THEODEN | How Bernard Hill Made Him a Legend

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28 күн бұрын

Bernard Hill’s King Théoden is among the best characters in The Lord of the Rings trilogy - as seen in The Ride of the Rohirrim and many other epic scenes. Bernard Hill made Théoden a legend, so following Bernard Hill’s recent death, this Lord of the Rings video essay explores his portrayal of Théoden in Peter Jackson’s LOTR trilogy, and examines why Théoden is such a compelling character.
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🎞️ Bernard Hill (17 December 1944 - 5 May 2024) was an English actor. He first came to prominence as troubled hard man Yosser Hughes in Alan Bleasdale's Play for Today drama The Black Stuff (1980). Hill gained international recognition for his film roles as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic (1997) and Théoden, King of Rohan, in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (2002-2003). He is the only actor to appear in both Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) which are two of only three films to receive 11 Academy Awards, making him the only actor to appear in more than one film which holds that record.🎞️
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#lotr #kingtheodenspeech #bernardhill

Пікірлер: 636

@PentexProductions 26 күн бұрын

UPDATE: To address an occasionally recurring theme in the comments - when I say at the end of the video that 'it's a shame Éomer becomes King instead and Éowyn shacks up with Faramir,' this was meant as a bit of a joke (which I think most people understood from my tone of voice). Éomer of course goes on to become a great leader of Rohan as Théoden's original successor, and Éowyn plays her role in Gondor. My comment was about the fact that Théoden expected both he and Éomer would die at the Pelennor Fields, but Théoden had made peace with that because he knew Rohan would be in the safe hands of Éowyn (people rightly debate whether she is the best leader for Rohan but that doesn't matter. What matters is that THEODEN believes she is, and says as much explicitly). So my comment was not a suggestion that Éomer would be a worse leader than Éowyn, it was about the fact that this final, comforting thought at the moment of Théoden's death (that Éowyn would succeed him), a thought that helped give him his final peace, didn't actually end up happening (even though he would also have been proud of Éomer to become King). Thanks everyone for watching, and for debating Tolkien in the comments (my favourite kind of debate!) The response to the video has been beautiful. ORIGINAL PINNED COMMENT: Blame Tolkien for making this video have the word 'erect' in its first 30 seconds... If you liked this, I made a very similar, 18-minute long video essay about why Boromir is the best character in the Fellowship. It's available exclusively to my supporters on Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-98045040

@michaelhawkins7389 26 күн бұрын

RIP Bernard Hill who died this year

@closeben 25 күн бұрын

Did KZfaq demonetise it because of this??

@balrog4779 25 күн бұрын

Hello! Have you watched the latest video on Jesse Tribble's channel?

@Satkoism 24 күн бұрын

This was beautiful

@jamedmurphy4468 21 күн бұрын

And Rohan will answer!

@Jevaughn 22 күн бұрын

An actor playing a warrior king coming up with that sword/spear pre-battle salute has to be one of the greatest examples of Understood The Assignment EVER.

@MrSphandor 18 күн бұрын

that the director recognised it as a great idea and went with it was also brilliant

@Jevaughn 18 күн бұрын

@@MrSphandor 💯

@Bazookatone1 17 күн бұрын

I genuinely think if Tolkien had been there the day they filmed it, he would have puffed on his pipe and just nodded.

@spudeleven5124 16 күн бұрын

Hell yeah!

@xhagast 14 күн бұрын

@@Bazookatone1 He saw too many hopeless charges onto death, for nothing. The great charge of his novel was hopeless and onto death, but it was not for nothing. And, as by a miracle, many lived, and they had victory and hope renewed, and it meant much. It was the revenge fantasy of one who saw the opposite until he got sick of it.

@moncey1120 26 күн бұрын

As a child, Aragorn was always my favourite character in the films, but as an adult, Theoden is my king. Tolkien comparing him to Oromë is hands down my favourite moment in all of fantasy.

@samuelleask1132 25 күн бұрын

Same here

@LAK_770 25 күн бұрын

And when he blows his horn with such gusto that it literally bursts to pieces, tosses it aside, and rides to his death. It’s so intense and epic that it’s almost comical. Tolkien had such a gift for these moments. It reminds me of Fingolfin belligerently banging on Morgoth’s door talking trash (actually wait…just realized that’s another moment where a rider is compared to Oromë, complete with horn blowing and impending death)

@gravynog 25 күн бұрын

“Again, it’s like poetry…it rhymes.” - Some Guy

@mysticsaxophone4181 24 күн бұрын

@@LAK_770 I mean Fingolfin and Theoden have a similar spirit

@gabriellynch2764 23 күн бұрын

That's rad.

@howardrisby9621 24 күн бұрын

A most fitting and worthy tribute to a great actor. "I go now to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed" RIP Bernard Hill

@2Ten1Ryu 23 күн бұрын

I thought the same when I heard he had passed.

@Anon1gh3 16 күн бұрын

Napoleon Hill would be proud.

@squoblat 4 күн бұрын

"I go now to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed" - I think this line resonates with most men more than any other in LOTR. I suspect Tolkien saw this theme a lot during his time in war.

@Enhancedlies 3 күн бұрын

fuck man, got me crying already

@Balin93 3 күн бұрын

@@squoblat Exactly. My favorite line in the movie.

