love all of your LOTR reactions. On to The Hobbit?❤
The strongest wine in middle earth
I just noticed that her shirt/sweater is LOTR-themed! Subtle. I love it!
I’m so addicted haha my collection has only grown since recording it haha
@@LiteWeightReacting Where is it from? I noticed it right away and now I need to buy it!
That grief of a meaningful story coming to an end - it's not silly! We live a complicated, non-dualist existence, and endings are both a time to grieve the loss of something which cannot be experienced for the first time again, and to be filled with excitement and hope for new beginnings. A death - metaphorical perhaps even more so than literal - is just another path :) So please, don't feel silly - feel proud! Proud for feeling, and proud for earnestly engaging with a story which has touched many hearts over the years, and will touch many more in the years to come.
"I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are an evil" is one of my favourite quotes in history, even though Lord of the Rings is full of them! "Do not be so eager to deal out death and judgement, for even the very wise cannot see all ends", "not all those who wander are lost", "there's some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for", "all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us", "even the smallest person can change the course of the future", "there are some things that time cannot mend, some hurts that go too deep"; so many condensed pearls of the wisdom explored by the story as a whole.
Anyway! Before I get too lost in thought, I just wanted to say thank you so much for these reactions! As I said, you have engaged so earnestly with this story, with such a keen eye for details, and such a big heart for the feelings and messages of the tale. Thanks for being a cool human being! You deserve this thank you donation to be bigger, but please accept the little I can muster
Eomer's scream when he finds Eowyn is one of the best scenes in the movie. Urban's acting is perfection.
1:20:08
Tolkien being a survivor of WW1 and the Battle of the Somme represents the feeling of soldiers returning home to the strangeness of normal life after the hells theyve seen
Having been to combat zones myself, there is something off when you return, and it never seems right again no matter what you do...
1:20:51 Frodos words really put a fine point on it.
Watching this and Band of Brothers has been truly amazing!
“Into The West” which is the culmination of “The Grey Havens” musical theme isn’t (just) about death, it’s about the goodness that transcends circumstance, kin, culture, and creed. It’s comes through in the music whenever the darkness is deepest, when all the more superficial sources of goodness are stripped away….a more foundational and archetypical form of goodness.
For instance, when Frodo is crawling up the slope of Mnt Doom, we hear suggestions of the Shire Theme playing, as if he is channeling the goodness of the shire as inspiration for keeping going. But the shire is so distant both physically and as a memory, that it isn’t enough. A deeper and more fundamental source is needed. Sam finds it as he looks down at what remains of his friend. The will he summons to carry Frodo doesn’t flow from the innocence of the shire, because they aren’t the same innocent Hobbits they were at the start of the journey. Rather, Sam’s determination comes from the trauma of seeing his friend in pain and despair. It’s cuts right to the very heart of what it is to be human; the love shared between two friends who have suffered together.
It’s absolutely the most beautiful musical moment in any film, and Howard Shore deserves endless praise for his design of it, as well as for having the discipline to hold it back for these darkest moments.
On that note, I HIGHLY recommend a four-part series of video essays here on RUclips from a channel called Listening In. They’re basically love letters to the music of LOTR, and the most powerful of these is about Frodo and Sam, called “How Howard Shore Makes Us Care.” I would love to see your reaction to it, or failing that, just hear your thoughts about it in a comment. It’s not a long video, at 13 minutes. I’ll link it below.
ruclips.net/video/Azd7lyJ4918/видео.htmlsi=sM-6pWKJSzNSBFeV
Same best moment of the soundtrack to me, too. The music can't remember itself, lot of absent notes, like Frodo can't remember the Shire T__T
The Lindsey Ellis video essay is great too, and frankly the behind the scenes made for the actual movies are amazing.
@
Fully agreed on both. I did recommend the later to her in another comment
One reason I love Aragorn's character is that despite the fact that he just survived impossible odds in battle against pure evil, when Gandalf crowns him king he looks up at him with doubt on his face. Like he STILL isn't sure if he will make a good king. He has so much humility it is insane, and that's why he's such a great leader.
Viggo gave us a hero for the ages ❤
So happy you mentioned how Frodo finally looked happy leaving Middle Earth. That was a very important thing. The wounds never fully healed.
