As a kid I never liked Theoden or Boromir, now as a grown adult I just love these characters: human beings full of doubts, they have to make the hardest decisions totally hopeless and the possibility of failure is always on the edge of happening
I think their portrayal could have been better though, especially for Théoden in the second movie. The casting and the acting is amazing but I'm not a big fan of how he is portrayed as stubborn, indecisive and as a potential rival to Aragorn.
@@Tom-mk7nd hes not hes a realistic king trying to save his people and cautious of outsiders. His son just died and his kingdom and people are going to fall under his rule .
@@Tom-mk7nd That's the point my friend. Aragorn was a skilled commander and fought in several battles since Theoden was only a child. Of course Aragorn eclipsed the figure of the king of Rohan and this added development to the nature of a man like Theoden.
And here we are, after the sad news, watching this scene 10 times in a row. Paying homage to one of the best king performances in movies. RIP Bernard, you did a damn good job.
“For death and glory” “For Rohan, for your people” I love how Aragorn reminds Theoden what it means to be a king; it is not about reckless bravery and glory, it is about serving your own people.
I think Theoden asked “for death and glory?”, making the the words more about questioning the action as a foolish statement. To receive such an honor, from an enemy that has none would be a waste. Theoden knew they were going to fail, and he knew Saruman would never tecord the deeds of Thoeden and his men. I think his tone says “whats the point?” .
@@thedeplorable8370 Huh. That’s an interesting interpretation that I haven’t seen anyone take from this scene. But you make a valid point. In this scene it’s clear that Theoden is pretty much defeated, psychologically anyway. Like just before he laments that “what can men can do against such reckless hate?” Showing that he’s despondent at what’s facing them. When Aragorn says “for your people” it’s to remind Theoden of his duty to his people. So he’s reminded of his oath and what he must do to uphold his honour. Which is why he seems to have a much happier spirit in the rest of the scene. He knows he is dying with honour and seems proud to die alongside Aragorn who reminded him of his sworn oath.
Let me preface this by saying I love this trilogy as it is so well done and that these films were my first introduction to Karl Urban, whom I think is a very good actor (he nailed the mannerisms of Bones in Star Trek). However, after appreciating his fine work on The Boys I now look at this scene and after hearing Gandalf saying "Theoden King stands alone" I can visualize Eomer cupping his hands around his mouth and yelling down at the orcs, "Oy! Cunts!". Sorry, but it just creeps in there now. But, yes, it's a powerful scene where Gandalf brings the Rohirrim to Helm's Deep to turn the tide and win the battle.
I love how Gimli doesn't even wait for anyone to ask him to go blow the horn, like his ass half way up the stairs before anyone else has had a chance to ask. He's just like "This is my SHIT right here, don't even get in my way, I AM BLOWING THIS BIG ASS HORN!!!"
Can we appreciate the psychological jumps Theoden had to go through going from years long of his mind being poisened by Saruman, waking up to realize that his son is dead then facing the greatest war of his time ? His resilience far exceeds other characters when you think about it
The movie treatment of Theoden is one of my few gripes with the movie. In the books, Theoden was a bad-ass upon gripping his sword handle anew. In the movie, he seemed to have doubts and misgivings.
same man same! dont know how! even when its just a 3min clip on yt... with every year that passes, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy gets better! we appreciate it more cause we see how unique it was, is and will be! almost certainly never again in our life time will we get that kind of perfection on screen!
“So much death. What can men do, against such reckless hate?” The absolute state of hopelessness delivered in these two lines is conveyed so perfectly.
Hate is powerful. Pure and passionate, potent and dangerous. But courage will carry strength to persevere when rage subsides and anger finally dies out. If emotion is a battery, hate and disdain is the most powerful output, but will burn away in time. Courage and hope will renew when power is lost.
Well, when I was a kid, I was watching it in Russian language. The transltion was slightly different, because of using an older version of literature russian words. And I really felt myself in a time of knights, swords and ancient fights. And a phrase sound like: What can HUMAN BEINGS do against such ferocious malice? -Crush them! -For the death and glory? -For your people! I want some more movies like this. Ideas are so wise and have so much meanings, that can be understood across the nations and people.
@@MattCollectorControl Dont surrender to despair, you are stronger not when you are big, but when you are right. Truth always prevail. Aragorn reminds Theoden, that they fight for PEOPLE in caves, not only for dying in glory.
Followed by the best response to hopelessness, the attitude that can make hope anew out of hopelessness: "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them." Do not go gentle into that good night indeed. Fight to the last because hope can spring unlooked for, and may even have been there all along, just out of sight.
It's a minor point, but the fact that Aragorn suggests riding out BEFORE he remembers that Gandalf will return today is such a great character point. He would've suggested the final stand no matter what the outcome, in an attempt to save the women and children, but then Gimli mentions the dawn has come, and there's a glimmer of hope beyond noble sacrifice. Just a tremendous scene.
I remember before ever rewatching the movie I somehow remembered it as him noticing that and THEN suggesting they ride out and always thinking it was kind of a dick move not to let the others in on it, took rewatching it a couple times to really understand he did it before and what that meant
@@kevy_metal He was willign and reayd to sell his life for the women and children to escape, and that's heavy, heavuly cultural programming for western men. You may die, but your children and their mothers live. Theyre whats important,
Great point, it makes me wish they had left in Aragorns introduction to the riders. In the books, i believe, it's the first time Gimli and Legolas look to him and see a king. It's the first time he refers to himself as the heir of Gondor. That along with the stuff you mentioned would have been awesome to see. They did a fantastic job developing his character.
Agreed - it showed true humanity, to feel like they’re lost then get psyched up. Aragon is on another level; I respect the Rohan crew more for showing fear, weakness and frailty then picking themselves up to fight again.
@Der Frosch-Prinz Aus Bayern Yeah...see, I'm not into your particular lexicon; I'm going to need you to dumb down your language for the sake of my comprehension.
@Der Frosch-Prinz Aus Bayern I really think you are misreading Tolkien's premise of his entire story, here. Aragorn happens to be noble, wise, and good, but the whole point of the story shows that everyone is susceptible to evil, no matter who they are--and also susceptible to great acts of heroism. Isuldur was a Numenorean, Ar-Pharazon was a Numenorean--both of these people were fallible in the worst way. Frodo and Sam are just hobbits and they're the biggest heroes in the story. Theoden's race has nothing to do with it--it's that Aragorn is just Aragorn. Aragorn has more experience and is also the kind of man to use that experience wisely.
I love that Aragorn didn’t let Theodin know about Gandalf and the cavalry coming. He knew that Theodin needed to choose to be courageous in that moment
Aragorn didn't know he was coming.. He hoped he was....But Aragorn knew that the line of men would endure by his example.. Even if he wasn't alive to see it....That's why we all love Aragorn.. He is the best part any man could aspire to be.
RIP Bernard Hill, a true master of his craft and the best choice for Theoden. "Forth, and fear no darkness! Arise! Arise, Riders of Theoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword day... a red day... ere the sun rises!"
"And wherever King Elessar went with war King Éomer went with him; and beyond the Sea of Rhûn and on the far fields of the South the thunder of the cavalry of the Mark was heard, and the White Horse upon Green flew in many winds until Éomer grew old." Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings . Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.
Before, it was Theoden's father or grandfather whom Aragorn fought with in a war. That's the time when he first meet and saw Aragorn. Now he quoted this message and makes it more awesome.
@@JayJay5244 nope I don't think so, long ago the Steward of Gondor gave away the lands of Calenardhon to Eorl the Young and his people to settle in and that became Rohan, because Go dor was weakened to the point of not being able to themselves defend that area. And then again we see Rohan helping Gondor time and again. Yet Tolkein classifies these men(Rohan/Eothead/Northmen) as "Lesser men" / "Middle Men" races, even when the supposed Higher blood of the West has been "thinned" due to "mixing" with the "lesser men". Loved Tolkien's works to the end , but always felt this whole concept significantly racist. But I guess he couldn't deny his European roots.
Bernard Hill absolutely shines in every scene. He is _perfectly_ Theoden, right alongside Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Sean Astin as Sam. Just an utterly fantastic job.
@@vervvyk Now I thought about such an interesting fact: in the history of cinema there are only 3 movies that have received 11 Oscars and Bernard Hill played in two of them - in "Titanic" (Captain Smith) and in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (King Theoden). It's definitely connected somehow)) Bernard Hill can be proud of himself - he is a wonderful actor
@Lad He was waiting for the rising sun to blind the uruk-hai. Without it, their glorious horse charges would have met an abrupt end after the first row of horses gets impaled on pikes.
"what can men do against such reckless hate?" the way he delivered while gently blinks his eyes displays how the king gradually loosing hope. such a great actor.
@Anna Marfa It's not far from it. This scene is very theatrical and symbolic after all, like a major play that shows how men are not yet corrupted but instead we still have a spark inside us. An we still have it today. I hate how we on this modern day we are only spreading doom and gloom when instead it is this that we should be educating. Not destruction but glory and the hope of mankind.
I get chills and inspiration when Theoden says “The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep, one last time.” It definitely gives me an adrenaline boost as much as the Horn of Erebor sounding off in Battle of the Five Armies.
Not only that, but it is a show of tactical genius. As Gandalf leads the charge at dawn, the Rohirrim charge with him and the sunlight literally blinds the Uruk-hai, preventing them from being able to defend themselves
The music buildup after Gimli says "The sun is rising" and the tune after Theoden says "Let this be the hour when we draw swords together" sends chills down my spine. This is the peak, the magnum opus, of fantasy genre. NOTHING will ever top this trilogy.
It is the score to end all scores. It is the the most brilliant creation that has ever grace the theater screen and its speakers. You may not even be referring to it as the greatest score of all time, but you mentioned the music and I had to carry on with this. It is not only one of the greatest film scores in history, but it is some of the best music ever created. The sheet amount of music, all the themes and motifs created, is beyond comprehension. This movie would not have been complete with any other score. Howard Shore delivered more than Peter Jackson could have ever dream of.
Many did so in real history -- Cyrus the Great of Persia, Alexander the Great of Macedon, Harald Hardrada of Norway, Harold Godwinson of England, and many more.
@@eviekai all of the once you mentioned were only present on the battlefield, not actually fighting. When Achilles says that line, Agamemnon is also present on the battlefield. Achilles meant that the king alone should fight, not his men.
Théoden says "for death and glory" signaling to an immature self-serving desire. Aragorn responds "For Rohan, for your people". Théoden realizes these are the words of a great king, and so he says "Let this be the hour, we draw swords together". Théoden last of the line of the House of Eorl, and Aragorn II Elessar facing their doom side by side. Such an epic moment.
I think absolutly the opposite Theoden was desperate, he believed he failed his people and led them to their death So he asks for what death and glory glory is worthless without honour and that he was under Sarumans spell didn´t helped his confidence. He didn´t believe Grima s words that his men would follow him because they trusted his sense of duty, honour and judgement, they trusted him that the cause was just and honourable To whatever end, but the oath of the anglosaxons was not limitless, it was limited by the law of god. Theoden is the opposite to Denethor, so even in his desperation he was ready to trade his life for the chance to safe his people
He was not the last of the line of Éorl. Théoden was in fact of the Second Line, and when he died, Éomér, his nephew and thus also claiming descent from Éorl, became the first King of the Third Line.
@@thodan467 I think @Twiistz is quite close to the truth actually. I don't remember the exact passages, but I believe in the books it was implied that Théoden thought it was hopeless, but was inspired into at least making a final charge worthy of song and legend. To at least go down fighting heroically and making Isengard pay dearly for Rohan's final defeat. He didn't think his people could still be saved, just rememberd and avenged, so that's why he rid out "for death and glory". He was always a great admirer of heroes of the past, and thought the only thing he could do at this point was a final charge of heroic redemption worthy of the kings of old. That is, until Aragorn pulled him back into the moment and reminded him of what they were truly fighting for. You also make good points and I absolutely agree that Théoden in many ways was opposite to Denethor even though Denethor was a greater man in the books than in the films, while Denethor's desperation drove him to essentially lie down in defeat, Théoden's desperation merely led him to lower his self-preservation and fight harder and fiercer than ever before. Also the quote "Let this be the hour, we draw swords together" has extra meaning since Aragorn rode alongside Théoden's (grand)father (I don't remember which) while Théoden was still a child and he was basically a childhood hero of Théoden ever since. So when he says "Let this be the hour...", he's talking about a moment he has been awaiting for many years finally coming.
Fun fact: Gimli ends up being the lord of a small Dwarfhold based in the caves here, which the Dwarves find breathtakingly beautiful, and his people prosper from Dwarven pilgrimages to see the stone formations there. As a personal friend of King Eomer, Gimli's folk were allies of the Rohirrim and Dwarf and Man worked together to keep the Deep and the Westfold safe. As strong as the Deep was, the Dwarven alliance made it impregnable. When Gimli took to the sea he left a legacy behind of an alliance similar to the one his ancestors had with the men of Dale.
As an adult, I kinda get disappointed rewatching some scenes again. But overall, its always worth a watch, the first movie and third movie following Sam and Frodo makes the experience worth it.
Yeah, the scene where Gimli talks about the caves with legolas was something i really wanted to see in movies. Also seeing him and his folk to settle in them at the end of the movie would be so cool. Dorfs need more love in stories
@@Bandersnatch41 Because some scenes are exaggerated. Like them riding down all the orcs with their horses like that. Too unrealistic. I love LOTR, I just wish they toned down some of the action scenes a bit - and made them more like the first movie. I would also have wanted to see a bit more of Frodo and Sams adventure. It was very focused on the wars - which is understandable, you gotta market it for teenagers.
RIP Bernard Hill. My favorite part of the Peter Jackson's Lord of The Rings Trilogy. King Théoden now goes to his fathers. And even in their mighty company he shall not now be ashamed.
His portrayal of Theoden made him my favourite character too. We are introduced to him as a broken, old man - his son dead, his kingdom in ruins. Saruman emphasises that by calling him a “lesser son of greater sires”. But Theoden shows his greatness by rallying the ragtag remnants of his people and leading them into a desperate charge to save Minas Tirith after delivering one of the most legendary speeches in movie history.
I love the transformation Theoden makes in this scene. At first, he is a defeated man. Broken. His army scattered and the fortress overwhelmed. He has accepted his doom. But Aragorn manages to ignite the spark inside of him. Not because it makes Theoden think that they can survive, but because he realizes it's better to die with honor and dignity. Like accepting to step in the arena on your own terms instead of being dragged inside. A man that has accepted his fate. This is my favorite scene in the entire trilogy. Amazing.
To add on, if you translate the lyrics being sung, it's basically this internal monologue. It switches between old english basically repeating a classic poem "where is the helm and the hauberk and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harp string, and the red fire glowing?" and the response is basically singing (in Elvish) pleading to fight them, and when Theoden finds his resolve that answering voice switches to old english too and echoes the first voice. Then, when Eomer is charging down the hill, I love that the horse obsessed culture doesn't sing about Eomer or Gandalf leading the charge, they sing about Shadowfax, the lord of all horses, leading the way.
I also like how his expression changes when 1:25 he thinks Aragorn meant to ride for glory and honor, but Aragorn tells him for Rohan, meaning something bigger than themselves, for his people and love ones.
...and I also love how that spark from Aragorn drives Theoden from hopelessness to utter determination. From "what can men do against such reckless hate?" to "Fell deeds awake! Now for wrath! Now for ruin! And the red dawn!" Kinda like Aragorn had some of that fire from Narya. "FORTH EORLINGAS!" Never liked Theoden when I first watched this movie, he's too serious when compared to the books where he's kinda like a kindly uncle to Merry. But now that I've aged, I've learned to appreciate Bernard Hill's portrayal here. He's practical but also inspirational
This spark that Aragorn ignites continues into Return of the King when Theoden says “If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end, as to be worthy of remembrance.”
Even in the darkest of times, you can see how Aragorn’s courage and unnerved bravery empowers King Theoden, without overstepping or overshadowing him. Such a great leader in the making. Peter Jackson really conveyed Aragorn’s worthiness to be a just king through subtlety. Truly a masterpiece.
@@chaywa I'm okay with modifications for function. I missed the Scouring of the Shire and other key moments in the movies, but the new attempt is just gross: leaving out and rewriting massive chunks of history, hilarious miscastings that just change the shape of the entire series, a main character that's wooden and makes weird facial expressions, terrible writing, and it goes on. I do agree with your comment, though. Just further fleshing out my issue.
I love that change in Theoden's expression, when Aragorn tells him, "For Rohan. For your people." Feels like he's partially ashamed that he said "for death and glory" instead of thinking of riding out to give his people even a spare second, but takes Aragorn's words and gets inspired.
Rest in Peace Bernard Hill. You will forever go down in my heart as one of the best actors to grace Hollywood. May your next journey be accompanied by your Riders of Théoden.
Like when Hurin made his last stand against the orcs at the end of the Battle of Unumbered Tears and he cries "Aure entuluva! Day shall come again!" seventy times as he cuts seventy orcs to pieces until he's standing on a pile of them and has their hands and arms still clinging to his body when he's finally captured.
And when you put this plain statement together with the solamnic saying "the darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn" it becomes so meaningful. Gimli is not just noticing the dawn, he's declaring the worst things have passed and now everything will be better.
people tha dont like this are the same ones that like those boring movies that no one goes to see in the movies lol, they just want to pretend to be different for the sake of it.
@@RoGameReview there are so many reasons to keep your Fandoms up no matter wich fandom. Look at the last of us. One of the most thrilling games of our time. Could we ever hope that there is a series starring Pedro ? There is no toxic fandom but there are toxic people. They don't be called 'fans' And like Aragorn said Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace.
I remember seeing this opening weekend 42nd street in NYC -- People were so shocked at the charge down the hill... it was one of the few times i was with an audience experiencing something no one had ever seen before ... you could hear the collective gasps and "wows" --- it was amazing... id imagine it was like when people were seeing star wars in 1977 ... it will never be this good again
@@kevinreyimperial722 You might not think it, but at the time what it achieved with effects was unparalleled. It was a cultural phenomenon, similar to this, and similar to infinity war/Endgame
@@kevinreyimperial722 my ma watched "Empire" while she was full of me, and told me how I danced about in her belly when the score peaked. This will not be our first meeting, but it will be our last.
Note that the original purpose of the horn of Helm Hammerhand was to signal to the besieging enemy that Helm was going to come out and kill them with his bare hands, something he did nightly for weeks. The horn is to give the enemy a sporting warning.
I always had a soft spot for that horn. I imagined the times it must have been used as some kind of warning of an impending attack or to celebrate the union or birth of a king and such. Couldn't imagine the lore was that badass. Thank you sir for making my day.
honestly the horn was a superweapon that made the harmonics to the exact pitch that orcish folk hate the most almost like a non stop air horn that never ends. Which renders them completely useless and easy prey. Sadly, Saruman didn't know Gimli was going to survive for that long be there, seeing how the horn only works properly with a dwarf's lung capacity.
The King charges out without knowing the reinforcement would have come. He is ready to face his faith of doom. That's why he says the word "sounding the horn one last time". He might not be the best king, but he is definitely the king that the men willing to follow and fight to the death.
Truly a courageous warrior and a man of honour. In the books he is disgusted to sit in Helms Deep surrounded by guards. To him, that is an elderly man’s death. He saw that as dishonourable and cowardly. To hide behind guards who would die defending him. So he rode out to battle with Aragorn as a proud warrior. Ready to meet his fate, whatever that may be. Willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of his people and prove himself worthy as someone fit to follow. He wanted honour and respect and earned it in the battle, imo
Everytime I think of Eomer's riders at that moment. They just arrived near the mountain pass and they don't know if there are any survivors. So they are all hoping, praying for them to not be too late and suddenly they hear that thundering, glorious horn from over the mountain...
@@amongusgaming123 While I like the city of Minas Tirith more as well as Gondorian uniforms, just looking at the battle and the action Helms Deep was better. Though the guy with the spear at the Gate of Minas Tirith was absolutely the best 'no-name' soldier action in the trilogy.