@Coldenthusiast 26 күн бұрын

At 10:50, It is fair to say Théoden is actually in the right here. Aragorn criticises Théoden for not outwardly acknowledging the dire situation they're in, but Théoden rightly points out he is doing this for the morale of his men (and himself). Aragorn learns this lesson - which you can see later when he criticises Legolas for saying everyone is going to die in front of the men & when he tells the boy "this is a good sword" when we know it probably isn't. Aragorn may be older, but Théoden has more experience of being a king. Whilst he is a good influence on Théoden he is also learning from him what it takes to be a good king.

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

Agreed, I do think Aragorn learns this from Theoden in that moment. Up until the point where Theoden snaps, I think Aragorn thought Theoden genuinely believed what he was saying about the safety of Helm's Deep, and was totally naive to the danger they were in. Theoden snapping at Aragorn showed him that Theoden is fully aware of the threat they're under, but that he is making the best of an impossible situation. They learn a lot from each other over the course of The Two Towers, and it's reflected in the much more trusting relationship they have in Return of the King.

@fristi61 25 күн бұрын

Yeah there's a funny parallel here. Now Aragorn is the one projecting false confidence and Legolas is trying to get through to him. Difference is, Legolas is discreet enough to speak in Sindarin. Then Aragorn's emotions get the better of him and he snaps in Westron (English), making everybody understand what the conversation had been about - oops 😛

@ChristopheStrobbe 23 күн бұрын

Ah, I wrote a comment saying the same thing about Théoden before reading this comment 😄

@Albtraum_TDDC 21 күн бұрын

@@fristi61 what about when Aragorn leaves for the Paths of the Dead and people are scared. He could have given them a heads up, he was on a mission, not abandoning them. Then Theoden says they cannot win... "... but we will meet them in battle nonetheless!"

@igmusicandflying 14 күн бұрын

That's a really great analysis! I never quite thought of it this way before.

@jacquie58 25 күн бұрын

That scene when Theodon is being dressed in his armour. He portrays the full Weight of kingship without even referencing it. Brilliant actor.

@TehKarmalizer 16 күн бұрын

The armor portrays it. It is the emblem of the weight of leadership in trying times. So much is said apart from dialogue.

@wulfengel 16 күн бұрын

It's literally "heavy lies the crown" init? "Who am I Gamling?" There's so many lines and phrases from the books and film trilogy that I remember to this day, especially from the film because of how much weight they had, especially Bernard Hill when he went all serious and grumbly. "And we will meet them on the battlefield all the same" -goosebumps- man.

@JaneNewAuthor 2 күн бұрын

Contrast this to another actor in another movie (not LOTR) who insisted his armour be made from aluminium so it would be lighter.

@kenlo2410 13 сағат бұрын

@@JaneNewAuthor whats the name of that actor if i may ask?

@JaneNewAuthor 6 сағат бұрын

@@kenlo2410 he's the sort of person who would probably sue me so I won't name him. And I may be wrong. But the movie was about professional fighting in ancient Rome.

@Valkanna.Nublet 23 күн бұрын

"I go now to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed" His own words are the best tribute.

@cindy4u99 23 күн бұрын

I took my mom to see the Two Towers. I knew King Theoden was going to find out his son died. It was gut wrenching to watch the King bury his son. My mom and I lost my older brother a few years before the movie was made. The speech the King makes about the flowers covering the graves of his ancestors, well we both began to weep. No parent should ever bury their child. It was a line delivered with so much pain and heartache. I am so grateful to Peter Jackson and the incomparable Bernard Hill for honesty and raw emotions brought to the screen. God bless and rest in peace, mighty King Theoden aka Bernard Hill.

@martinfranzen9151 12 күн бұрын

Beautifully written and i am sorry for your loss 🙏❤️

@nicholasbarrett3018 23 күн бұрын

Theoden and boromir are my favorite characters. They simultaneously represent weakness and strength. In the end, they both use love and courage to overcome their inner demons.

@PentexProductions 23 күн бұрын

The flawed characters are always the most interesting

@tovick1643 Күн бұрын

@@PentexProductions both 2 of the msot human characters in the story, I agree.

@Cadence733 26 күн бұрын

'Let the horn of Helm Hammer- Hand sound in the deep one last time.'

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

Gimli: YYYYYYEEEEERRRRRSSSS!!!!

@Cadence733 25 күн бұрын

@@PentexProductions I thought about putting the full quote down but then thought against it.

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

The full quote does lose some of it's emotional weight when written down.

@chrisortega7521 23 күн бұрын

Fell deeds awake; Now for Wrath, Now for ruin, And the world's ending!!! Forth, Eorlingas!!!

@generoberts9151 22 күн бұрын

Forth Eorlingas!!!

@stagelinedpro 26 күн бұрын

Whenever I think of the definitive fantasy king, I can never not imagine Bernard Hill. RIP.

@Tar-Numendil 26 күн бұрын

The Lord of the Rings is the greatest story ever told and will never be surpassed.

@neutchain7838 23 күн бұрын

however hard they're trying and failing recently with that abomination lol

@ogierthedane6025 22 күн бұрын

With all the woke garbage made today, we can at least always go back and re-watch the extended trilogy whenever we want :)

@rayryeridge3313 21 күн бұрын

i would add Silmarillion to that exclusive list. But Silmarillion as a film could never give any justice to Tolkiens source material, because its Tolkiens superb LANGUAGE skills who carries the story forwards and plants images and emotions into our mind in a way no visual technology can. Peter Jacksons work though is masterful,and God bless Bernard Hill.

@donaldpetersen2382 17 күн бұрын

Honestly One Piece has too many good characters to not be my #1. LOTR trilogy easily holds best movies though

@andyknightwarden9746 12 күн бұрын

I would argue the story of Jesus Christ is the greatest story ever told, but the Lord of the Rings is definitely a timeless classic that is exceptionally difficult as an author to surpass, or even stand on equal ground with.

@db4552 23 күн бұрын

That final "DEAAAATH" where he raises the note just that tiny bit invokes so much passion and is one of the most shiver-inducing battle cries of all time.

@Cadence733 26 күн бұрын

'Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride! Ride for ruin and the world's ending! Death! Death! Death! Forth Eorlingas!'

@heathercontois4501 23 күн бұрын

And the violin used as the charge instrument while the rest build up around it....perfection.

@pst5345 20 күн бұрын

never not reading it in Hill's voice.

@aberdeenrobbins8157 23 күн бұрын

I’ve heard that the line “no parent should have to bury their child” was also Bernard’s addition, after he had a conversation with a woman on a plan who had lost a child. ❤️⚔️🐎

@hd_inmemoriam 26 күн бұрын

I teared up throughout the whole video. What a loss. :( Many people overlook how much character work The Two Towers did and only remember it for its action parts which is why they don't care for it so much. The entire Rohan story thread is among my favorites in the movies, and that's in no small part due to Bernard Hill's portrayal of Theoden.

@graceygrumble 25 күн бұрын

Me too.

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

Rohan has always been my favourite of the LOTR storylines. As you say, there is so much character work done in those scenes with Theoden and Eowyn especially, but also Merry and Aragorn. The filmmakers didn't need to put that level of effort into fleshing out those supporting characters given how pressured they were to condense the books into three movies, but the fact that they did and still made it work is just one of many, many reasons these films are as good as they are.

@a1990hussain 24 күн бұрын

I feel exactly the same

@Oakleaf012 26 күн бұрын

“Bernard’s bromance with Viggo could be a whole video” yes please lol Jokes aside, what a profoundly beautiful essay and dedication to a wonderful actor and performance. Thank you❤

@user-yv4mm6bx3c 24 күн бұрын

These films just keep getting better as they, and we, age.

@Fractisdnb 15 күн бұрын

Literally, I grew up with these films and I remember rewatching as a teen and the scene where he buries his son clicked for me 😢

@dursty3226 13 күн бұрын

finer than the finest elven wine

@kohtalainenalias Күн бұрын

I heard Hollywooland is planning to remake LotR

@splintershield 23 күн бұрын

OMG. "Hail the victorious dead!" and cut to the Simbelmyne... Chef's kiss. 😔

@boozalm3715 20 күн бұрын

Don't say chef's kiss, you poof!

@xhagast 14 күн бұрын

In the last Blackadder series' last episode there was a charge out of the trenches. It faded into the poppy fields of Flanders. The Simbelmyne is Tolkien's poppy, it still grows on the battlefields of the Somme.

@nhmooytis7058 25 күн бұрын

Bernard Hill deserved a Best Supporting Actor for his terrific performance as King Theoden!

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

It's astonishing how few acting nominations the trilogy got, despite absolutely romping home in the technicals.

@nhmooytis7058 25 күн бұрын

@@PentexProductions yes FOTR got 13 noms only 1 for acting (McKellen), TT 6 noms none for acting; ROTK 11 noms, won all...but none for acting! Rather ridiculous. IMHO at a minimum McKellen, Viggo, Elijah, Sean Astin, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Miranda Otto, Sir Christopher and Bernard ALL deserves Oscars. And Gollum 😀. Lurtz deserved an Orcscar!

@nevilleneville6518 20 күн бұрын

@@nhmooytis7058 There was a really strong push for Andy Serkis to get Best Supporting Actor, but the rules at the time said he was ineligible because he had been "digitised" into Gollum, otherwise he probably would have won it.

@nhmooytis7058 20 күн бұрын

@@nevilleneville6518 do they allow it now or is there a different award to recognize it?

@cleitonfelipe2092 17 күн бұрын

Everyone knows the Oscars is a Hollywood mafia scheme. They have their chosen ones.

@disgruntledtoons 23 күн бұрын

“My body is broken. I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed.”

@eldorados_lost_searcher 26 күн бұрын

Less than a minute in, and I'm having to pause so I can wipe away the tears. Edit: FORTH ÉORLINGAS!

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

FORTH!

@ryanstephenson7312 14 күн бұрын

Less than a minute in I had to go watch the whole trilogy and then came back and found your gem of a coment

@Lemendeer Күн бұрын

I always tear up at this scene.

@daytrippera 26 күн бұрын

How can I miss a person I never met? Hail Bernard Hill, our Theoden King! ⚘️👑❤️

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

The same way he makes us grieve for a character we've never met as he buries Theodred.

@suorastas1 19 күн бұрын

Theoden is very much a secondary character but if there’s one line that always makes me tear up after dozens rewatch or even just thinking about it it’s “And Rohan will answer” There’s so much emotion in that one line and Hill delivers with such gravity that whenever I binge the extended trilogy (which is about once a year) that is the moment I most look forward to.

