Its so sad that that being the core idea behind an adaptation no longer seems to be a consideration at all. Its why adaptations are mostly terrible today.

@@JSFal I recently read the Hobbit. I knew it was a bad adaptation but I had no idea how much stupid filler there actually was

We honestly didn't deserver the Jackson films. Flawed? Yes, absolutely. But I can't imagine any other filmmaker would have surpassed them.

Jackson's Lord of the Rings feel like the best that could be done in the situation, which was really fantastic, like Samwise, they are still my favorite movies. The Hobbit was a money grab by producers that dragged a bunch of names into to try and make sure it made some money.

​@@JSFal100%. After learning about what went on in the production of The Hobbit, I'm convinced that the only reason the trilogy is even remotely palatable is Jackson's sheer determination.

The movies =feel= like Tolkien. If I start looking at the details, I see all the differences between book and movie. If I just relax and enjoy the movies (and shoot Denethor with my fingers half-a-dozen times), I feel the same enchantment I do when I read the books.

Exactly. The prime objective of adaptation must be to maintain the core theme

YES ​@@trequor

I was interviewed by our local radionstation after i came Out of the Premiere of fellowship. "The movie Has Spirit" IS all i could say😅(IT sounded even worse in German)

Well said!

Very good point.

I've never understood this criticism either. Even if Gandalf did not eternally die, he did suffer a bodily death. Christians have no issue saying that Jesus suffered death even though he is risen and alive

It’s not just feeling better; rather, he is conveying the sure and certain hope that Tolkien embraced of his Faith in Christ, one that he nurtured through the sacraments and the love he had for others. We need to remember he was a daily communicant in the Catholic Faith, and took his obligations as a Christian VERY seriously. Even in the Great War, when he served in the trenches in France, the chaplain of his Regiment would, as often as possible, bring him Eucharist. For him, that was the tangible foretaste of what is the reality beyond our earthly existence, that of heaven and Christ Himself who welcomes the Faithful. A truly superb book, newly published, Tolkien’s Faith, A Spiritual Biography by Holly Ordway, deals with Tolkien’s spirituality and his relationship with the Catholic Church in England, and how that influenced every aspect of his life. I HIGHLY recommend it if you want a deeper understanding of any of Tolkien’s works, but especially the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I’m reading it alongside LOTR, and it has given me tremendous insight into the mind and extraordinary Faith of Tolkien, as well as factual info. on his life, like his experiences in both WWI and WWII. Truly, this is one of the best non-fiction books I’ve ever read. The theology presented is very clear and accessible and the biographical material is the most in-depth that I’ve ever read on Tolkien. In addition, Ms Ordway also has included photos from Tolkien’s family life and of others who were of importance to Tolkien. The biography has extensive endnotes with commentary, pages of bibliography and recommended readings, and a glossary of theological and other terms used in the book that the casual reader might find helpful. Ordway’s book is a true treasure for all fans of LOTR, Christian or not, if you want a greater understanding of this great man’s core beliefs and inner spiritual life. LOTR would not have been written the way it was without Tolkien’s deep Faith and his personal convictions about the nature of the human spirit. I would daresay to fully understand LOTR, you must also understand these things that he held most dear. This is really a superb book! You won’t be disappointed should you purchase it. It’s one you’ll keep alongside your LOTR trilogy books on the bookshelf! PS. I don’t receive any renumeration nor am I associated with the author in any way. I just really believe that of all the biographies and commentaries I’ve read, this one stands head and shoulders above the rest!

@sivad1025 Amen to that, Gandalf is surely speaking from experience in this instance.

This comes just after Gandalf humbled himself by saying “there never was much hope. Just a fool’s hope.” After repeatedly calling Pippin a fool, that acknowledgement of the foolishness of the whole quest really hits.

But, ironically, Pippin will never see those shores

The far green country is actually England.

​@@di3486The book is absolutely rooted in England at it's core, pun intended, and is personified by Sam imo. And yes I know how Professor Tolkien took that core and overlaid it with his Norwegian heritage and the mythology of other countries. The blend is unique and extraordinary. The only real test of a work of art is time and in light of that LOR passes with flying colours. I've loved it for decades and never tire of reading the book whilst the three films are Christmas tradition now.