@@amongusgaming123 Minas Tirith was definitely bigger, and the ending of the world speech was amazing with them all riding to what they knew was almost certainly death, but with Helm's Deep you just feel the increasing helplessness and hopelessness. Pelennor Field had 6,000 horsemen charging over an open field into a rabble of mindless orcs. Helm's Deep has only a handful of survivors charging through a castle into a sea of well-disciplined Uruk-Hai with thick armour and broad shields with no hope for themselves, just that they might buy time for the women and children to survive.
I love the moment when Theoden looks up and sees Eomer. The pure love he has for Eomer, and the hope he brings is reflected in just a simple smile and the utterance "Eomer". Time to cry again.
Nothing can top these movies for me. Cinema peaked here. Not saying new stuff is bad. Just that Lord of the Rings is, was, and always shall be, my favorite. ❤️❤❤❤❤
No, you're right - humanity peaked too, been downhill since 9/11, the 90's were a golden age it seems. Look at the rings of power - an insult, how dare they! Every IP has been ruined, from Star trek, to Scooby doo, ~ Tolkein was a genius, and this was his lifes work ~ the first, and the best, interwoven with such deep human longings of lore and legend, of a glorious history of magic, heros, sacrifice, and in the end, us lowly humans walked out on top, such mastery - he did a sleight of mind trick, and snared us all into the best world of all, our imagination. Jackson did a fine job, the movies are an epic of the golden age, quite fitting.
I managed to get through 10 minutes, after which I said 'Foul deeds awaken, now for wrath and ruin and the red dawn' and proceeded to delete every single file I had downloaded of that abomination.... :)
That’s the difference between a producer who loves the source material and wants to bring to life, verses one who hates it and just wants to exploit it.
Even if someone held a gun to my head, I still wouldn't watch Rings of Power. It was painful enough to watch the Hobbit. Martin Freeman's performance was brilliant, but the entire Hobbit movies were deeply lacking something fundamental and timeless - it was overblown and over CGI'ed that it didn't seem real for a single moment. Nothing will ever meet the quality of LotR.
@@TheOReport1994It truly was a trilogy that comes once in a generation. All the elements aligning, to create something truly timeless. None can ever compare.
The moment of Theoden losing all hope and Aragorn saying to ride out with him and meet them is the epitome of Tolkien's message of hope for the hopeless. There is no such thing as a hopeless situation. When your back is against the wall and all seems lost, sometimes the way to get through it is to meet it head on and stand your ground to come out victorious.
it confuses me to no end why christopher tolkien and the tolkien estate hate the peter jackson movies. they have so many lines like this that sum up tolkien themes
Arise, arise Riders of Theoden! Fell deeds awake; fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered! A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Rise now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! RIP, King Theoden
To this day, i always loved how Eomer doesn’t waste time on an epic, motivating speech or tactics. He just immediately calls for attack. Everyone of his fellow soldiers knows what time it is - just charge down this hill into this godforsaken valley, full of darkness, death and hate, to bring light, good and fight for your people. Epic!
Good point. In that moment we see a seasoned warrior calling to his equally seasoned troops to make one last stand. Not because they think they can win, but they think it’s better to die with honour and bravely. If only to try to defend the kingdom and those who they are sworn to protect.
Sometimes all that's needed is a simple command & rallying cry. And how fitting that a man who was doing the king's job is the one to say "to the king!"
Of the trilogy, I think The Two Towers had the absolute best soundtrack. Between the exodus of the Rohirrim, arriving at Ederas, the exorcism of Theodin, and the return of the Rohirrim... honestly, there was so much emotion throughout it.
My favourite piece of LoTR music is during the scene where Ring already fell into Mount Doom and Sam asks Frodo to take his hand. Strong Feels everytime
“We shall have peace... We shall have peace, when you answer for the burning of the Westfold, and the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace, when the lives of the soldiers whose bodies were hewn even as they died against the gates of the Hornberg, are avenged! When you hang from a gibbit for the sport of your own crows...! We shall have peace.”
Saruman: Gibbits and crows! DOTARD! What do you want, Gandalf Greyhame? Let me guess. The key of Orthanc? Or perhaps the keys of Barad-Dur itself? Along with the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the five wizards?
@Ethan Schmid Saruman: So you have come here for information? I have some for you. Something festers in the heart of Middle Earth. Something that even you have failed to see. But the Great Eye has seen it. Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon. You are all going to die! But you know this don’t you Gandalf? You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor. This exile, crept from the shadows will never be crowned King. Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice those who are closest to him… those he professes to love! Tell me, what words of comfort did you give the Halfling before you sent him to his doom? The path that you have set him on can only lead to death.
I myself was in the middle of high school when I saw this film with my dad, uncle and cousin. Then one more time with the rest of the family. No other film trilogy has ever made me want to watch it in theaters more than once. When Gandalf appeared I heard clapping and cheers in the first viewing (I love it when a film does that to people). I was also closest to the speakers and felt the horn vibrations in my chest, and got a chill from it. It was fantastic.
What an epic reversal from a desperate defense into a total victory. The way the soundtrack builds upon itself every time nihilism gets denied and replaced by hope and duty is amazing.
Epic? Desperate? Gates opened and 4 horses just run over a trillion enemies like they were ants. And then, exactly at the time it was pre announced another couple of thousand horsemen, led by an all powerful wizard, came down on the ants by what seemed like the most impossible angle. It was anything but epic. It was dumb, amateurish, killed any suspense left for the series.
@@mskidi That always bothered me how a few horsemen could ride out without getting killed and knock down so many enemies. Makes you think what they could have achieved prior in the battle. I do think the scene with Gandalf and the Rohirrim with the sun breaking through was well shot, but where did that incline come from? It looked like the geography changed a little between scenes possible. Also in the book and the extended cut the trees took care of most of the enemies in the end.
"The Uruk-Hai are too many!" A sentiment repeated over the entirety of the battle for Helm's Deep. Yet not one of the White Hand's thousands lived to crawl back to Isengard and their foul master. Not one.
well théoden and his men got reinforcements in 3 instances (2 in the book) that nobody was expecting/planning for.... without them the uruk woul´ve either won the battle or some of them would´ve gotten away
@@ArcherOfJustice book reinforcements: erkenbrand and loyal rohirrim footsoldiers together with gandalf coming down the mountain. and then the huorns. in the books there was a decisive battle against isengard in the westfold before aragorn and the others arrived in edoras. in that battle died théoden´s son and the leader of those troops was erkenbrand (that character exists only in the books) movie: elves, then eomer with rohirrim riders and gandalf, and then huorns (in extended)
but at 3:00 the horses plowing through the Orcs on the walkway bridge sending them flying but the horses don't budge a millimeter, i mean the physics stink... great scene but the horses tho
@@Defender78 Let me assure you, a horse rushing through a group of humans (or human sized Orcs) at full speed DOES in fact not budge a millimeter!! It is the humans that "budge" and by A LOT more than a millimeter! I lived my first 20 years on a horse-farm. I have ample experience!
@@Grubnar They pulled all their head and soul into it, but not a lot of their brain. Which is why parts 2 and 3 are insanely dumb, specially designed for action film audiences, like Tolkiens' son himself said. Τhese fictional creatures called Orcs are supposed to be carrying spears, and horses rushing through a group of spear weilding humans or human sized Orcs at full speed, will become horse kebab very fast. Also, galloping at what seems like a 75% downslope would lead any type of horse, with the exception of Pegasus, to lose balance, start rolling down the slope like a turd and end up broken in a million pieces.
I don’t think anyone could have made this movie without a lifetime’s worth of devotion, love, and respect for the text. Truly a passion project and the best of the art form. And the soundtrack is easily the best I’ve ever heard.
It's amazing how well written Theoden's reaction (or lack thereof) to Gandalf arriving is. He has no love for magic, especially given his recent experiences with wizards, and is not impressed with Gandalf. But as soon as he sees Eomer, his expression changes, since he is fully aware what harm 2000 riders will do to the enemy. After all, he knows how to defend his own keep.
Theoden had no hate of wizards and seemed to know Gandalf, and was likely very grateful to him since you know, he was the one who rescued him from Saruman's vices.
Nah, that’s not it. Eomer was banished before Theoden was cured of Saruman’s influence by Gandalf. Both Theoden and Gandalf are friends. So Theoden was happy to see his riders had returned in support of their king, who had awakened to pain and ruin, on the precipice of defeat, but now his riders were there ready to save their king.
@@exargyromeno3648 Yea, if anything Theoden was touched at the loyalty of Eomer and his riders, to return to fight and die for the king that banished them.
@@NtoTheM Frankly it brings me to tears everytime I watch this particular interaction, witnessing the profound commitment of Eomer, so eager to defend his King, and the gratitude you can read on Theoden face once he recognizes his most loyal knight. OG feudalism is kino.
I wouldn't call myself a LOTR fanatic, so to speak. But these films are incredible. These ought to have a re-release in theatres. I've just heard of the passing of Bernard Hill. Rest In peace.
Any scene that Bernard Hill and Viggo Mortensen shared is absolutely perfect. Both of them were beyond stellar in their roles, and together they were breathtaking. The entire cast was perfect for this beautiful trilogy!
It was such a great movie moment when the sun shines behind the charging Rohirrim. Too often these days movies don't surprise you. Just another reason why you cannot beat Lord of the Rings.
I heard it once said that once Theoden ceased trying to hold onto life and fully embraced death that his whole character transformed from despairing and grim into fully heroic and regal. There's something truly beautiful in that: when one lives in the view of trying to preserve what they have, namely life, they are prone to despair in the face of unsurmountable challenges and opposition; when one stops living for oneself and is willing to lay it all down for others, that self sacrifice suddenly makes their final hour the most meaningful of their life!
Yes, you are right. Tolkien wrote LoTR as a Christian book, and in Christian tradition there is this saying: "remember death". Meaning that you have to embrace your mortality to defeat the grip of death.
@@auzawandilaz6971 "The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision." - Tolkien.
There will never be anything as good as this in the film industry, ever. Sad or inspiring, depends how you look it it. But this is will for ever be the peak of our civilization's entertainment.
he says for death and glory, but the more noble and worthy king, Aragorn, says for Rohan and its people. They made the distinction here clear so that aragorn's nobility was demonstrated.