The behind-the-scenes tales from these films are incredible. For example, when Peter Jackson tried to explain to Christopher Lee how he wanted the scene where Grimma stabs him to go, Mr. Lee listened patiently, until finally he said to Jackson, “Do you know the sound a man makes when he is stabbed in the back? Because I do.” Mr. Lee served in World War II.
John Rhys-Davies, who played the dwarf Gimli, was actually the tallest member of the principal cast.
The pirate whom Gimli causes Legolas to shoot is Director Peter Jackson. He’s got cameos in all three films.
In order to film the ride of the Rohirrim, Director Jackson put out an all-call - anyone in New Zealand who owned a horse and wanted to be in a movie was invited. They were able to clad everyone in armor, because they made over a thousand sets of actual armor during pre-production.
There’s a tale behind “Into The West”. During the years Peter Jackson spent in NZ preparing for and then shooting these films, he got to know a young Kiwi film-maker named Cameron Duncan, and took him under his wing. Unfortunately, young Cameron was diagnosed with cancer, and shortly before filming was complete, he passed away. He was 17. But he so touched the production team that they got together with Composer Howard Shore and Singer Annie Lennox, to compose the musical theme we hear softly behind Gandalf when he tells Pippin about the White Shores, gently again at the Grey Havens, and triumphantly when Sam begins to carry Frodo. This theme was also used to create the beautiful “Into The West”. Finally, Peter Jackson sought, and was granted, special permission for the music to not be initially released the day the movie dropped, with the rest of the soundtrack. Instead, “into The West” received its world premiere a few weeks earlier, at Cameron’s funeral.
Merry and Aowen were injured when they stabbed the Witch King because as a Nazgûl he was enchanted to stave off death. Anyone a Nazgul came into physical contact with, stabbing or being stabbed, were attacked by this enchantment, the Naguls’ ‘Death Breath'. Even a brief interaction could be fatal, and both of our heroes not only stabbed him, they were next to him when he died, and centuries of pent-up 'death' was released.
Aowen’s single bark of grief and pain breaks me. Every time. She lived, in part, because the king of Gondor is said to have ‘the hands of a healer’.
It’s never really emphasized in the films, but Orcs and Goblins and the other fell races don’t get along with each other at all. As we’ve seen, it doesn’t take much for them to start killing each other.
Hobbits, as a race, are known to be extremely good shots with small stones. I can't recall a Hobbit missing with one anywhere in the trilogy.
Bilbo and Sam (and Boromir) are pretty much the only people who were able to bear the Ring, and then willingly hand it over to Frodo.
Gandalf brought three Eagles to rescue Frodo and Sam because he hoped Gollum had survived as well.
ROTK was released only two years after 9/11, and it was decided that the actual sounds of Sauron’s tower Baradur collapsing might be too much of a reminder to audiences. So instead, the sounds we hear as the tower collapses are those of rotting fruits and vegetables being crushed.
“Well, I’m back” is also the last line of the book.
I thoroughly recommend listening to the Commentaries, at your leisure. I believe the are three for each film, with each one featuring several actors.
Thank you so much for taking us with you on this journey, I know it can’t be easy to be this vulnerable with so many strangers. Your reaction was so raw and genuine.
While what you said at the end is true, that there’s nothing quite like the first viewing of a story like this, I will offer you the consolation that the magic of these films never really fades either. I’ve watched them dozens of times, and dozens of reactions to them as well, and I can say without a doubt that they still hit just as hard as the first time. I promise that you will enjoy your second viewing just as much as your first, because even though you know what happens, you will notice details that you didn’t before, and will have a new found appreciation for all the subtle setups that you only noticed subconsciously on the first viewing.
More importantly, LOTR is driven by themes of friendship, devotion, courage, sacrifice, and love; themes that transcend culture, to show us something that is fundamentally human in a way that nothing else I’ve seen has come close to representing. It is unashamedly genuine in its yearning to hold this mirror of humanity up to us, and I think that’s why it hits us so hard as emotional beings. That never gets old no matter how many times you watch it.
It shows us that extraordinary acts can be performed by the most ordinary of people, when we are motivated by devotion to our friends. The greatest acts of courage in the story are performed not by its greatest warriors, but by its simplest and most genuine of people, because goodness is the ultimate virtue that determines all others. That is why we cry when Aragorn bows to the Hobbits; because the simple truth of his statement and the earnestness of its delivery resonates throughout the entire story.
Congratulations on surpassing 75K subscribers! That’s an amazing accomplishment! So happy for you! 🎉 👏🏻
THANK YOU DAN!
Very happy to have people like you here to make this community so welcoming and awesome!
The musical composer, Howard Shore, is beyond amazing. He is legendary.
Agreed.
I’m glad it wasn’t the typical John Williams or Hans Zimmer that were chosen for the score, as big movies like these are their forte. This wasn’t Howard’s typical style of movie he composes for but he absolutely nailed it and created some of the most beautiful and memorable music that were used in film.
He is now in the company of the great Classical Masters, in whose company he shall not feel ashamed.
You being sad at the end is why we love you and love reaction channels. While we can't watch it for the first time again, we can experience YOUR first time right along with you. I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness you put into this channel.
Saying you wish you could erase your memory and experience the film again for the first time, 10 seconds after watching it. WOW, I don't think there can be a greater compliment.
This is my new favorite movie! Blown away, 10/10 no notes!
Tolkien wrote a final chapter that his publishers told him not to include. There's a video online where a woman talks about that unpublished final chapter. It's quite beautiful.
As I recall, it takes place years later, on an evening after Sam and Rosie told their kids bedtime stories and put them to bed. Standing arm in arm outside, Sam talks about losing hope when Mount Doom collapsed, but Rosie talls Sam how that was when she first felt hope again, when she suddenly knew: "My Sam is coming home to me."
I just love (in the book), when Rosie says”they said you were dead but, I’ve been expecting you since the spring!” The ring was destroyed on March 25th !
Wow! Would’ve loved to see that!!!
Your point about the third eagle is interesting, I never really noticed that detail before! Gandalf would have known about Gollum because Faramir told him about his encounter with Frodo, so he likely told Gandalf that Gollum was leading them. It is a nice thought to think Gandalf was planning to try save Gollum too.
I never thought about it when I saw it but heard it when reading comments. I don't think it was for Gollum and it would even be a stretch for Gandalf to assume that both Sam and Frodo survived to be rescued.
I thought I had something there! Glad I wasn’t out in left field too much!
I've heard more seasoned fans say that Gandalf was indeed hoping that Sméagol would redeem himself and the third eagle was for him. In the Fellowship Gandalf already knows Gollum / Sméagol is following them and says he believes Sméagol still has a part to play (which he did, even if Gandalf hoped it would have been in a different way)
Legolas knows a lot because he's a crisp 2,931 years old at this point. Gimli is 139, Frodo is 50, Sam is 38, Merri 36, Pippin 29, Aragorn 88 (his birthday was when they found Gandalf in the forrest), Elrond 6,497, Arwen 2,901, Galadriel ~8000, Gandalf.......~55,000. Err'body old as FUUUUUU-.
lol
Galadriel: I'm older than the moon and sun. (Also if I remember correctly there is some debate /ie.: Tolkien never really setttled on it/ how long the years of the lamb were. She can be as old as 12.000, but at least 8.000.
Gandalf is a spirit that predates the world and time itself.
Technically Olórin is ~55,000+ years old, Gandalf is only ~2,000... But yes, everyone is VERY old haha
@@matebakk5187 The Valian time is a headache to try to calculate because a Valian year is like 1000 Valian days and a Valian day is 12 Valian hours and a Valian hour is like seven of our hours. All elves were awakened at the beginning the Year of the Trees and the Year of the Trees pre First Age lasted about 1000 Valian years.
If I recall correctly (could be wrong) Galadriel was quite young when Feanor asked her for three strands of her hair which was before he made the silmarils(?) I'm not good at math but she is very, very old.
I wept openly in theaters when "Into the West" played over the credits. I've never experienced anything like this story in my life, and I completely agree that they are perfect films.
Your reflections were always so perceptive, and it was wonderful to see how you allowed yourself to be moved by this story. Thank you for allowing me to feel some of these things again. I'm really, really happy that I discovered your channel.