The Grey...the White...viva la difference

I think I'd be hard to treat a young child (sized) hobbit badly when he and you are about to go into battle

Donethorn chose to burn himself and Faramir because he'd given up. Pipin sought Gandalf's help in stopping that horror because he had not given up. When Denethorn lit that pile, Pippin jumped on to roll a much larger and heavier man off. He'd earned Gandalf's affection and respect.

​@@ethenallen1388There is no character named Donethorn. It's Denethor.

@SalvableRuin I'm sorry about my terrible spelling. I do try to proofread my comments before posting them, but mistakes do slip by me at times.

Indeed, I liked pretty much all the music used. Wish there was a track list so I could listen to them all actually!

Just got there and you're right - instant tears.

The tune of the hymn sung at my wedding, a bop

My favorite piece of music ever written.

Demon's Souls, Dark Souls and God of War OST pieces i believe.

i think philippa boyens explains somewhere on the extended edititon, that they actually would have loved to include Tom, and only had to leave that storyline out, because it didn't fit into the movie structure (and i agree here). And as far as i know, they even edited the movie purposly in a way, that makes it possible to imagine, that they went to Tom between scenes.

I think the books are even heavier than the movies, and Tom is such a pleasant relief amidst all the chaos. Its like revisiting childhood one last time.

Just when I think I know something about LotR lore... thanks for sharing!

@@master_samwise its a dense topic, for sure. I shudder to remeber stuff I used to staunchly believe about the text from one reading as a kid, mixed in with the stuff from movies and games. Glad I could contribute in some small way

When gandalf died after the battle with the balrog he said later that he walked paths he will not speak of. Maybe gandalf saw a short glimpse of the afterlife of man granted by illuvatar and when he got back he only told pippin a part of the truth to eas his fear.

@@uwesca6263 I had not thought of that... its very reasonable from what I know that he was taken to the timeless halls during that. That would make him the only being on Arda to have any idea of it. Thats cool, thanks for sharing.

While it's true that mortals make a pitstop in the halls of Mandos, I always thought they basically wake up there after dying. So they don't get to see the rolling back of they grey rain curtain and the far green country. What do you think?

Oh I remember those calendars too ♥

Me too! Beautiful description of this wonderful scene. Thank you Master Samwise!

Howard Shore is an absolute genius. That man can make me feel things I never thought possible.

Felt that LOL

I have a whole 40+ minute video on Theoden, and I talk about why Jackson made him the way he did (my best guess, anyway). He's a wonderful character in both, but yes his arc in the films is absolutely wonderful.

Boromir is also better in the films.

HAHAHAHA I genuinely love that you recognized the music from Bluey. I adore that episode, mostly because of this music. If you didn't already know, it's a piece by Gustav Holst called The Planets, and this particular bit is from the Jupiter movement. The actual performance is by the US Air Force band, so it's in public domain.

@@master_samwise Thanks for the tip, I’ll be sure to check that out right away 👍

Yes. That why dumping the whole last part of the book (The scouring of the Shire) is so weird.

@@juliagoodfellow7539that was just for time

I’m a reaction-video junkie, at least where LOTR is concerned. I can’t even watch reactors to ROP without getting ticked off (Again? Still?) over so many things, to the point I can’t watch the reactions.

What exactly do you mean when you say "The movies may have failed at adapting a fantasy epic into film"? Do you mean that they're a poor adaptation? No, that can't be it; you literally said they were a faithful retelling of the story. Do you mean the films aren't epic in scope? In that case, what IS epic to you? Do you mean that they are a retelling and not an adaptation because they aren't a literal word-for-word translation of the book onto the screen? To which I say, if that is your standard for adaptation you're doomed to be disappointed.

I love the Dark Souls music. If you don't know the world that accompanies it, it works very well for these calmer, ponderous videos. But yeah, kind of an ironic choice,

While it's true that mortals make a pitstop in the halls of Mandos, I always thought they basically wake up there after dying. So they don't get to see the rolling back of they grey rain curtain and the far green country. What do you think?

God is good!! All the time!! Be blessed

Preach 🙏