I liked Theoden's "yes, yes" almost as much as the rest of his speech. Then Gimli catches the contagion, and before he blows the horn he is, "Yessss!"ing too! =)
This is the perfect scene to demonstrate the quote, "its always darkest before the dawn", while it may sound kinda cliché seeing Gandalf standing bright white and the sunrise blinding the Uruk-Hai at the very last second still gives me chills and makes me emotional like I did the first time I saw it as a kid truly amazing cinematography and story telling
The Lord of the Rings was an epic novel so huge it had to be split into three books. When they announced these movies I thought I was going to be disappointed because this was my favorite fantasy novel. Man, oh, man was I ever wrong. Absolutely gorgeous. Even the Making-Of documentaries are must sees. (If you haven't seen the one about the horses, go see it NOW.) In such troubled times when Evil surrounds us, wishes us dead or enslaved and it looks hopeless... this is inspiring to watch.
Ironically it's much easier to enjoy the movies than the books. Tolkien created a wonderful world, but he dragged out a lot of parts needlessly. The movie is more compact and focuses on the important parts, rather than describing the colors of a grass field or the smell of a flower.
Aragorn and Theoden riding togheter..ok i m can hold it, then i see rohirrim charge and this beautiful music and i just give up... How this movie can makes all these feeleings amazes me.
"A King recognize a King" Is it just me, or does King Theoden at this point 2:05 recognize the majesty and right of King of Gondor in Aragorn?A simple but extremely powerful line. "Let this be the time to draw swords together"
![The Lord of the Rings (2002) - The final Battle - Part 4 - Theoden Rides Forth [4K]](/img/1.gif)
RIP Bernard Hill, nobody could’ve been a better King Theoden.
As fine an exemplar for Theoden as there was for Gandalf.
RIP
RIP
😑 🙏🏽
To the King!
I never considered before how noble it was of Gimli to volunteer to blow the horn and allow Legolas to rack up a kill count.
It was a no-brainer: Fall off another horse or toot his own horn.
Still only counts as one! - Gimli, not probably
You do now
Gimli never misses a chance to mix the hook for a diss track
Well seeing that gimli won the competition, maybe he figured he was already too far ahead for Legolas to catch up
As a kid I never liked Theoden or Boromir, now as a grown adult I just love these characters: human beings full of doubts, they have to make the hardest decisions totally hopeless and the possibility of failure is always on the edge of happening
"Why do we fall sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up" Boromir and Theoden are best example of this
True, we liked legolas and aragorn for their badassery but now we realize how great boromir and theoden are as we are older
I think their portrayal could have been better though, especially for Théoden in the second movie. The casting and the acting is amazing but I'm not a big fan of how he is portrayed as stubborn, indecisive and as a potential rival to Aragorn.
@@Tom-mk7nd hes not hes a realistic king trying to save his people and cautious of outsiders. His son just died and his kingdom and people are going to fall under his rule .
@@Tom-mk7nd That's the point my friend. Aragorn was a skilled commander and fought in several battles since Theoden was only a child. Of course Aragorn eclipsed the figure of the king of Rohan and this added development to the nature of a man like Theoden.
And here we are, after the sad news, watching this scene 10 times in a row. Paying homage to one of the best king performances in movies. RIP Bernard, you did a damn good job.
Same... He was so great
Get goosebumps every time I watch it
lol i just clicked on a recommended video. Its sad that every time someone dies their material turns into an obituary.
Have the Uruk-hais ever thought of slashing the horses stomachs with swords when the men ride toward them?
@@scottwarren4998 this goes to show youtube is polluted with AI comments.
“For death and glory”
“For Rohan, for your people”
I love how Aragorn reminds Theoden what it means to be a king; it is not about reckless bravery and glory, it is about serving your own people.
I think Theoden asked “for death and glory?”, making the the words more about questioning the action as a foolish statement. To receive such an honor, from an enemy that has none would be a waste. Theoden knew they were going to fail, and he knew Saruman would never tecord the deeds of Thoeden and his men. I think his tone says “whats the point?” .
@@thedeplorable8370 Huh. That’s an interesting interpretation that I haven’t seen anyone take from this scene. But you make a valid point.
In this scene it’s clear that Theoden is pretty much defeated, psychologically anyway.
Like just before he laments that “what can men can do against such reckless hate?” Showing that he’s despondent at what’s facing them.
When Aragorn says “for your people” it’s to remind Theoden of his duty to his people. So he’s reminded of his oath and what he must do to uphold his honour. Which is why he seems to have a much happier spirit in the rest of the scene. He knows he is dying with honour and seems proud to die alongside Aragorn who reminded him of his sworn oath.
This is perfectly echoed in the book as well when Aragon first meets theoden after he’s released
@someonerandom8552 a king is a servant to the people
@@thedeplorable8370 your mind is a thing of wonders, I hope you live a long and fulfilling life, my friend.
It is impossible to make two epic charges in a row.
Rohirrim: hold my horse
The best one was yet to come
In the words of Gimli: "YEEEEEESSS"
Don't hold his horse; he needs it. :)
Rohirrim: "hand me my horse"
@@hammettsean2 "Hold my horse while I get on it"
"théoden kings stands alone"
"not alone, Rohirrimmm!"
what a badass scene
Eomer's "TO THE KING!!!" gives me goosebumps still
Let me preface this by saying I love this trilogy as it is so well done and that these films were my first introduction to Karl Urban, whom I think is a very good actor (he nailed the mannerisms of Bones in Star Trek). However, after appreciating his fine work on The Boys I now look at this scene and after hearing Gandalf saying "Theoden King stands alone" I can visualize Eomer cupping his hands around his mouth and yelling down at the orcs, "Oy! Cunts!". Sorry, but it just creeps in there now. But, yes, it's a powerful scene where Gandalf brings the Rohirrim to Helm's Deep to turn the tide and win the battle.
@@mikeguinness5408 i would have loved if he DID say that to the orcs LOL
TO THE KING!!!!!!!!!!!
When the homes pull up as backup
Watching on May 5, 2024 to honour the late Bernard Hill. RIP Theoden King. Forth Eorlingas!
"THE HORN OF HELM HAMMERHAND SHALL SOUND IN THE DEEP. ONE LAST TIME"...... Goosebumps every time
Helm hammerhand the legendary Rohan king who killed his enemy with a single punch the true one punch man and a one man army
Me Too.
This line means a lot more when you understand it
I love how Gimli doesn't even wait for anyone to ask him to go blow the horn, like his ass half way up the stairs before anyone else has had a chance to ask. He's just like "This is my SHIT right here, don't even get in my way, I AM BLOWING THIS BIG ASS HORN!!!"
Hell yeah!!!!!
Can we appreciate the psychological jumps Theoden had to go through going from years long of his mind being poisened by Saruman, waking up to realize that his son is dead then facing the greatest war of his time ? His resilience far exceeds other characters when you think about it
Which is why theoden king of Rohan is my favorite character in the whole series
Legolas Greenleaf is my second favorite
@@IsratJahan-th3fo good chocie
The movie treatment of Theoden is one of my few gripes with the movie. In the books, Theoden was a bad-ass upon gripping his sword handle anew. In the movie, he seemed to have doubts and misgivings.
He was a fucking badass at his weakest. Imagine his power at his strongest
How long was he under mind control in the novels?
I am at the stage in my life, where I see a scene from Lotr and I cry immediately.
same man same! dont know how! even when its just a 3min clip on yt... with every year that passes, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy gets better! we appreciate it more cause we see how unique it was, is and will be! almost certainly never again in our life time will we get that kind of perfection on screen!
Maybe you should see somebody
I cried with "My friends, you bow to no one!"
I hated Frodo as a character, and yet recently cried when he boarded the ship at the Grey Havens. Unbelievable.
man i just cried
Bernard Hill is now in the company of his fathers
Hail the victorious dead! You were incredible!
HAIL! 🍺
HAIL!!🍻
Hail
Hail!! 🙌
HAIL!
Viggo’s portrayal of Aragorn is always perfect, man put everything into the role
he looks exactly how i imagined him in books
if he told me to run through a brick wall. I would reply with "how fast?"
"man put everything into the role"
Even a broken toe.
And he wasn't even the first actor picked/casted for the role!
Viggo is one of the reasons a LOTR remake would never be as good as Peter Jackson’s.
“So much death. What can men do, against such reckless hate?”
The absolute state of hopelessness delivered in these two lines is conveyed so perfectly.
Hate is powerful. Pure and passionate, potent and dangerous. But courage will carry strength to persevere when rage subsides and anger finally dies out.
If emotion is a battery, hate and disdain is the most powerful output, but will burn away in time. Courage and hope will renew when power is lost.
Well, when I was a kid, I was watching it in Russian language. The transltion was slightly different, because of using an older version of literature russian words. And I really felt myself in a time of knights, swords and ancient fights. And a phrase sound like: What can HUMAN BEINGS do against such
ferocious malice?
-Crush them!
-For the death and glory?
-For your people!
I want some more movies like this. Ideas are so wise and have so much meanings, that can be understood across the nations and people.
@@MattCollectorControl Dont surrender to despair, you are stronger not when you are big, but when you are right. Truth always prevail. Aragorn reminds Theoden, that they fight for PEOPLE in caves, not only for dying in glory.
"we ride out and meet them!"
Followed by the best response to hopelessness, the attitude that can make hope anew out of hopelessness:
"Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
Do not go gentle into that good night indeed. Fight to the last because hope can spring unlooked for, and may even have been there all along, just out of sight.
It's a minor point, but the fact that Aragorn suggests riding out BEFORE he remembers that Gandalf will return today is such a great character point. He would've suggested the final stand no matter what the outcome, in an attempt to save the women and children, but then Gimli mentions the dawn has come, and there's a glimmer of hope beyond noble sacrifice. Just a tremendous scene.
Good point!
For Rohan, for your people!
I remember before ever rewatching the movie I somehow remembered it as him noticing that and THEN suggesting they ride out and always thinking it was kind of a dick move not to let the others in on it, took rewatching it a couple times to really understand he did it before and what that meant
@@kevy_metal He was willign and reayd to sell his life for the women and children to escape, and that's heavy, heavuly cultural programming for western men. You may die, but your children and their mothers live. Theyre whats important,
Great point, it makes me wish they had left in Aragorns introduction to the riders. In the books, i believe, it's the first time Gimli and Legolas look to him and see a king. It's the first time he refers to himself as the heir of Gondor. That along with the stuff you mentioned would have been awesome to see.
They did a fantastic job developing his character.
*Now for wrath, now for ruin, and red dawn!!*
R.I.P Bernard Hill, fly high.
The way that Theoden flips between complete misery and utter recklessness is honestly a vibe
Agreed - it showed true humanity, to feel like they’re lost then get psyched up. Aragon is on another level; I respect the Rohan crew more for showing fear, weakness and frailty then picking themselves up to fight again.
@Der Frosch-Prinz Aus Bayern Good old racial supremacy.
@Der Frosch-Prinz Aus Bayern What condition is that?
@Der Frosch-Prinz Aus Bayern Yeah...see, I'm not into your particular lexicon; I'm going to need you to dumb down your language for the sake of my comprehension.
@Der Frosch-Prinz Aus Bayern I really think you are misreading Tolkien's premise of his entire story, here. Aragorn happens to be noble, wise, and good, but the whole point of the story shows that everyone is susceptible to evil, no matter who they are--and also susceptible to great acts of heroism. Isuldur was a Numenorean, Ar-Pharazon was a Numenorean--both of these people were fallible in the worst way. Frodo and Sam are just hobbits and they're the biggest heroes in the story. Theoden's race has nothing to do with it--it's that Aragorn is just Aragorn. Aragorn has more experience and is also the kind of man to use that experience wisely.
"A wizard is never late. He arrives precisely when he means to"
"I'm sorry......I was detained"
Lol
All the children, farmers and elderly people who died before Gandalf arrived: 😒
Damn right!
@@rustyblade9366 for real lol. All the elves too.
I love that Aragorn didn’t let Theodin know about Gandalf and the cavalry coming. He knew that Theodin needed to choose to be courageous in that moment
He himself probably just wishing that white Gandalf better kept his word.
damn never even thought about that
absolutely brilliant, didn't even realize that after all these years!
Theoden was confident he's bound to heaven "death and glory " He wanted to meet his best son who died defending him " 😞🌅💠
Aragorn didn't know he was coming.. He hoped he was....But Aragorn knew that the line of men would endure by his example.. Even if he wasn't alive to see it....That's why we all love Aragorn.. He is the best part any man could aspire to be.
RIP Bernard Hill, a true master of his craft and the best choice for Theoden.
"Forth, and fear no darkness! Arise! Arise, Riders of Theoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword day... a red day... ere the sun rises!"
Death!
Death!
DEATH!!!
DEATH!
Death!!!
"Let this be the hour when we draw swords together."
And so the King of Gondor and the King of Rohan rode to victory.
And after Theoden dies, Eomer becomes the king and rides with Aragon for many years. There are no PUSSIES IN THE ROHAN ARMY. ONLY MANLY MEN
"And wherever King Elessar went with war King Éomer went with him; and beyond the Sea of Rhûn and on the far fields of the South the thunder of the cavalry of the Mark was heard, and the White Horse upon Green flew in many winds until Éomer grew old."
Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings . Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.
@@Stratovariuification and brave women
Before, it was Theoden's father or grandfather whom Aragorn fought with in a war. That's the time when he first meet and saw Aragorn. Now he quoted this message and makes it more awesome.
@@JayJay5244 nope I don't think so, long ago the Steward of Gondor gave away the lands of Calenardhon to Eorl the Young and his people to settle in and that became Rohan, because Go dor was weakened to the point of not being able to themselves defend that area. And then again we see Rohan helping Gondor time and again. Yet Tolkein classifies these men(Rohan/Eothead/Northmen) as "Lesser men" / "Middle Men" races, even when the supposed Higher blood of the West has been "thinned" due to "mixing" with the "lesser men". Loved Tolkien's works to the end , but always felt this whole concept significantly racist. But I guess he couldn't deny his European roots.
Bernard Hill absolutely shines in every scene. He is _perfectly_ Theoden, right alongside Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Sean Astin as Sam. Just an utterly fantastic job.
Don't forget Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
The whole cast was and still is as perfect as it can be
The utter power he puts into that role, still in awe to this day.
@@vervvyk Now I thought about such an interesting fact: in the history of cinema there are only 3 movies that have received 11 Oscars and Bernard Hill played in two of them - in "Titanic" (Captain Smith) and in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (King Theoden). It's definitely connected somehow))
Bernard Hill can be proud of himself - he is a wonderful actor
He is probably one of my top 3 characters in all of cinema.
A wizard is never late. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to
@Jason Walter Never was just a wizard. But yeah!
Which makes you think if he planned on having the entire defence army dead except for maybe a dozen soldiers
@@lad4830 420 likes
@Lad He was waiting for the rising sun to blind the uruk-hai. Without it, their glorious horse charges would have met an abrupt end after the first row of horses gets impaled on pikes.
@@lad4830 he needed that time,+ it would have made more sense if about half were dead and the rest had retreated up each level with them
"what can men do against such reckless hate?" the way he delivered while gently blinks his eyes displays how the king gradually loosing hope. such a great actor.
Oh my I never noticed!! Soo good 😮
'Ride out with me..ride out and meet them'.. 'For death and glory?'.. 'For Rohan..For your people'..that conversation gave me chills
In that moment he sees a true King of men in Aragorn
@Anna Marfa It's not far from it. This scene is very theatrical and symbolic after all, like a major play that shows how men are not yet corrupted but instead we still have a spark inside us. An we still have it today. I hate how we on this modern day we are only spreading doom and gloom when instead it is this that we should be educating. Not destruction but glory and the hope of mankind.
I remember seeing this in the theatre as a kid and this whole entire scene felt like an out of body experience.
I've been trying to find the soundtrack for that scene! It sounds similar, but different from Last March of the Ents!
I get chills and inspiration when Theoden says “The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep, one last time.” It definitely gives me an adrenaline boost as much as the Horn of Erebor sounding off in Battle of the Five Armies.
The angelic shot of Gandalf’s arrival with the sunlight behind him is so satisfying. In that moment, you know the nightmare is over.
Well, Gandalf is technically an angel when you look at the lore
In the books Gandalf himself emits light and strikes fear into the hearts of lesser beings. But the movies are just as good too
Not only that, but it is a show of tactical genius. As Gandalf leads the charge at dawn, the Rohirrim charge with him and the sunlight literally blinds the Uruk-hai, preventing them from being able to defend themselves
The music buildup after Gimli says "The sun is rising" and the tune after Theoden says "Let this be the hour when we draw swords together" sends chills down my spine. This is the peak, the magnum opus, of fantasy genre. NOTHING will ever top this trilogy.
It is difficult to imagine, that's for sure.
Indeed
It is the score to end all scores. It is the the most brilliant creation that has ever grace the theater screen and its speakers. You may not even be referring to it as the greatest score of all time, but you mentioned the music and I had to carry on with this. It is not only one of the greatest film scores in history, but it is some of the best music ever created. The sheet amount of music, all the themes and motifs created, is beyond comprehension. This movie would not have been complete with any other score. Howard Shore delivered more than Peter Jackson could have ever dream of.
Facts!!
My only hope would be a perfect adaptation of the storm light archive . Without spoiling anything there are a lot of scenes with potential
Dear Bernard Hill, rest in peace.
In the mighty company of your fathers, you shall not feel ashamed, Theoden King.
HAIL! 🍺
Have the Uruk-hais ever thought of slashing the horses stomachs with swords when the men ride toward them?
“Imagine a King who would fight his own battles. Wouldn’t that be a sight”
Behold, Theoden King and Aragorn
Many did so in real history -- Cyrus the Great of Persia, Alexander the Great of Macedon, Harald Hardrada of Norway, Harold Godwinson of England, and many more.
Definitely read that in his voice.
Didn't Achilles say that in "Troy"?
@@eviekai Hannibal Barca wasn't a king
@@eviekai all of the once you mentioned were only present on the battlefield, not actually fighting. When Achilles says that line, Agamemnon is also present on the battlefield. Achilles meant that the king alone should fight, not his men.
Théoden says "for death and glory" signaling to an immature self-serving desire. Aragorn responds "For Rohan, for your people". Théoden realizes these are the words of a great king, and so he says "Let this be the hour, we draw swords together". Théoden last of the line of the House of Eorl, and Aragorn II Elessar facing their doom side by side. Such an epic moment.
I think absolutly the opposite
Theoden was desperate, he believed he failed his people and led them to their death
So he asks for what death and glory
glory is worthless without honour and that he was under Sarumans spell didn´t helped his confidence.
He didn´t believe Grima s words that his men would follow him because they trusted his sense of duty, honour and judgement, they trusted him that the cause was just and honourable
To whatever end, but the oath of the anglosaxons was not limitless, it was limited by the law of god.
Theoden is the opposite to Denethor, so even in his desperation he was ready to trade his life for the chance to safe his people
@@thodan467 Gandalf sword spoke to Theoden?when?
@@PanzerShrek94
sorry i meant grima
He was not the last of the line of Éorl. Théoden was in fact of the Second Line, and when he died, Éomér, his nephew and thus also claiming descent from Éorl, became the first King of the Third Line.
@@thodan467 I think @Twiistz is quite close to the truth actually. I don't remember the exact passages, but I believe in the books it was implied that Théoden thought it was hopeless, but was inspired into at least making a final charge worthy of song and legend. To at least go down fighting heroically and making Isengard pay dearly for Rohan's final defeat. He didn't think his people could still be saved, just rememberd and avenged, so that's why he rid out "for death and glory". He was always a great admirer of heroes of the past, and thought the only thing he could do at this point was a final charge of heroic redemption worthy of the kings of old.
That is, until Aragorn pulled him back into the moment and reminded him of what they were truly fighting for.
You also make good points and I absolutely agree that Théoden in many ways was opposite to Denethor even though Denethor was a greater man in the books than in the films, while Denethor's desperation drove him to essentially lie down in defeat, Théoden's desperation merely led him to lower his self-preservation and fight harder and fiercer than ever before.
Also the quote "Let this be the hour, we draw swords together" has extra meaning since Aragorn rode alongside Théoden's (grand)father (I don't remember which) while Théoden was still a child and he was basically a childhood hero of Théoden ever since. So when he says "Let this be the hour...", he's talking about a moment he has been awaiting for many years finally coming.
