- PG-13
- 3h 21m
- Directed by
-
- Peter Jackson
- Novel
- J. R. R. Tolkien
- Premiered
- December 17, 2003
- Language
-
- English
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $94,000,000.00
- Revenue
- $1,118,888,979.00
- Awards
-
- Won 11 Oscars. 215 wins & 124 nominations total
- Country
-
- New Zealand
- United States of America
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
- Production
-
- New Line Cinema
- WingNut Films
- The Saul Zaentz Company
Spoiler
Peter Jackson's epic conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary saga, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, is a sweeping cinematic masterpiece that plunges audiences into the heart of a world teetering on the brink of annihilation. This 2003 New Zealand-American co-production, a monumental achievement in adventure, fantasy, and action filmmaking, delivers a profound exploration of sacrifice, courage, and the enduring power of hope against overwhelming darkness. With a runtime of 3 hours and 21 minutes, the film meticulously weaves together disparate narrative threads, culminating in a breathtaking climax that defines the very essence of triumph born from profound loss.
The narrative's genesis, a chilling reminder of the Ring's corrupting influence, is rooted in the tragic transformation of Sméagol into the wretched creature Gollum. His descent began with the murder of Deagól, a pivotal act that set in motion the chain of events leading to the War of the Ring. This dark origin story serves as a stark counterpoint to the burgeoning hope that flickers throughout the film.
Meanwhile, the forces of good rally. Gandalf, the wise wizard, rides alongside the noble Aragorn, the elven archer Legolas, the stout dwarf Gimli, and King Théoden of Rohan towards Isengard. There, they encounter Merry and Pippin, the hobbit companions, engaged in a moment of levity, much to Gimli's chagrin. Their journey then leads them to the ancient Ent, Treebeard, a guardian of the forest. It is here that Pippin's curiosity, a recurring theme, leads him to discover the Palantír, a seeing stone, glimmering beneath the water. Gandalf, recognizing the peril, confiscates the artifact, a decision that proves prescient.
That night, within the Golden Hall of Edoras, Pippin, unable to resist the allure of the Palantír, retrieves it from Gandalf's chambers. Despite Merry's alarmed interjections, Pippin succumbs to its siren call. Upon gazing into the stone, he is wracked with agony, a visceral reaction to the dark visions it imparts. Aragorn and Legolas, alerted by Pippin's cries, rush to his aid. Aragorn, upon touching the Palantír, experiences a moment of profound weakness, fainting into Legolas's arms. Gandalf, understanding the gravity of the situation, forces Pippin to recount his vision: a burning tree, a harbinger of Sauron's next assault. This revelation compels Gandalf to embark on a desperate mission to warn Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, in Minas Tirith. The parting of Pippin and Merry is a poignant moment, underscored by Pippin's anguished cry of "Merry!" as Shadowfax, Gandalf's magnificent steed, carries him away.
The focus then shifts to Frodo and Sam, accompanied by Gollum, on their perilous trek towards Mordor. Though this segment is characterized by Frodo's restless unease, the true danger emerges as they approach the formidable gates of Minas Morgul. Frodo, under the Ring's irresistible sway, is drawn inexorably towards the fortress. The sky ignites with a colossal, twisting green-blue beacon, the signal for war. This awe-inspiring spectacle is witnessed by Gandalf and Pippin in Minas Tirith, confirming their fears: "It is time. War is upon us."
Frodo and Sam seek refuge behind a massive rock, observing the horrifying exodus of Sauron's orc army from Minas Morgul. The ascent of the army up the sheer, cliff-like "stairs" of the pass is a testament to their relentless advance.
Meanwhile, in Minas Tirith, Gandalf grapples with Denethor's despair. Stricken by grief over the death of his son Boromir, Denethor remains paralyzed, refusing to seek aid from Rohan. Gandalf, understanding that Gondor cannot withstand the onslaught alone, resolves to rally support himself. Pippin, tasked with a crucial mission, must ascend to light the enormous beacon atop the city. This act ignites a chain reaction, a series of signal fires across the mountains, ultimately reaching Edoras. The Riders of Rohan, bolstered by Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry, and Éowyn, prepare to march to Gondor's defense. A memorable scene unfolds as Aragorn lifts Éowyn's saddle flap, discovering a concealed sword, only to be met with her defiant gesture.
The city of Osgiliath falls to the orcs, forcing Faramir and his men into a desperate retreat. As they flee, a Nazgûl descends. Gandalf, with a radiant burst of light from his staff, repels the terrifying creature. The arrival in Minas Tirith, a city of breathtaking beauty meticulously realized by the filmmakers, is met with a deeply emotional confrontation between Faramir and his father. Denethor's cold dismissal of Faramir, stating, "Yes," when asked if he wished it had been him who died instead of Boromir, is a stark and upsetting revelation of his paternal neglect.
On the treacherous stairs of Cirith Ungol, Frodo and Sam find respite in sleep. Gollum, driven by his insatiable hunger and malice, pilfers the last of their lembas bread, scattering crumbs on Sam's jacket before tossing the remainder down the cliff. The next morning, Sam's discovery of the missing provisions leads to a devastating accusation. Gollum's insidious whispers to Frodo, pointing to the crumbs on Sam's jacket, exploit Frodo's Ring-induced paranoia. A bitter confrontation ensues, culminating in Frodo's heart-wrenching declaration: "You can't help me anymore, Sam. Go home." Frodo continues his ascent with Gollum, leaving a heartbroken Sam to weep alone.
The Riders of Rohan make camp. Éowyn, in a gesture of solidarity, outfits Merry with Rohirrim armor, a decision met with caution by Éomer, who warns against encouraging a hobbit in the face of war. Aragorn experiences a prophetic dream of Arwen's death, symbolized by the shattering of the Evenstar necklace. Upon waking, he is visited by Elrond, who reveals Arwen's perilous condition. Arwen, having had a vision of a future with Aragorn and their son, has turned back from her journey to the Grey Havens and returned to Rivendell, her life now threatened by Sauron's power. Elrond bestows upon Aragorn Andúril, the reforged Flame of the West, a symbol of his destiny. Aragorn understands that to command the spectral army of the Dead, he must embrace his kingship. He departs for the Paths of the Dead, despite the pleas of his companions on the eve of war. Legolas and Gimli accompany him into the darkness. The following day, the Riders depart, with Éowyn secretly smuggling Merry onto her horse.
Faramir, having been dragged unconscious back to Minas Tirith after a failed attempt to retake Osgiliath, is believed dead by a maddened Denethor. Driven by a desire for a glorious end, Denethor orders a funeral pyre. Pippin races to find Gandalf amidst the battle. They burst into the chamber just as the flames are lit, rescuing Faramir. Denethor, however, engulfed in fire, immolates himself and leaps from the clifftop.
Frodo, lured into Shelob's lair by Gollum, finds himself alone in the darkness. Panicked, he flees the monstrous spider, momentarily repelling her with the light of Galadriel. Gollum then attacks, and in the ensuing struggle, Frodo casts him over a cliff. Frodo, filled with remorse, whispers, "I'm so sorry, Sam," and continues his solitary journey.
Sam, still weeping, descends the stairs and discovers the discarded lembas. Realizing Gollum's treachery and Frodo's entrapment, he races back.
In Minas Tirith, the orcs breach the city's defenses, leading to a chaotic retreat reminiscent of Helm's Deep. Just as hope seems lost, the Riders of Rohan arrive, engaging the orcs. However, the tide turns with the appearance of Oliphaunts. At the brink of defeat, boats appear, carrying Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. They have persuaded the Army of the Dead to join the fight, and their spectral forces overwhelm the Oliphaunts.
The Witch-king arrives, a terrifying presence. Éowyn, with Merry's aid, defeats him. She decapitates the Fell-beast and plunges her sword through the Witch-king's helmet, while Merry drives his blade into his leg. The Nazgûl disintegrates. Éowyn rushes to her dying uncle, who succumbs in her arms.
Frodo, nearing the Tower of Cirith Ungol, is ambushed by Shelob. A brutal struggle ensues, culminating in Frodo's apparent death. Shelob wraps him in webbing, rendering him corpse-like. Sam arrives, brandishing Frodo's light, and engages Shelob in a fierce battle, driving her away. He then rushes to Frodo, tearing away the webbing. Believing Frodo dead, Sam weeps over his friend's pale, lifeless form. The arrival of orcs forces Sam to hide. Overhearing their conversation, he learns that Frodo is not dead, merely incapacitated by Shelob's sting. Sam's self-recrimination, "You fool, Samwise Gamgee," echoes his relief.
On the battlefield, Aragorn fulfills his promise to the Dead, releasing them. Pippin discovers Merry buried beneath a pile of bodies and rescues him, offering comfort and support.
Within the Tower of Cirith Ungol, Frodo awakens, disoriented and naked save for his trousers. He overhears orcs arguing over his mithril shirt, leading to a violent internal conflict. Sam, meanwhile, ascends the tower stairs, dispatching orcs with cries of vengeance for Frodo, the Shire, and his Gaffer. An orc advances on Frodo, but Sam intervenes, stabbing him in the back. Frodo, filled with remorse, apologizes to Sam for his disbelief. Despairing, he declares, "It's over, Sam. Don't you understand? They have the Ring!" Sam, however, reveals he has the Ring, having taken it for safekeeping. Frodo, still under its thrall, snatches it back.
In Minas Tirith, Aragorn proposes a desperate gambit: to march the remaining soldiers to the Black Gate and confront Sauron directly, drawing his attention away from Frodo and the Ring.
Frodo and Sam are now perilously close to Mount Doom, with thousands of orcs between them and their goal. To their astonishment, the orc army begins to march away, clearing their path. As they approach the fiery mountain, Sauron's Eye sweeps the land, sensing the Ring. Sam shields Frodo, who collapses, narrowly avoiding the Eye's beam. The Eye then shifts its attention elsewhere, drawn by Aragorn's diversion at the Black Gate.
Aragorn and his diminished army face Sauron's overwhelming forces at the Black Gate. The gate opens, and the Mordor army encircles them. Frodo and Sam, aided by Sam carrying Frodo, navigate a mountain passage. Gollum reappears, not dead after all. He attacks Sam, and in a desperate struggle, lunges for the Ring, holding it aloft in the lava's glow. