The Lord of the Rings The War of the Rohirrim Movie Review: Why, why, why? There are many obvious questions about this franchise that has had a long, successful run with a trilogy, a TV series, and more movies to come. War of the Rohirrim, however, is a prequel whose only connection to the original JRR Tolkein books is that it originates from a mention in the appendix, and it is an anime.
When beautifully painted landscapes and people, rendered in light and shadow, meet a story with a huge fan base, and bring on board many names from Peter Jackson award-winning films behind the camera, what you get can be a production. Unnecessary – but as far as movies riding on franchise fandom go, a pretty solid effort.
What The War of the Rohirrim has going for it—a story set 200 years before Bilbo lays hands on The Ring—feels unique even though it starts with an appendix (four screenwriters, and three writers plus a Tolkein salary). closed). Where its heart lies is not glorifying war as it glorifies its heroes, but repeatedly underscoring its costs—for better and for worse, which both err. Where its beauty lies is in its relationships, big and small, whatever the medium looks amazingly out of place.
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At the center of it all is Hera (voiced by Gaia Wise), daughter of Helm Hammerland (a suitably gravelly Brian Cox), the King of Rohan. In a story that is part of brave women, Hera stands tall for her bravery, wisdom and nobility. Helm clearly likes her but sees her as nothing more than a bride, preferably married into a strategic alliance with a friendly kingdom. Problems arise when Helm’s challenger Freka asks for Hera’s hand for his son Wolf (Luca Pasqualino), and Helm summarily dismisses it.
While Hera isn’t ready for marriage, she isn’t exactly immune to her closest childhood friend Wolf. Egos clash, revenge takes place, blood is spilled and soon the anger takes dimensions beyond the control of both parties.
There is a long siege of winter in what is known as ‘Helm’s Deep’ of the Tolkien films. There are many battles, huge elephants and mythical beasts. Orcs make an appearance, likewise searching for their rings. Mordor is mentioned and there is a glimpse of the god Sauron.
The Shield Maidens are a dying breed, although there is still Olwyn (Lorraine Ashbourne), possibly the predecessor of Éowyn from the Rings trilogy.
Miranda Otto, who plays Eowyn in the Peter Jackson films, is the narrator here – in a rather surprising job.
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However, after establishing itself as a worthy inhabitant of the Rings universe – a shocker that combines anime with frantic action – War of the Rohirrim manages to overstay its welcome. At 134 minutes, it’s a bit too long, and a bit too caught up in its own heroine towards the end.
The Lord of the Rings The War of the Rohirrim Movie Director: Kenji Kamiya
The Lord of the Rings The War of the Rohirrim Voice: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luca Pasqualino, Lorraine Ashbourne, Lawrence Ubong Williams, Bilal Hassana
The Lord of the Rings The War of the Rohirrim Movie Rating: 3 stars
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