Speaking of “girl power”, have you ever seen girl power depicted in a more compelling manner than Eowyn’s character arc? Nobody believed in her, but she persevered and killed the Witch King - I mean, nothing better than that imho! The theater erupted in applause back in the day, I’ll never forget it. Brings me to tears every time now.
sarah connor, ellen ripley
@ amazing answers actually. I really should go and watch Alien, surprisingly never seen it. But of course I’ve seen T2 many times, dunno why I didn’t think of her (and T1 a few times, T3 and beyond kinda don’t matter).
Spot on with all three of those characters: Eowyn, Ripley, and Sarah Conner. The biggest difference between them (and others that most of us can think of) and the vast majority of current movie girl bosses is that Eowyn and the others are genuine and relatable. Each one at times shows fear, uncertainty and doubt, but they battle on in spite of that and accomplish tremendous things. Most of the current ones are immediately great at everything, show no fear or doubt, and are cocky to the point of being gratingly insufferable. Give me Eowyn, Ripley or Sarah, every single time.
The final thing I recommend is to watch the behind the scenes content for these. They absolutely enrich your appreciation for these films, and they show you why these films were so great; because the many people who made them were insanely passionate about them, and there is absolutely no substitute for that
I second this!
The "My friends, you bow to no one" is my favourite moment in the entire trilogy.
The entire movie is full of the greatest scenes in movie history, but also I like the smaller moments like Arwen seeing her son or Galadriel helping Frodo get up.
@@MannyNamiro that is the moment the invisible onion cutting ninja’s come to my place. They never miss.
my favorite quote in all of literature I memorized at age 7 , in my first reading of TLOTR , in 1976 "What a pity Bilbo didnt stab the vile creature when he had the chance" "Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Pity...and mercy: not to strike without need. Many that live deserve Death, and some that die deserve life...can YOU give it to them Frodo? Do not be too quick to deal out death in judgement, even the very wise cannot see all ends, my heart tells me Gollum has some part to play, for good or ill, before the end."
@@justinhephner2117 I love that dialogue too. The Fellowship of the Ring is my favourite, but the sheer relief and satisfaction of seeing the whole world of Men recognizing the Hobbits for the heroes they are is such a perfect combination. And Aragorn singing and him and Arwen reuniting right before that makes the coronation that much better.
The palantír is never explained in the movies. There were 7 of them brought to Middle Earth from Númenor (originally made by elves during the first age). They allow communication between the stones, and they were placed in strategic locations around Middle Earth. Sauron took the one that was in Minas Ithil, which became Minas Morgul after it was captured by the enemies. He used it to deceive others who looked in the other unlost stones, Minas Tirith and Isengard.
They also don’t explain in the movies that Denethor had one.
Can’t wait to read the books to understand the fuller picture!
@LiteWeightReacting if you choose to do the Audiobooks, listen to the Andy Serkis narrated ones.
"Tall ships and tall kings
Three times three,
What brought they from the foundered land
Over the flowing sea?
Seven stars and seven stones
And one white tree."
The locations of the palantirs were as follows:
1. Amon Sul (this hill where Frodo was wounded in the first movie)
2. Minas Tirith (controlled by Gondor)
3. Osgilliath (city where faramir fell in the 3rd movie, controlled by Gondor, lost)
4. Isengard (controlled by Gondor, later by Saruman)
5. Minas Morgul (controlled by Gondor, later by Sauron)
6. Blue Mountains (near Shire, controlled by elves and Arnor. Main stone, had 'free roaming' option, looker could see through the time and sea. Propably elves took it or was lost)
7. I dont remember, propably Fornost, capital city of Isildur on the North
53:15 "As the sun rises"! My god i love the slow trot before the full charge. Beautiful.
Now is the time to read the books. The same story, but told quite differently in many ways. And you can continue to read the books and watch the movies for the rest of your life. 🙂 You will find so many more quotations that could not be fitted into the already lengthy films. And you will find many storylines that were not included. The World of The Lord of The Rings is almost infinite and you will discover wondrous things as long as you continue to exxplore this vast universe. It has been a real pleasure to share your reactions, your joy, your tears and your wonder. Thank you so much...
This was well worth the wait. Thank you for being the person you are. With your genuine emotion, awareness, and willingness to share with us your experience watching these films for the first time.
The lighting of the beacons and the last ride of the rohirrim still bring a tear to my eye after all these years, every time i see them.
The lighting of the beacons should be such a boring and silly scene and still I get goosebumps everytime. It makes me excited. Even thought it's just a camera panning along the mountainside with cgi fires.
“And Rohan will answer!” makes me cheer every time.
As a player of Lord of the Rings online, I was pleased to see the beacons properly presented. They occupy small towns between Minas Tirith and Edoras, are beautifully kept like light houses in the center so there was life being lived normally around them. Jackson's choice was purely cinematic and done well.
Awesome reaction! You've given an old man a lot of joy and tears reacting to my favourite story of all time, a story that has brought me through some tuff times in my life. All I can say is Thank you...
My mom took me to every movie as they came out. I remember coming home from the theater at 14, sitting on the couch and staring at nothing. Just thinking, “it’s all over… what do I do now?” And I just sat there for at least 30-40 mins. They are just so powerful.
I watched a video lecture once (now long gone in a drive crash) that talked about some of the subtexts in the books. JRR Tolkein was a World War One veteran, at a time when the rigid class system had started to break down in the UK. Frodo, the "rich" landowner, and Sam the "lower class" gardener, go to war, and in the process abandon the class system, and become brothers in arms. After the War of the Ring, All the Hobbits return home, but, some (Frodo) cannot adjust to life there any more. What we call PTSD now... All those the Ring (the War of the Ring) touched eventually went Into the West to Valinor... the Undying Lands. They were broken....
It's no coincidence that Peter Jackson took on a mammoth project a decade after these movies and restored hundreds of hours of World War One film, and created one of the finest World War One documentaries - They Shall Not Grow Old. The restored footage is amazing, as is the narration read from the journals of WWI Vets.
I think you would enjoy reading about JRR Tolkein and the WRITING of the Lord of the Rings, and then seeing Peter Jacksons "THey Shall Not Grow Old".
As for LotRs? My favorite line in Return of the King? THe one that never fails to open the tear faucet? "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!" - Every time. This one included.
We will never see a movie like these again... The universe will never produce the author, the director, the cast, the crew, the extras, and the force of will that made them again. We can only enjoy what we have, and pass it down to others. I charge you now, my lady, to pass this masterpiece to others - teach them what they have missed, and in turn, relive seeing them by introducing others. This, so that Peter Jackson, and everyone else responsible for this masterpiece earns their place at the right hand of Odin, in the halls of Valhalla....
I've read that Stephen Colbert wants to turn Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny into a movie, or maybe the whole series into movies. I cannot vouch for the truth of it, though.
@@pillmuncher67 That could be very good.... but, still not in the same class as LotR. I would definitely watch a serious production of the Amber books, though.
You are SO sharp. Of all the reactions I've seen, you are the first to notice & mention Denethor sitting at the foot of the dais in the Steward's chair. Sorry, no prize for that, but all the Kudos in the world is yours. 🤓
The word Dais never occurred to me until she said it - with the amount of steps and height.
One of my favorite little moments of book adaptation is “I give hope to Man.” “I keep none for myself.” That is actually spoken by Aragorn’s mother in the book’s appendix. Aragorn’s childhood name was Estel, which is Elvish for “hope.”
These are the words on his mothers tombstone, which Aragorn visits in FOTR,
Elrond gave him the name to protect him. Elrond was his foster father and loved him like a son.
You know what I love most about your Videos? No Sponsors (even though you'd certainly deserve it❤) no 10 Minute Monologues, just straight to the Point, but still carrying & portraying Emotions so well.
Thank you for being the Way you are! ❤😊
Agreed.
Thank you so much! My only goal is to do the films justice and connect with the people who love them the most! Glad I’m accomplishing that goal!
@@LiteWeightReacting I wouldn't put too much on that "no sponsors" thing being that important. We're used to videos being sponsored; people have to make a living. It's nice when you can accept sponsorships from companies you actually like but do what you have to do to justify the time you put into these.