Fun fact: Gimli ends up being the lord of a small Dwarfhold based in the caves here, which the Dwarves find breathtakingly beautiful, and his people prosper from Dwarven pilgrimages to see the stone formations there. As a personal friend of King Eomer, Gimli's folk were allies of the Rohirrim and Dwarf and Man worked together to keep the Deep and the Westfold safe. As strong as the Deep was, the Dwarven alliance made it impregnable. When Gimli took to the sea he left a legacy behind of an alliance similar to the one his ancestors had with the men of Dale.
As an adult, I kinda get disappointed rewatching some scenes again. But overall, its always worth a watch, the first movie and third movie following Sam and Frodo makes the experience worth it.
@@nr1NPCWhy disappointed?
Yeah, the scene where Gimli talks about the caves with legolas was something i really wanted to see in movies. Also seeing him and his folk to settle in them at the end of the movie would be so cool. Dorfs need more love in stories
Now THIS should be made into a film
@@Bandersnatch41 Because some scenes are exaggerated.
Like them riding down all the orcs with their horses like that.
Too unrealistic.
I love LOTR, I just wish they toned down some of the action scenes a bit - and made them more like the first movie.
I would also have wanted to see a bit more of Frodo and Sams adventure.
It was very focused on the wars - which is understandable, you gotta market it for teenagers.
RIP Bernard Hill. My favorite part of the Peter Jackson's Lord of The Rings Trilogy.
King Théoden now goes to his fathers. And even in their mighty company he shall not now be ashamed.
His portrayal of Theoden made him my favourite character too. We are introduced to him as a broken, old man - his son dead, his kingdom in ruins. Saruman emphasises that by calling him a “lesser son of greater sires”. But Theoden shows his greatness by rallying the ragtag remnants of his people and leading them into a desperate charge to save Minas Tirith after delivering one of the most legendary speeches in movie history.
The moment where Eomer enters the scene and says "Not alone", is one of the best scenes in the trilogy.
At this point I expect someone to edit the "OY" when Eomer appears.
Or "don't be a cunt"
I cry everytime... what a fuc**ng masterpiece
@@heotolon "Fuckin' diabolical."
Aragorn's final speech at the black gates is the best scene of this trilogy.
I love the transformation Theoden makes in this scene. At first, he is a defeated man. Broken. His army scattered and the fortress overwhelmed. He has accepted his doom. But Aragorn manages to ignite the spark inside of him. Not because it makes Theoden think that they can survive, but because he realizes it's better to die with honor and dignity. Like accepting to step in the arena on your own terms instead of being dragged inside. A man that has accepted his fate. This is my favorite scene in the entire trilogy. Amazing.
To add on, if you translate the lyrics being sung, it's basically this internal monologue. It switches between old english basically repeating a classic poem "where is the helm and the hauberk and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harp string, and the red fire glowing?" and the response is basically singing (in Elvish) pleading to fight them, and when Theoden finds his resolve that answering voice switches to old english too and echoes the first voice.
Then, when Eomer is charging down the hill, I love that the horse obsessed culture doesn't sing about Eomer or Gandalf leading the charge, they sing about Shadowfax, the lord of all horses, leading the way.
@@LGMalz06 the voice in the score is actually singing in Elvish??
I also like how his expression changes when 1:25 he thinks Aragorn meant to ride for glory and honor, but Aragorn tells him for Rohan, meaning something bigger than themselves, for his people and love ones.
...and I also love how that spark from Aragorn drives Theoden from hopelessness to utter determination. From "what can men do against such reckless hate?" to "Fell deeds awake! Now for wrath! Now for ruin! And the red dawn!"
Kinda like Aragorn had some of that fire from Narya.
"FORTH EORLINGAS!"
Never liked Theoden when I first watched this movie, he's too serious when compared to the books where he's kinda like a kindly uncle to Merry. But now that I've aged, I've learned to appreciate Bernard Hill's portrayal here. He's practical but also inspirational
This spark that Aragorn ignites continues into Return of the King when Theoden says “If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end, as to be worthy of remembrance.”
Gandalf's multitasking level was off the charts in the series
Gandalf the plot device
He was a Maiar delegated with power by the Valar to stop Sauron, so no wonder
@@NihilSineDeo09 Or in common tongue, an Angel
@@roger5555ful
An Archangel, more precisely
@@NihilSineDeo09 What do you think an archangel is?
RIP Bernard Hill. The amount of chills i get from this man and the gravitas he brought to Theoden.
Even in the darkest of times, you can see how Aragorn’s courage and unnerved bravery empowers King Theoden, without overstepping or overshadowing him.
Such a great leader in the making. Peter Jackson really conveyed Aragorn’s worthiness to be a just king through subtlety. Truly a masterpiece.
Indeed. Aragorn's character arc is one of, if not the most, satisfying arcs in the history of cinematic trilogies.
@@nalgene247 and making his character becoming a king
The whole series is a masterpiece
So many subtleties. Don’t forget Aragorn holding his sword but not using it on Boromir when he’s got the ring.
It helps when you possess William Wallace levels of invincibility when it comes to fighting wars.
20 years have passed, and I still get goosebumps, every single time.
Totally agree. That's why I'm annoyed they're just rewriting the new series to their own preferences to "modernize" it.
@@ThenDarknessFalls Let's be fair, this entire sequence was rewritten from the books as well.
@@chaywa I'm okay with modifications for function. I missed the Scouring of the Shire and other key moments in the movies, but the new attempt is just gross: leaving out and rewriting massive chunks of history, hilarious miscastings that just change the shape of the entire series, a main character that's wooden and makes weird facial expressions, terrible writing, and it goes on.
I do agree with your comment, though. Just further fleshing out my issue.
Same
"Imagine a king who fights his own battles. Wouldn't that be a sight?"
*solid* reference.
The fans will see you in a Star Wars movie one day?
More than his battles, but his people's battles.
Achilles would loved Theodén
@@twinkthatloveslotrtrilogy7676 Not only loved, but revered with the utmost respect.
RIP Bernard Hill (December 17, 1944 - May 5, 2024), aged 79
You will be remembered as a legend
"So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?" I love that line.
Ride out and meet them...
@@neddhu For death and glory!
@@richardtaylor1652 For your people!
this is what i think when i see a trump rally
The Sun is rising
I love that change in Theoden's expression, when Aragorn tells him, "For Rohan. For your people." Feels like he's partially ashamed that he said "for death and glory" instead of thinking of riding out to give his people even a spare second, but takes Aragorn's words and gets inspired.
Glory is an acceptable motive when death is inevitable anyway. It’s the last remaining thing you can salvage.
"I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed."
....and that's how you write a character arc.
Amen @@bo7341
That's what makes Theoden such a satisfying character. He's complex, flawed, but ultimately good.
“To the king!”
Chills. Every. Time.
ehm....For the king!
@@PIOSSA To the king is correct
@@lad4830 really?
@@PIOSSA I think so, yeah
😢 tears too
Rest in Peace Bernard Hill. You will forever go down in my heart as one of the best actors to grace Hollywood. May your next journey be accompanied by your Riders of Théoden.
I saw this as a kid, and for some reason, "The sun is rising" is a line that has stuck with me and I often think about when times are hard.
Like when Hurin made his last stand against the orcs at the end of the Battle of Unumbered Tears and he cries "Aure entuluva! Day shall come again!" seventy times as he cuts seventy orcs to pieces until he's standing on a pile of them and has their hands and arms still clinging to his body when he's finally captured.
Damn right
And when you put this plain statement together with the solamnic saying "the darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn" it becomes so meaningful. Gimli is not just noticing the dawn, he's declaring the worst things have passed and now everything will be better.
Same here brother. This shadow, is but a passing thing.
Dawn is ever the hope of men
The Horn of Helm Hammerhand sounded one last time
RIP, Sir Bernard Hill
The music. I will never understand that there are people who find this film boring because it's one of the most epic movies in the history of movies
LOTR does tend to meander. Especially the extended editions.
@@DestinyAwaits19 It is all right to take the time to meander if you are in a beautiful place you enjoy being in.
people tha dont like this are the same ones that like those boring movies that no one goes to see in the movies lol, they just want to pretend to be different for the sake of it.
@@aesir1ases64 the truth is people now days just like to hate anything, look at the idiots that hate The Last Of us tv series juat for the sake of it
@@RoGameReview there are so many reasons to keep your Fandoms up no matter wich fandom. Look at the last of us. One of the most thrilling games of our time. Could we ever hope that there is a series starring Pedro ?
There is no toxic fandom but there are toxic people. They don't be called 'fans'
And like Aragorn said Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace.
I remember seeing this opening weekend 42nd street in NYC -- People were so shocked at the charge down the hill... it was one of the few times i was with an audience experiencing something no one had ever seen before ... you could hear the collective gasps and "wows" --- it was amazing... id imagine it was like when people were seeing star wars in 1977 ... it will never be this good again
Star wars is nothing compare to this legendary masterpiece
@@kevinreyimperial722
You might not think it, but at the time what it achieved with effects was unparalleled. It was a cultural phenomenon, similar to this, and similar to infinity war/Endgame
@@kevinreyimperial722wtf are you even talkin about
@@kevinreyimperial722 my ma watched "Empire" while she was full of me, and told me how I danced about in her belly when the score peaked. This will not be our first meeting, but it will be our last.
Note that the original purpose of the horn of Helm Hammerhand was to signal to the besieging enemy that Helm was going to come out and kill them with his bare hands, something he did nightly for weeks. The horn is to give the enemy a sporting warning.
Well, you wouldn't want to kill them that way without saying anything. That would be _rude_
Nice fun fact that one, George M!
I always had a soft spot for that horn. I imagined the times it must have been used as some kind of warning of an impending attack or to celebrate the union or birth of a king and such.
Couldn't imagine the lore was that badass. Thank you sir for making my day.
honestly the horn was a superweapon that made the harmonics to the exact pitch that orcish folk hate the most almost like a non stop air horn that never ends. Which renders them completely useless and easy prey. Sadly, Saruman didn't know Gimli was going to survive for that long be there, seeing how the horn only works properly with a dwarf's lung capacity.
that is so Metal \m/
Shadowfax leading all of the horses down the hill gives me chills every time.
It is such a majestic scene.
Couldn’t Shadowfax have arrived hours earlier than the other horses?
Three kings rode that day, two of men, one of horse.
The Lord of all Horses leading all the horses
The lord of mearas! 🔥🐎
The King charges out without knowing the reinforcement would have come. He is ready to face his faith of doom. That's why he says the word "sounding the horn one last time". He might not be the best king, but he is definitely the king that the men willing to follow and fight to the death.
Truly a courageous warrior and a man of honour. In the books he is disgusted to sit in Helms Deep surrounded by guards. To him, that is an elderly man’s death. He saw that as dishonourable and cowardly. To hide behind guards who would die defending him. So he rode out to battle with Aragorn as a proud warrior. Ready to meet his fate, whatever that may be.
Willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of his people and prove himself worthy as someone fit to follow. He wanted honour and respect and earned it in the battle, imo
@@someonerandom8552 can say that again random citizen!
It is inspired by the last Byzantine emperor in the siege of constantinople
Farewell Theoden King....You will never stand alone...
Everytime I think of Eomer's riders at that moment.
They just arrived near the mountain pass and they don't know if there are any survivors.
So they are all hoping, praying for them to not be too late and suddenly they hear that thundering, glorious horn from over the mountain...
Probably gave the horse an extra kick to the spurs once they heard that. The Sons of Rohan still drew breath.
20 years later and no battle has ever been as great as this one.
Minas Tirith was better
@@amongusgaming123 lol no.
I preferred the Battle of Penlennor Field. The scale of it all gave me goosebumps.
@@amongusgaming123 While I like the city of Minas Tirith more as well as Gondorian uniforms, just looking at the battle and the action Helms Deep was better.
Though the guy with the spear at the Gate of Minas Tirith was absolutely the best 'no-name' soldier action in the trilogy.
@@amongusgaming123 Minas Tirith was definitely bigger, and the ending of the world speech was amazing with them all riding to what they knew was almost certainly death, but with Helm's Deep you just feel the increasing helplessness and hopelessness.
Pelennor Field had 6,000 horsemen charging over an open field into a rabble of mindless orcs. Helm's Deep has only a handful of survivors charging through a castle into a sea of well-disciplined Uruk-Hai with thick armour and broad shields with no hope for themselves, just that they might buy time for the women and children to survive.
I love the moment when Theoden looks up and sees Eomer. The pure love he has for Eomer, and the hope he brings is reflected in just a simple smile and the utterance "Eomer". Time to cry again.
Nothing can top these movies for me. Cinema peaked here.
Not saying new stuff is bad. Just that Lord of the Rings is, was, and always shall be, my favorite. ❤️❤❤❤❤
No, you're right - humanity peaked too, been downhill since 9/11, the 90's were a golden age it seems. Look at the rings of power - an insult, how dare they! Every IP has been ruined, from Star trek, to Scooby doo, ~ Tolkein was a genius, and this was his lifes work ~ the first, and the best, interwoven with such deep human longings of lore and legend, of a glorious history of magic, heros, sacrifice, and in the end, us lowly humans walked out on top, such mastery - he did a sleight of mind trick, and snared us all into the best world of all, our imagination. Jackson did a fine job, the movies are an epic of the golden age, quite fitting.
I couldn't stomach a minute of Rings of power but I cherish every single second of these movies. So damn good
I managed to get through 10 minutes, after which I said 'Foul deeds awaken, now for wrath and ruin and the red dawn' and proceeded to delete every single file I had downloaded of that abomination.... :)
@@chubbychaser00izu😂😂😂😂
That’s the difference between a producer who loves the source material and wants to bring to life, verses one who hates it and just wants to exploit it.
Even if someone held a gun to my head, I still wouldn't watch Rings of Power. It was painful enough to watch the Hobbit. Martin Freeman's performance was brilliant, but the entire Hobbit movies were deeply lacking something fundamental and timeless - it was overblown and over CGI'ed that it didn't seem real for a single moment.
Nothing will ever meet the quality of LotR.
@@TheOReport1994It truly was a trilogy that comes once in a generation. All the elements aligning, to create something truly timeless. None can ever compare.
The moment of Theoden losing all hope and Aragorn saying to ride out with him and meet them is the epitome of Tolkien's message of hope for the hopeless. There is no such thing as a hopeless situation. When your back is against the wall and all seems lost, sometimes the way to get through it is to meet it head on and stand your ground to come out victorious.
Almost. When in Hell, you don't stand your ground. You charge, and do not stop until you are out. If you are going through Hell... keep going.
@@Belthazar1113 well said 👏👏👏
Thatss the moment when you either become a Simp or start climbing up, but thatss yourr choiceses, stupid fat hobbitss!!
Except when you're up against an Apache Attack Helicopter then you better run.
it confuses me to no end why christopher tolkien and the tolkien estate hate the peter jackson movies. they have so many lines like this that sum up tolkien themes
Every shot, every line, every note of music, every second in this scene gives me an unexplainable level of chills down my spine
And tears 😭
Arise, arise Riders of Theoden!
Fell deeds awake; fire and slaughter!
Spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered!
A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Rise now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
RIP, King Theoden
To this day, i always loved how Eomer doesn’t waste time on an epic, motivating speech or tactics. He just immediately calls for attack. Everyone of his fellow soldiers knows what time it is - just charge down this hill into this godforsaken valley, full of darkness, death and hate, to bring light, good and fight for your people. Epic!
Good point.
In that moment we see a seasoned warrior calling to his equally seasoned troops to make one last stand. Not because they think they can win, but they think it’s better to die with honour and bravely. If only to try to defend the kingdom and those who they are sworn to protect.
Sometimes all that's needed is a simple command & rallying cry. And how fitting that a man who was doing the king's job is the one to say "to the king!"
I mean, "to the king" WAS an epic, motivating speech.
@@BigBWolf90 Not just doing the kings job, but actually on his way to be king. Eomer has been heir apparent, ever since Theodred fell.
Theoden king stands alone. Not alone. Goosebumps
The best line on trilogy
Of the trilogy, I think The Two Towers had the absolute best soundtrack. Between the exodus of the Rohirrim, arriving at Ederas, the exorcism of Theodin, and the return of the Rohirrim... honestly, there was so much emotion throughout it.
My personal favorite is Wolves of Isengard.
They are all masterpieces in their own way, patiently crafted by Howard Shore. But I get your point :D
My favourite piece of LoTR music is during the scene where Ring already fell into Mount Doom and Sam asks Frodo to take his hand. Strong Feels everytime
Lightning of the Beacons?
- How many times have you seen this scene?
- Yes.
-How many You watches these movies?
-Yes...yes...yes!!!!
How many breads have you eaten?
“We shall have peace... We shall have peace, when you answer for the burning of the Westfold, and the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace, when the lives of the soldiers whose bodies were hewn even as they died against the gates of the Hornberg, are avenged! When you hang from a gibbit for the sport of your own crows...! We shall have peace.”
Saruman: Gibbits and crows! DOTARD! What do you want, Gandalf Greyhame? Let me guess. The key of Orthanc? Or perhaps the keys of Barad-Dur itself? Along with the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the five wizards?
@Ethan Schmid Saruman: So you have come here for information? I have some for you. Something festers in the heart of Middle Earth. Something that even you have failed to see. But the Great Eye has seen it. Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon. You are all going to die! But you know this don’t you Gandalf? You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor. This exile, crept from the shadows will never be crowned King. Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice those who are closest to him… those he professes to love! Tell me, what words of comfort did you give the Halfling before you sent him to his doom? The path that you have set him on can only lead to death.
the fact that you all know these responses by memory alone is amazing, lol
@@fifefafq I'm blaming you for starting the script recital!
You lot are chuffing nerds and I love you so much!!
@Ethan Schmid SAVE YOUR PITY AND YOUR MERCY! I HAVE NO USE FOR IT! (Shoots fireball)
" Fel deeds awake. Now for wrath, now for ruin and the red dawn" Aragorn gets all the glory but Theoden would be the king I would follow
I’ve uttered those words more than once before entering my office building on a Monday
@@TheDutchman58 🤣🤣🤣
Wolverines!! :-)
To whatever end.
now compare this to the ring of powers dialogue lol.
I remember being 20 years old watching this in theaters. The base when that horn blew was phenomenal. The whole theater could feel that Dolby.
I was barely 5-10 years old across the entirety of the trilogy and even I have so many very vivid memories from seeing them in theaters
I myself was in the middle of high school when I saw this film with my dad, uncle and cousin. Then one more time with the rest of the family. No other film trilogy has ever made me want to watch it in theaters more than once. When Gandalf appeared I heard clapping and cheers in the first viewing (I love it when a film does that to people). I was also closest to the speakers and felt the horn vibrations in my chest, and got a chill from it. It was fantastic.
I'm 5 yrs old 😅
Rip King thank you for so many childhood memories and the best pre battle speech of all time may the after life treat you well
What an epic reversal from a desperate defense into a total victory. The way the soundtrack builds upon itself every time nihilism gets denied and replaced by hope and duty is amazing.
Epic? Desperate? Gates opened and 4 horses just run over a trillion enemies like they were ants. And then, exactly at the time it was pre announced another couple of thousand horsemen, led by an all powerful wizard, came down on the ants by what seemed like the most impossible angle. It was anything but epic. It was dumb, amateurish, killed any suspense left for the series.
@@mskidi You're an idiot, enjoy watching the rings of shit
Instead of a castrasophe it's what is known as a eucatasrastophe
@@mskidi That always bothered me how a few horsemen could ride out without getting killed and knock down so many enemies. Makes you think what they could have achieved prior in the battle.
I do think the scene with Gandalf and the Rohirrim with the sun breaking through was well shot, but where did that incline come from? It looked like the geography changed a little between scenes possible. Also in the book and the extended cut the trees took care of most of the enemies in the end.
"The Uruk-Hai are too many!"
A sentiment repeated over the entirety of the battle for Helm's Deep. Yet not one of the White Hand's thousands lived to crawl back to Isengard and their foul master.