@harpiyon 25 күн бұрын

I already liked Theoden as a character while reading the books many years ago. If I remember he was really old & frail there. Bernhard Hill's portrayal was even better imo. A man past his prime, maybe not as fast & strong as before, but still capable to ride & fight, and with the wisdom of many years, many struggles & battles. More a leader than a warrior, but that's exactly what Rohan needed at that time. No Superman like Aragorn or Legolas, just a mortal man full of self doubt, but who makes the right decisions at the right time. This makes him so relatable & sympathetic. Thank you for this wonderful video. Thank you Bernhard Hill for your great performance! I once met him at a convention, such a nice, down to earth guy. I have an autograph from him, which I will always cherish. R.I.P. King Theoden!

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

Fantastic you met the man in person. He has always been among my favourite characters, and it's always a delight to hear that the actor behind the character is a good person.

@wulfengel 16 күн бұрын

"No parent should have to bury their child" I remember as a ten or 11 year old watching that for the first time and thinking, "man I genuinely feel sorry for him, like he's gone and lost his own son". Bernard Hill brings (sorry, brought*) some really good emotion into his character, seeing the little snipits of him in this vid talking behind the scenes about wanting the emotion of the character to show through, I understand it's because he really embodies his characters. Respects their story and immerses himself into their "lives" and wanting to represent them and portray them as accurately or life like as he can. Watching lord of the rings I always saw Bernard as Theoden, instead of an actor playing Theoden, felt like you were watching something real with how, well, "raw" he made it feel. No actor reciting lines, but someone bringing across the full feeling of the character in body language, tone of voice and the look in the eyes. Viggo was one of the only other actors who did that in LOTR for me, and I forget his name but whoever played Elrond and Agent Smith, all good actors who can bring their characters to life. You got the feeling they took it seriously, properly cared, and if you're gonna care about any book to film adaptation it's the one fantasy story to trounce them all. All I'm saying is I've seen many fantasy or fiction films with many many actors playing their parts, they were all actors doing a job to pay the rent, in this film. Bernard Hill played such a convincing king role that I'd swear he had real life past experience leading knights into battle. All I'm saying is I'd follow him to whatever end. edit: Hail the victorious dead.

@ingvarhallstrom2306 26 күн бұрын

The first time I really noticed Bernard Hill as an actor was an evening many years ago I watched two different movies back to back and I didn't realize until I looked them up afterwards that he was in both of them. *That* is the signature of a really great actor.

@dallassukerkin6878 25 күн бұрын

In similar vein, I have always complimented his skill by commenting that the same man played Yosser Hughes and King Theoden.

@ChristopheStrobbe 23 күн бұрын

10:47: That conversation between Theoden and Aragorn at Helm's Deep: you say, "We see the façade drop", but I looked at it differently: Aragorn's pessimism would make Theoden's men lose courage and a leader cannot allow this to happen. An army that believes the battle is lost even before it has started is useless, and Theoden knows this. For me, Theoden gives Aragorn a lesson in leadership here.

@PentexProductions 23 күн бұрын

I agree on that point, and probably phrased it imperfectly in the video. As I mentioned in another comment, I think Aragorn genuinely believed Theoden's comments and thought the king was naive to the danger they were in. It's only when Theoden snaps that Aragorn sees that he's fully aware of the danger, and is only holding it together because they're out of options. Aragorn does learn from this, as we see later on when he gives some words of encouragement to the boy, or shuts down Legolas when the elf also suggests that the fight is futile. Theoden is many things - and one of them is a good leader who knows what's best for his people.

@ChristopheStrobbe 22 күн бұрын

@@PentexProductions Thanks for your response and for taking the trouble to add closed captions to the video.

@PentexProductions 21 күн бұрын

I make sure to caption all my videos as accurately as possible. Glad you appreciate it!

@nirfz 6 күн бұрын

While i agree that Theoden just tried to keep up morale in helms deep in that instant, i also have to point out that the ride of the rohirrim actually shows that the statement that _an army that believes the battle is lost even before it has started it useless and Theoden knows this_ is not entirely correct. Remember the part (also shown in this video) when Aragorn leaves the muster and then in the talk with his men Theoden admits that they "can't win, but meet them in battle notheless". So here you have the "battle is already lost" sentiment, but they still go there and give it all they can. People who have nothing to loose, or let's better say no hope of making it out alive, are among the most fearinducing and hard fighting opponents humanity has produced in real life too.

@tombkingsethbattlechannel9419 22 күн бұрын

As a child that was raised and told to never be good enough, the moment when saruman said to theoden "u are the lesser son of greater sires"...i felt that. And ofc great performance of Bernhard Hill. The way how he avoided eyecontact with saruman and this sadness in his eyes when one sentence of saruman pushed him back into his insecurities. Still remembering his final words when he finally knew himself, without anyone reassuring him, that he is and always was "good enough".

@asianbandit4054 25 күн бұрын

Oh my god the intro. A tribute to a king like I have never seen. Thank you Pentex. Hail Theoden (Bernard Hill), King of Rohan, Lord of the Mark, Father of Horsemen. You were a King worthy of your sires, may Eorl and all your fathers greet you with honour. Rohan as far as we know still stands, if not in name, then by your legacy. Also I would like to point out that as Theoden lay dying, he ordered his knights to raise his banner above Eomer and hailed him as king.

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

The intro was a lot of fun to make - it felt like a fitting way to acknowledge that scene.

@gravynog 25 күн бұрын

Wow, I got a little emotional reading this. 🥲

@safespacebear 25 күн бұрын

The "how did it come to this?" Scene gets me every time no matter how many times ive seen it. To see such a great man in a moment of doubt...oof

@aaronmerijanian4720 23 күн бұрын

I can still remember sitting in the back row and hearing absolutely nothing in the theatre as this man roared his lines. A memory i wont forget.

@Elendil513 23 күн бұрын

My favorite character from my favorite piece of literature and film. Bernards portrayal of Theoden had so much depth and was relatable on so many levels. From a king who had been made an emasculated and feeble joke by Saruman to a man ashamed of the king he had become and bitter from the lack of support from his allies to acceptance and extraordinary bravery in the face of overwhelming odds against him at helms deep - to this legendary king coming to the aid of those who did not offer it to him, even if it meant down laying down his own life. I mean it was a character arc we all got behind. Whether you had been disaponted in life or were fighting your own demons. Bernard made Theoden a hero to aspire to.

@jasonmcwatts1684 17 күн бұрын

The scene just before the start of the Ride where Theoden grimaces and wheels Snowmane to the right will forever give me goosebumps. It's such a moment of redemption, so brilliantly acted with nothing more than a tightening of his lips, a grimace and a "gah" beneath his breath. The eyes tell you everything. The transition from fear to resolve, the culmination of Theoden's entire character arc, faced with a sight that would have had the Two Towers Theoden quail in despair, with a simple change in his eyes, his facial expression, wrenching Snowmane to the right, Hill communicates so beautifully that THIS Theoden is different. This Theoden sees his death and says "f**k it, we go anyway, we go for honour, we go for duty, we go for brotherhood".What a superb actor who so perfectly captured the essence of his character and in doing so captured the essence of LOTR. RIP Bernhard Hill.

@zachs8765 3 күн бұрын

"but we shall meet them in battle nonetheless...."

@Makapaa 25 күн бұрын

Tolkiens' reading of Riders of Rohan coming to the Aid of Minas Tirith is, I'd boldly claim, one of the best audio recordings of any story there is. Even without the context of LOTR either in book or film.. You can easily hear and see what's going on. It's simply magical.

@ieuanhunt552 15 күн бұрын

The cadence when Ride Now Ride Now Ride Now is magnificent. You can see the Snowmane building up speed in your minds eye

@Jim-Mc 13 күн бұрын

If only he'd recorded the whole book😢

@mii481 24 күн бұрын

The only scene in cinema history where I cry, regardless of how many times I have seen it before, is the moment before his death when he speaks to Eowyn. They were simply amazing, and I felt as I was there with them. RIP Mr HIll!

@generoberts9151 22 күн бұрын

“No child should bury their son cuts right into my heart.” My Supervisor lost his child in a car accident and the grief it brings to a parent is insurmountable. More so now that I am older I reflect upon the viewing. Hill nailed that scene.

@mii481 22 күн бұрын

@@generoberts9151 Yes, that line was heartbreaking ;(

@jdweberg 19 күн бұрын

That one gets me, too. But a few minutes later when Karl Urban's Eomer finds Eowyn on the battlefield hits me like few movie scenes ever have - no matter how many times I watch it. The casting in these films is simply beyond perfect... although I feel a bit badly for Viggo that his big battle speech had to follow Bernard's and he simply had no chance of living up! lol

@mii481 19 күн бұрын

@@jdweberg Oh yes, Karl's acting is wonderful! Pure, raw emotion!

@nomar5spaulding 25 күн бұрын

The sun shone brightly on his helm. His sword glittered cold in his hand. The grass was green at the feet of his steed. At his back rode all the warriors of his land And before Mundburg he was slain. Theoden King!

@fulham43 20 күн бұрын

Absolutely love Bernard portrayal of Theoden. Could you imagine riding to the aid of those that failed you in your most dire hour. You gather your forces and it’s only half of what you’d hoped for. You’ve ridden for days with little rest, but there is still the desperate hope of your forces that the enemies numbers are exaggerated. You crest the hill and instead of relief you’re greeted with crushing fear. You can see it so clearly in Bernard eyes even tho he’s just looking on to an empty field in real life. He then clenches his teeth’s “fine! But we will die on our own terms!”. Always brings a tear to my eye and especially after Bernard passed away. Rest in peace my king❤

@sinecurve9999 26 күн бұрын

All the best dialogue from the film version of LOTR is verbatim from the Tolkein. Peter Jackson captured this perfectly.

@domstafford1894 26 күн бұрын

Almost all of it. But that "ride out with me" moment gives me chills, too, it perfectly fits the film characterisation of Theoden Pentex described

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

The way they incorporated Tolkien is very clever. Often they would take lines from other characters and contexts and give it to another for the movie so it still felt Tolkienian, even if it wasn't a verbatim quote (a great example being some of Tom Bombadil's lines to Old Man Willow being given to Treebeard).

@craigblankenship7790 22 күн бұрын

Yelling Death wasnt in book but it awesome

@sbeaber 19 сағат бұрын

Yep. But sometimes they got shuffled and were made better(in my opinion) For instance, "DEATH!" was a line given to Eomer. I think it had much more gravitas given to Theoden.

@sbeaber 19 сағат бұрын

@@craigblankenship7790 It was (sorta). The line was given to Eomer after realizing Eowyn looked to be dying/dead.

@DerektheDalek 26 күн бұрын

Beautiful tribute to a wonderful character and an amazing actor.

@stephensignorelli437 22 күн бұрын

We know how much these movies mean to us. But reminders like this really let you sit back and realize how truly brilliant they were.

@marieroberts5664 26 күн бұрын

Also also, the Maori actors performed a haka in honor of the two Kings among them, Bernard Hill and Viggo Mortensen. It was amazing. Also also also, I can never watch and hear Theoden lament for his son without crying myself. I don't think any parent can. It was so real, it hurts. The man can act!

@joseguilhermesoares543 22 күн бұрын

I'm not a father and that scene moves me...what an actor

@boozalm3715 20 күн бұрын

Stop saying also

@barahng 19 күн бұрын

There is something about a noble demeanor that seems to transcend culture and political systems. It's easy to see why monarchy was the norm for most of human history across all human cultures, when some people just have that magnetic quality about them.

@davidmcaninch4714 24 күн бұрын

One my favorite extended scenes in the trilogy: Merry: Please, sir. I have a sword. Please accept it. I offer you my services, Theoden King. Theoden: And gladly, I accept it. You shall be Merriadoc, Esquire of Rohan. I can’t really explain why it’s one of my favorite scenes, though.

@PentexProductions 23 күн бұрын

It's the sincerity of Merry pledging his sword to fight for what he believes in, and Theoden accepting it because he can see what it means for Merry to make that pledge. I love that scene too, such a great moment.

@MediumRareOpinions 20 күн бұрын

I particularly like the contrast between that scene and Denathors demeanour towards Pippin when pledging his service.

@conforzo 19 күн бұрын

I always thought it was "A squire" hehe😂

@Dragon_Lair 13 күн бұрын

@@MediumRareOpinions There's also leading up to the battle a huge difference between Theodan and Denethor and how they treated their respective hobbits. Theodan tried to keep Merry away from the fighting because he wanted him to live. Denethor picked up Pippin and threw him out of the pyre room where he was going to burn himself and his son alive and told him to go die in whatever matter Pippin saw fit.

@ConsoleGeneral 23 күн бұрын

Thank you for this reminder of how awesome Bernie was. Not used enough as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic he certainly nailed this role. Same age as my own dad (still here). I will miss him. "I go to my fathers who's in mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed."

@neilhay4097 15 күн бұрын

The greatest films that I have ever had the pleasure of watching!! The direction, the cinematography, the sound track, the adherence to the books and most importantly the actors investment in the characters and plot!!! I can only hope that I see there likes again!! Thank you so much❤!!

@alundavies1016 24 күн бұрын

Theoden has one of the best arcs in the the books, which was translated well into the film, and acted brilliantly by Bernard Hill.

@marcelthevirginian1656 24 күн бұрын

Rest in Peace Bernard, and thank you for your portrayal of Theoden. To call it outstanding does not do it justice.

@RHETT2K 20 күн бұрын

I was so deeply saddened to learn that the distinguished actor who portrayed one of my favorite roles in the greatest film trilogy ever made, Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, has passed away. Bernard Hill, who gave such richness to King Théoden, Lord of Rohan, died on May 5, 2024, and great cinema is diminished for it. Hill (aged 79) brought warmth, strength, nobility, vulnerability, and subtle wisdom to his roles that made his performances relatable and endearing. And of all his exceptional performances, I shall always remember him as Theoden King, in utmost appreciation. And thank you for making this wonderful and worthy tribute to his finest performance! “At last, I go now to the halls of my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not be ashamed.” 💐

@LR316 26 күн бұрын

I felt that final thank you from you.

@gareth0412 19 күн бұрын

When I was a kid watching return of the king in the cinema, I thought that the charge was awesome and epic. It was something to behold. I watch it now as a man and it almost always brings me to tears. It's easy to make a character fearless and invulnerable. Writing a character with true courage is another thing entirely.

@stuart.whiting 26 күн бұрын

"... but we will meet them in battle nonetheless" What resolve and courage! And Bernard's delivery of that line will never fail to make me cry. "He was strong in life. His spirit will find the way to the halls of your fathers." Godspeed Bernard

@redbarchetta8782 26 күн бұрын

RIP "Sir" Bernard Hill.

@gingerbaker_toad696 24 күн бұрын

On first watching, while i was about eight years old, i "liked" the Characters of Boromir and Theoden "the least"... i didn't understand. Now these two characters shatter me to pieces. Whole LotR love ❤ Forever the greatest story ever told. My "religion". Everyone who participated in any way to that is a legend in my red book.

@rickybell 18 күн бұрын

14:13... in the movie when aragorn shows up after he sees the beacons... there's a good 3 to 4 secs of silence... and in that moment we see a internal monologue on theoden's face... and then he responds... "and rohan will answer"...this was all Bernard Hill's acting carrying this moment... you need to understand how powerful that silence can be...

@specialnewb9821 23 күн бұрын

Everything came together in these films to make something very special. Thank you Mr Hill, your work and passion will be remembered.

@NeNozg 25 күн бұрын

Thank you very much. It was beautiful to watch. Rest in Peace Bernard Hill, Théoden, King of Rohan! Hail the victorious dead!

@Adara007 26 күн бұрын

A beautiful tribute to Bernard Hill's superb portrayal of King Theoden.

@Rancoroth419 Күн бұрын

Theoden King, is my favorite character from the movies. You can feel and see the internal struggle, the doubt, and yet at the hour where he is needed most, his courage, his resolve, is unshaken.

@closeben 25 күн бұрын

Love that you included footage from Mt Sunday. So glad to find this in my recommended, now need to binge more of your videos.

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

Thanks, it felt appropriate. Check out my full Edoras video if you haven't already - you might enjoy it.

@b4yma 24 күн бұрын

Many thanks for this depiction of Theoden. He was always my favorite Character in the LOTR, because of hist internal struggle, wich makes him - in my opinion - to a much greater hero.

@awsome182 22 күн бұрын

The Two Towers has always been my favourite movie of the trilogy, because I love the Rohan-plotline so much. Theodén is easily one of my favourite LotR-characters and Bernard Hill played him marvellously. He will be missed - rest in peace, Bernard Hill.

@TolkienGeek. 25 күн бұрын

I can not express how much I loved this video. Such a great, in-depth view of one of the greatest characters in literature.

@Feuerex 14 күн бұрын

I started to appreciate Theoden with time, after growing up and having the capacity to understand his character fully, and yes, it is Bernard Hill's brilliant acting paired with Tolkien's perfect character writing. In particular, the scene where he mourns the death of his son. At first, Theoden talks with very long, formal sentences, fit for a king making a speech for large audience. He's composed, sad but firm, once again having to appear as this confident and strong public figure. Only after Gandalf's comment he switches to being a father who's just lost his child, with a much more straightforward and simple language, and an overwhelming emotion of loss. Emotion so suffocating that he doesn't yell, cry or do any theatrics. It's a phenomenal and very accurate portrayal of this kind of emotion, and one of the most memorable moments for me. Though, in most if not all scenes that give Theoden time to shine, he absolutely does. Great video.

@alexspain9103 14 күн бұрын

I love the shot of Denethor eating the tomato. In context, it tells us everything we need to know about his character without saying a word.

@ronc2430 26 күн бұрын

wow not how i expected hear about his death. may he rest in peace. what a legendary performance by him in lotr

@HeathRHansen 22 күн бұрын

Loved loved loved this! Except I do think it's good that Eomer becomes king, because Eowyn marrying Faramir helped heal two kingdoms, not just one. And the journey both Eomer and Eowyn went on was perfect.

@mmay9082 24 күн бұрын

In Eowyn and Faramir’s defense, stewardship over Ithilien was no small task. It bordered Mordor and there were still enemies prowling there. Reclaiming the King’s lands would take the leadership of both the Captain and the Lady of Rohan.

@thestraightroad305 25 күн бұрын

What a beautiful presentation. Thank you for honoring this great actor in one of the greatest movies of all time…and my favorite work of literature.

@Aelin18 24 күн бұрын

This video brought tears to my eyes, what beautiful homage to Bernard Hill. RIP

@martystrasinger3801 21 күн бұрын

This scene never fails to give me chills. And often, tears.

@Elendil513 23 күн бұрын

I can't explain to you how good that intro is, I must listen to Tolkien's narration of the ride of the rohirrim at least once a week and seeing the two entwined gave me goosebumps

@euansmith3699 24 күн бұрын

Ever since I first saw him in "Boys from the Blackstuff", I've been a big fan of Bernard Hill. "Yosser" Hughes, "I'm desperate, father." Priest, "Call me, Dan." "Yosser" Hughes, "I'm desperate, Dan."

@howardrisby9621 24 күн бұрын

Rather liked Joe in Shirley Valentine. A pretty brave part for any actor to take, way back then. "What friggin' dog?" If you don't know the context, you obviously haven't yet seen the film ...

@hellfest85 23 күн бұрын

When i first watched rotk i rememberer tearing up to theoden' s speech so hard till this day it still hits me

@spudeleven5124 16 күн бұрын

That was an excellent analysis of both a pivotal character and the phenomenal actor who made that character his own. RIP Bernard Hill.

@foxykc 23 күн бұрын

T he Rohirrim and Theoden (and Eomer and Eoyn) are some of my favorite characters and Bernard Hill nailed it.

@harryb.3940 14 күн бұрын

Immer noch DAS Meisterwerk! Getragen von Schauspielern wie Bernhard Hill. Ruhe in Frieden.

@stooge389 7 сағат бұрын

I get shivers down my spine EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I. WATCH. THIS. SCENE. There is NO other scene in cinema history that that's true for.

@silverhawkscape2677 20 күн бұрын

This is what an Adaptation is. You preserve the Essence, Kept what worked and ADD more that can make it better.

@samuelleask1132 25 күн бұрын

This might be my favourite of all your videos mate, and your content is some of the best on this platform. Amazing work man! Hail the victorious dead!

@PentexProductions 25 күн бұрын

Thanks so much

@hiramesensei3112 4 күн бұрын

i dont think anyone who wasn't there, back in 2003, watching in theaters on release, can really appreciate the feeling of the first time seeing the charge of the Rohirrim onto the Pelenor fields and i doubt it is a feeling that any film will ever again capture it was literally like a bolt of lighting through the audience

@kirkistief 18 күн бұрын

I felt genuinely sad when I heard Bernard Hill died. Great actor. Theoden's speech to his men in both book and movie are both such great, moving speeches. I love both scenes. In the movie I still get chills even after dozens and dozens of watches when he calls "Forth Eorlingas!" and the horns blow that perfect 5th. Even when I listen to the soundtrack, I can still hear it in my head and I still get chills. 10/10, would follow into battle.

@ElanorNarmolanya 11 күн бұрын

Not me tearing up at nearly every one of those tiny clipped moments from the films. I've never quite been able to pick favorite characters from these beloved stories, but the older I get the more I honestly believe that Theoden might be my favorite. This video perfectly illustrates what an incredibly dynamic character he is. He goes through so much turmoil and growth despite being a relatively minor character. What an amazing video, thank you so much for making this!