One of my favorite lines from the end of the book (which was partially included in the film) is when Frodo tells Sam, "We set out to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger: someone has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them." It perfectly encapsulates what you were talking about with the Hobbits not being the same when they return home. In particular, Frodo could not go back to normal life and had been so deeply changed by the Ring that he couldn't find healing in Middle-Earth (hence his sailing into the West). While many viewers see this as weakness, I appreciate that you understood the realism and depth of this portrayal. In some ways, our culture has been so conditioned to expect "happy endings" and everything being resolved at the end of the story that we see this as a character flaw in Frodo. In reality (and Tolkien said as much in his letters), the fact that Frodo was at least somewhat aware of what the Ring would cost him, yet chose to take the burden on himself anyway in order to save his home, is more a testament to his strength and heroism rather than weakness.
The “you bow to no one” scene could make a rock cry. This trilogy was a masterpiece in every regard: the musical score, the cinematography, the writing, the acting, etc.
I’ve seen a handful of reactions to this film, hands down, yours is the best. I love how you love these movies and I feel like I’m seeing them anew through your eyes. Thanks so much😀
Such a big compliment! Thank you 😊
What the choir sings after Aragorn says 'for Frodo' and charges into battle, is his Council of Elrond pledge in Elvish... 'If by my life or death I can protect you, I will'
🥹 so beautiful!
I’ve seen this trilogy more times than I can count since it first was released… And I can say with complete honesty, that I have not had anything close to the emotional and visceral reaction to watching them the first time… than I did while you were sharing your first time watching it with all of us.
I am in tears, and have been for all of your reactions to this beloved trilogy.
Thank you for allowing me to relive how truly wonderful this story is for the second time.
This made my day! I’m so glad you found the channel and have been with me for this journey!
It’s been a privilege! I will be reacting to the hobbit once BoB has completed!
I am so happy to hear that and I very much appreciate you responding to me.
You’re in for a very special treat with the Hobbit movies, especially the first two, the third one felt a bit rushed to me, but I still enjoy them very much.
As for Band of Brothers… buy stock in Kleenex, but it is also amazing. And that comes from someone who would describe himself as having more than the usual amount of knowledge of World War II.
… and yes, there were three eagles because one was meant for Smeagol.
You never forget your first time.. and watching with you, experiencing the joy with you, shedding tears along with you, is the closest thing to having that feeling again. Thank you, for your honest and beautiful reactions; I hope you truly enjoy the books (heavy read tho they may be in parts) and the Makings Of.
Thank you from the bottom of this old fan's heart 🥰
"you bow to know one" is the only piece of media that makes me cry every single time without fail.
58:00 "Why did it hurt them?" Eowen's arm and ribs were broken when the witch king smashed her shield. Then Merry and Eowen were magically burned when they each stabbed him.
They weren't just burned, they were affected by the so-called "Black Breath" which was poisonous and caused its victims to slip into a dark, deep and restless sleep. That's why they both became so weak and unconscious shortly afterwards. They could only recover if they were being healed by the herb "Athelas" or "Kingsfoil" - the same one used by Aragorn to try and heal Frodo's stab wound in "Fellowship of the Ring".
Simply put, yes. She was not okay and after adrenaline has burn out, its lights out. For good if Aragorn had not help her heal.
@@nathaliemelissa96What I think is interesting is that Athelas only works as a healing agent for Aragorn, specifically to cure the Black Breath. Aragorn fulfills the prophecy that the hands of the king are the hands of a healer.
Also, Merry's blade was special and that's why they were able to defeat him.
@@kroanosm617 Yep, and a hobbit is no man, with a blade made by elves no less.
"From the ashes a fire shall be woken
A light from the shadow shall spring
Renewed shall be blade that was broken
The crownless again shall be king"
I LOVE this trilogy so much! If you're interested in more lotr music, a group called Clamavi de Profundis sings arrangements of many of Tolkien's poems from the books and they are magical!
CLUTCH! I am interested in the music! I haven’t stopped listening to it!
Their 'Lament for Boromir" is so soul tearing
I like their musical duel between Sauron and Finrod.
YES!! I second this recommendation. Everything Clamavi does is stunning.
Trust me...the "You bow to no one" will get you every time.
Now you know why all of us reactor fans were thrilled when you (any reactor) starts their LOTR journey!
In the fresh eyes of a reactor we get to relive the adventures!
Fall in love with the series all over again.
I UNDERSTAND THAT REFERNCE!
RIP Bernard Hill, Théoden King, Christopher Lee, Saruman, and Ian Holm, Bilbo Baggins. Christopher Lee read The Lord of the Rings books every year from when they were released until his death. 11 Academy Awards, tied with Ben Hur and Titanic for most awards. The death of Saruman in the movie isn't like the books. It is a subtle callback to Christopher Lee's most iconic role (prior to this) in the Hammer films, as Dracula.
F
Oh wow! I didn’t realize how many had passed. RIP
@@LiteWeightReacting Many have passed from behind the scenes as well. Including Andrew Lesnie, the cinematographer who filmed both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. He died about 10 years ago at 59.
Christopher lee is the only one of the cast to have met tolkein
The first film I remember Ian Holm from was Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan. "Razor!' "Mirror!"
95% of reactors don't realize that when Frodo wakes up and sees Gandalf, he hasn't seen him since he fell fighting the Balrog in the first movie. Speaking of Gandalf: "I better order up a third eagle, just in case." Also, in the book, Shadowfax also boards the last ship to leave Middle Earth along with the others. RIP Blanco aka the lord of all horses (1989-2014).
The third eagle was for Gollum btw
And he assumes he was in heaven as well.
@@Lathspell_ So many people say so, but I don't think so. Gandalf didn't know if he would find Frodo and Sam conscious or not. If they were conscious, they would fly on the eagles' back like Gandalf, so one eagle for each of them, Gandalf, Frodo and Sam.
@@jolanas.5426 in the books it was stated that the third eagle was for Golum because Gandalf still held some sliver of hope that Smeagol can be redeemed.
It's not stated in the books. Read the ending again.
These 3 movies are true masterpieces! They can never be re made! Theoden's speech before they fight always, always gives me goosebumps!
You're a reactor that reacts. Perfect. Most don't say anything about the film or miss all the details
For years, I have been convinced that right up until the very moment Aragorn comes bursting into the Throne Room and says “Gondor calls for aid” that Theoden was fully intending to say no. I swear you can see him change his mind right there on the spot just before he answers.
Brilliant acting!
Even if he was momentarily thinking about telling Gondor to pound sand, he couldn’t disappoint Aragorn.
@@nancyhayes9958 Or his forefathers.
@@shaggybaggums True, which is why I think he responds the way he does is 60 percent because he’s a good man and 40 percent because he won’t abandon Aragorn. Theoden, book or movie, is one of my favorite characters.
@@nancyhayes9958 Yeah, well written, and very well played.
I discovered your channel because of Fellowship and I’m very happy to see you finish off this trilogy. It’s been amazing to see you so taken with this world and its characters. You’ve quickly become my favorite reactor, approaching everything with so much empathy and compassion, as well as intelligence picking up on even the smallest details. Here’s to seeing you bringing it to so many other works as well!
Her reaction to "Band of Brothers" is second to none.
Yeah, her attention to detail is pretty great. If you go back and watch more of her reactions you'll see it in a lot of them. She catches little details that a lot of us get on the 2nd or 3rd view, or learn about in commentary later.
0:14 Oh no...she is wearing mascara.....rookie mistake! Reaction rule #1 Never wear Mascara on the final movie of a trilogy! This will be messy and fun!
LOL! I aslo couldn't help but notice that her make up had spread a little bit by the end. 🤣
Haha I always have to wear it! Kinda fun to see how it starts versus how it ends 🤣
The themes of this trilogy are so beautiful. The main arching one, to me, is that each of us have inner darkness we’re all wrestling with and it’s about holding true to yourself and the ones you love to overcome your demons and never lose hope. I think it’s a world we all wish to share together. Allot of us can relate to experiencing some clouds in our lives and I feel that is why this trilogy is such a beloved work of art.
Thank you Lite, for sharing your experience with us and allowing us all to love and experience these movies again through you. A wonderful reaction again! I do enjoy your channel so much. See you in the next reaction!