Not one.
well théoden and his men got reinforcements in 3 instances (2 in the book) that nobody was expecting/planning for.... without them the uruk woul´ve either won the battle or some of them would´ve gotten away
@@alexanderzack3720 Eomer's Rohirrim and the Ents/living forest in the book? And the elven archer detachment also in the film?
@@ArcherOfJustice book reinforcements: erkenbrand and loyal rohirrim footsoldiers together with gandalf coming down the mountain. and then the huorns.
in the books there was a decisive battle against isengard in the westfold before aragorn and the others arrived in edoras. in that battle died théoden´s son and the leader of those troops was erkenbrand (that character exists only in the books)
movie: elves, then eomer with rohirrim riders and gandalf, and then huorns (in extended)
@@alexanderzack3720 Erkenbrand made a non-speaking appearance in the 1978 animated version.
@@theomnicontentchannel2203 good to know.... haven´t watched that one
I love the little detail of dust coming out of the horn giving the true impression it hadn't been used in a long time.
Small but good details
The whole trilogy is full of little moments like that. The people that made it really poured all their heart and soul into it, and it shows!
but at 3:00 the horses plowing through the Orcs on the walkway bridge sending them flying but the horses don't budge a millimeter, i mean the physics stink... great scene but the horses tho
@@Defender78 Let me assure you, a horse rushing through a group of humans (or human sized Orcs) at full speed DOES in fact not budge a millimeter!!
It is the humans that "budge" and by A LOT more than a millimeter!
I lived my first 20 years on a horse-farm.
I have ample experience!
@@Defender78 let me try to plow through you with a majestic 🐎 we will find out if the horse budge a millimeter or not (:
@@Grubnar They pulled all their head and soul into it, but not a lot of their brain. Which is why parts 2 and 3 are insanely dumb, specially designed for action film audiences, like Tolkiens' son himself said. Τhese fictional creatures called Orcs are supposed to be carrying spears, and horses rushing through a group of spear weilding humans or human sized Orcs at full speed, will become horse kebab very fast. Also, galloping at what seems like a 75% downslope would lead any type of horse, with the exception of Pegasus, to lose balance, start rolling down the slope like a turd and end up broken in a million pieces.
Thank you mr. Bernard hill! You did an awesome job portraying one of my favorite kings in movie history!!!!! I'll miss you greatly!!!!!!!
So very epic - haven’t watched the trilogy in years, and these clips make me feel like a kid again. Thank you for sharing.
This...this is how you do an EPIC movie! I still got these movies on DVD! That's it! Movie night!
It's never a bad time to rewatch them :) I plan to myself soon.
Because they remind you to be brave. A thing most have forgotten.
Only just rewatched them the other day. Truly remarkable. Fantastic.
2:18 "Fell deeds awake. _Now for Wrath. Now for Ruin. And the Red Dawn._ ... *Forth Erolingas!*
Theoden gets all the best lines.
My spirit animal indeed.
@@shrivak your TV animal
You got chills?
Just remember
This not even the most epic charge in the LOTR movies
And people said “BuT GaMe oF ThRoNeS” my ass.
It is.
@@CorruptorPeste this is the second most epic charge in the trilogy
@@fitrianhidayat indeed, battle of pelinor is just next levels of hype
@@HW.0029 I mean…. Graphics wise game of thrones is just better. The orca look kinda silly just dying when the horses touch them lol
RIP Bernard Hill - his performance never fails to move me, no matter how many times I watch these scenes.
I don’t think anyone could have made this movie without a lifetime’s worth of devotion, love, and respect for the text. Truly a passion project and the best of the art form. And the soundtrack is easily the best I’ve ever heard.
This trilogy cemented Howard Shore as my favourite composer of all time, beating even Hans Zimmer.
@@FallenOne669 same! I’m desperate for HBO to bring him on to the most recent HP series
It's amazing how well written Theoden's reaction (or lack thereof) to Gandalf arriving is. He has no love for magic, especially given his recent experiences with wizards, and is not impressed with Gandalf. But as soon as he sees Eomer, his expression changes, since he is fully aware what harm 2000 riders will do to the enemy. After all, he knows how to defend his own keep.
Theoden had no hate of wizards and seemed to know Gandalf, and was likely very grateful to him since you know, he was the one who rescued him from Saruman's vices.
Nah, that’s not it. Eomer was banished before Theoden was cured of Saruman’s influence by Gandalf. Both Theoden and Gandalf are friends. So Theoden was happy to see his riders had returned in support of their king, who had awakened to pain and ruin, on the precipice of defeat, but now his riders were there ready to save their king.
@@exargyromeno3648 Yea, if anything Theoden was touched at the loyalty of Eomer and his riders, to return to fight and die for the king that banished them.
wow, it's amazing how, after decades, this series never ceases to amaze me, thanks for pointing that out brother, added another layer of greatness.
@@NtoTheM Frankly it brings me to tears everytime I watch this particular interaction, witnessing the profound commitment of Eomer, so eager to defend his King, and the gratitude you can read on Theoden face once he recognizes his most loyal knight. OG feudalism is kino.
RIP Bernard Hill.
Outstanding in every role, and AWESOME here.
RIP Bernard Hill, ride now, ride to ruin and the worlds ending
I wouldn't call myself a LOTR fanatic, so to speak. But these films are incredible. These ought to have a re-release in theatres. I've just heard of the passing of Bernard Hill. Rest In peace.
Saw all 3 back to back to back in theater shortly before the first Hobbit movie (special promotion). About 11 hour day but we’ll worth it.
Ukrainians refer to the Russians as "orcs"!
Well done Ukraine, well done.
@Lord Simpleton it's been pretty great so far.
As long as they’re the extended editions
Theoden's delivery of his lines is magnificent. In the past I had no idea why certai scenes were so impactful, I understand now that it's the acting.
Bernard Hill.
"What can men do against such reckless hate?"
I find myself asking that question a lot lately.
Ride out and meet them.
Ride them over and kick their butts.
Stop visiting twitter
Wanna draw swords together? ;P
@Jericho Kilmanja the internet is not a real place.
RIP Bernard Hill. 😢 Criminally underrated gem of an actor.
Any scene that Bernard Hill and Viggo Mortensen shared is absolutely perfect. Both of them were beyond stellar in their roles, and together they were breathtaking.
The entire cast was perfect for this beautiful trilogy!
It was such a great movie moment when the sun shines behind the charging Rohirrim. Too often these days movies don't surprise you. Just another reason why you cannot beat Lord of the Rings.
That was actualy gandalf's spell
I heard it once said that once Theoden ceased trying to hold onto life and fully embraced death that his whole character transformed from despairing and grim into fully heroic and regal. There's something truly beautiful in that: when one lives in the view of trying to preserve what they have, namely life, they are prone to despair in the face of unsurmountable challenges and opposition; when one stops living for oneself and is willing to lay it all down for others, that self sacrifice suddenly makes their final hour the most meaningful of their life!
The transcendence of death is found in its embrace
Yes, you are right. Tolkien wrote LoTR as a Christian book, and in Christian tradition there is this saying: "remember death". Meaning that you have to embrace your mortality to defeat the grip of death.
@@issaavedraHe didnt write it as a christian book
@@auzawandilaz6971 "The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision." - Tolkien.
There will never be anything as good as this in the film industry, ever. Sad or inspiring, depends how you look it it. But this is will for ever be the peak of our civilization's entertainment.
2002 peak human history
Instant chills when Thedon immediately gets pumped up at the prospect of an epic and meaningful final charge into death and glory 1:18 true royalty
he says for death and glory, but the more noble and worthy king, Aragorn, says for Rohan and its people. They made the distinction here clear so that aragorn's nobility was demonstrated.
I liked Theoden's "yes, yes" almost as much as the rest of his speech. Then Gimli catches the contagion, and before he blows the horn he is, "Yessss!"ing too! =)
Is it me or is EVERY ROHIRIM CHARGE GIVES ME GOOSEBUMPS
This is the perfect scene to demonstrate the quote, "its always darkest before the dawn", while it may sound kinda cliché seeing Gandalf standing bright white and the sunrise blinding the Uruk-Hai at the very last second still gives me chills and makes me emotional like I did the first time I saw it as a kid truly amazing cinematography and story telling
At 0:12 someone shouts "reeks of olive "
He really says "breach for volley" in regards to the consistent battering of the ram
When Eomer shouts "To the King" I become one giant goosebump. Amazing scene
The acting is just sublime. The music stunning, These movies are absolute masterpieces. Nothing will ever come close
The Lord of the Rings was an epic novel so huge it had to be split into three books. When they announced these movies I thought I was going to be disappointed because this was my favorite fantasy novel. Man, oh, man was I ever wrong. Absolutely gorgeous. Even the Making-Of documentaries are must sees. (If you haven't seen the one about the horses, go see it NOW.)
In such troubled times when Evil surrounds us, wishes us dead or enslaved and it looks hopeless... this is inspiring to watch.
Sam’s speech at the end
Can you link me or give me the names of some of the documentaries you recommend? If I google it comes up a lot, hard to find the good ones :D
Man, I still dreaming with something like Jackson's movies in the universe of Dragonlance. No one like Jackson in that universe yet.
Ironically it's much easier to enjoy the movies than the books. Tolkien created a wonderful world, but he dragged out a lot of parts needlessly.
The movie is more compact and focuses on the important parts, rather than describing the colors of a grass field or the smell of a flower.
Forth, and fear no darkness.
R.I.P. Bernard Hill.
Always crying on 03:51. Every time. Such a stunning moment.
1:52 is when I start to tear up when he aspect that he will die for a higher cause and is visibly happy with it
@@livingdaybyday3469 That's when I start to get the feels and OP's moment is when I can't hold it in anymore
Aragorn and Theoden riding togheter..ok i m can hold it, then i see rohirrim charge and this beautiful music and i just give up...
How this movie can makes all these feeleings amazes me.
Théoden: "Fell deeds, awake!"
Me: *instant chills*
Just masterpiece. Not only to its genre but to history of film making. This is a legacy that should live forever till the end of humanity.
And when the last human dies, the afterruners will watch the Jackson's movies, and will try to imitate him several times.
Indeed
"A King recognize a King" Is it just me, or does King Theoden at this point 2:05 recognize the majesty and right of King of Gondor in Aragorn?A simple but extremely powerful line. "Let this be the time to draw swords together"