@UncleFester84 3 күн бұрын

There's something else as well: Theoden is fully, completely human. Not the heir of a people that was close to the Valar, not a still innocent and relative naive hobbit or immortal elf or tough dwarf. He is a mortal.

@Fightsome64 23 күн бұрын

I was very sad to hear about Bernard's passing, The ride of the rohirrim scene still gives me goosebumps. Good on you for making this video :)

@AURON2401 20 күн бұрын

It is the best scene in the entire trilogy.

@jamesbecki8104 16 күн бұрын

'Gissa job, i can do that!' You certainly could, RIP Bernard Hill, Théoden King.

@iroscoe 14 күн бұрын

Yeah he had range .

@markfisher2683 2 күн бұрын

A truly beautiful tribute to a fantastic character, and the amazing actor who played him perfectly. Thank you so very much for this wonderful video. And rest in eternal peace, Bernard Hill.

@Hello_there_obi 9 күн бұрын

This scene always makes me well up and cry. Every time. The sheer power of it is overwhelming.

@iggypopshot 24 күн бұрын

Thoroughly enjoyed the dissection.... We've lost a legend in Bernard also. Have a sub.

@matthewgubbins8515 26 күн бұрын

Theadon king stands alone

@BlueMarsalis 26 күн бұрын

Not alone.

@eldorados_lost_searcher 26 күн бұрын

ROHIRRIM!

@Zenocrate 26 күн бұрын

To the King!

@2Ten1Ryu 23 күн бұрын

I am moved to tears! this video holds so much of why I love the Lord of the Rings, Rohan, Theoden, Bernard Hill... You put it into words. I was 13 when The Two Towers was in cinemas and even back then I loved Theoden for his warmth, strength, courage and vulerability at the same time. Such a great hero. one of the best there ever was on screen. Thanks to Bernard Hill. Rest in Piece, my king.

@jaykubisanidiot8657 25 күн бұрын

All Hail, Theoden King!

@fontainewaite3209 Күн бұрын

You’ve captured the essence of Theoden King king beautifully in this video. Thank you.

@MoreImbaThanYou 2 күн бұрын

Damn, the first minute of this video already brought a tear to my Eye.

@kamikaze_reader_77 23 күн бұрын

Very nice video essay- especially your cuts at the end. RIGHT in the feels... :/

@Captain_tiberius 25 күн бұрын

Magnificent. You have crafted a wonderful tribute for a great actor, who for me, is the definitive ideal of a king! One of the things you didn't mention, that as a kid went over my head, and now see as an adult, is part of why Theodan is so stubborn. I think comes from Wormtongue. His closest advisers, that being Soruman and Grima, not only betrayed him, but completely overwhelmed his mind and used him against his people. To be a king, yet so poor a judge of people that the two people you trust most completely could betray you and lead your kingdom to ruin through no open battle, or force of arms, but through subtly and wiley magics, I think it goes a long way to explain why he seems so quick to dismiss the advice of Gandalf and Aragorn. He needs to prove to himself he is still competent, and able to safeguard his people, so he does the natural thing, and falls back rather than gambling an open battle. He does the safe thing, which of course, plays exactly to his enemies plans, much like he was warned by the wizard he chose to ignore, and led his people to their doom. I’ve not read the book, and movies don't really indicate how long Thoden has been possessed, but to imagine going to bed one night a king of a healthy peaceful kingdom, with strong allies, trusted friends all around, and your biggest worry being ta policy, to waking up, discovering a year has passed, your allies are dead/gone, your trusted friends are genociding your people, your son was likely murdered not thirty feet from where you sleep at night, a hostile army is occupying roughly a third of your kingdom and your army was disbanded and now scattred. I love Thodan, because he is one of the greatest portales of a Human king I have ever seen. He is so perfectly… well, *Human.*

@PentexProductions 24 күн бұрын

Good point - there is even a moment when Gandalf is first advising him, and he is sitting exactly where Grima was. Theoden looks up, sees Gandalf sitting in Grima's chair, telling him what to do and he immediately gets up and rejects the advice, almost on instinct. He definitely takes a while to trust again. In the book Theoden is not 'possessed' so much - it is a lot more subtle than what the movie does with it. To give a sense of how the movies radically compacted the timeframe, in the book, Saruman first started building up his army (secretly) around the time Eomer was born.

@boiledelephant 6 күн бұрын

The scene of him regaining his strength and driving Wormtail out of the hall is one of the stand-out moments for me. And then later on, successfully appealing to Wormtail's honor in the extended editions. Absolutely brilliant.

@CuttinEJ 20 күн бұрын

This is certainly one of the best tributes to both Bernard Hill and Theoden. His performance has set a standard that can never be matched. His resolve to do his duty and his rallying speech to his riders before the Battle of the Pelennore Field still makes my heart beat faster and swell in my chest. Rest in peace, Good King.

@kryyptyyk 26 күн бұрын

Man, it is ALWAYS a great day when I witness a new Pentex upload in my feed. :) Great work as always.

@samirSch Күн бұрын

Thank you for this, Bernard Hill definitely deserve all the praise for bring Theoden to life in the screens. As much I admire Aragorn/Viggo, Theoden was always my favorite character in the trilogy and thats thanks for Hill's superb acting making him the great leader he is.

@_-Freeman-_ 4 күн бұрын

This is a wonderful tribute to both the character of Theoden and Bernard Hill as a wonderful actor who's portrayal of Theoden was one of those unforgettable performances we remember all our lives. ❤