Well said! This was beautiful!
So happy you enjoy the channel and I cant wait to share more with you!
@ 1:21:01 the lines frodo says here hit hard especially for people that are veterans like myself with PTSD. extremely hard to return to a life once you go through it.
great reaction as always and enjoyed your lord of the rings journey.
Thank you for your service!!
The House of Healing also isn't well explained during the films (no time. Otherwise, they'd be 5 hours) but its said in Gondor that the king has the hands of a healer. Eowyn and Merry were affected by the "black breath" for stabbing the Witch King. Faramir, if i recall, was hit by a poisoned arrow. Aragorn used Athelas (or Kingsfoil in the common tongue) to heal them. Also, during that scene, Liv Tyler (Arwen) is the one singing.
Literally can’t wait for this to be fleshed out for my when I read the books!
Thanks for sharing this!
@LiteWeightReacting i really hope you enjoy the books. I've read/listened to them at least once a year ever since I saw Fellowship in 2001. You'll have to release a special video on YT talking about your experience with the books or something.
Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee) came to my hometown last year in July. I have it recorded as him stating his FAVORITE memory is that end scene.
Yes, the little girl one running to him in the dress and hobbit ears is his real life daughter and it was COMPLETELY improvised. She wasn't actually supposed to be in the movie but they happened to be filming when she ran onto the set. They'd just put hobbit prosthetics on her to surprise Sean and she ran up on him as he was walking back.
The baby was hers as well...
Pretty nice
@Snaakie83 yeah, I remember that but my video clip is him saying how his daughter was unintentionally in the film lol
Awesome. Something for her to tell her kids.
That is absolutely beautiful and amazing!
I just have to repeat this comment in the hopes of you seeing it:
"I recommend you watch the "making of" of these movies later, it just show the love for the source material of every single person related to the movie. One such example is the scene where the orcs try battering down the keeps door on the two towers.
The art team knew the door was meant to be attacked, so they tried to make it hard, to build realism. The orcs attacking it couldn't break it down even with a real battering ram and a phisical coordinator (? don't know if this is the correct word) saying, and I quote: "F*** put some strenght in it like proper orcs! You are looking weak like elves!"
Later they had to bring a engineering team to sistematically weaken the door, so it could break down. Pter Jackson said that if they ever had to sustain a siege, they wanted the art team to build their doors.
Sorry for my broken english. Also, great reaction!"
But i will also comment and like this video, that i already know it will be a blast
Congratulations on you surpassing 75k subscribers, glad to be one of them
Further, the actor commentaries are the best ever made. Bar none.
Would you like to see a reaction? Is it worthy of that? Or just watch it on my own time?
@TSABR Your English is very good no need to apologise even if it wasn't, the making of the movies is brilliant the construction of Minas Tirith is amazing
@@LiteWeightReacting I believe it's worthy of a reaction. I never saw anyone react to the behind the scenes, so that would be a first I think.
And everyone likes those hahaha
@@paulosullivan3205 Thank you. I still get myself making some grammar mistakes, frequently I use google to right any wrong in my spelling.
And I personally like the story about the tower of Barad-dûr. And the armor makers
Your laughter is so infectious and your reactions were a wonderful addition to the movie. Thank you for watching the Lord of the Rings, and welcome to the Fellowship. I love your Lothlorien long sleeve shirt too.
14:38 Gandalf says it's a 3 days ride to Minas Tirith as the Nazgul flies, meaning Shadowfax is as fast as the Nazgul flying on those fell beasts. That's pretty cool
Do we know that it took Gandalf and Pippin 3 days to get there, though?
It's a change to 'as the crow flies' or a straight line. Meant to be clever.
1:23:17 “...and the ship went out into the High Sea and passed _into the West,_ until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air, and heard the sound of singing that came over the water. And then it seemed to him that, as in his dream in the house of Bombadil, the grey rain-curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them, a far green country under a swift sunrise.”
Can’t wait to read it!
You really are by far the best movie reactor i have seen. And believe me, i have seen many going back a decade. You just let your empathy and emotions carry you to whatever journey they may take you on given the context of whatever is laid in front of you on screen and during said journeys. To whatever end.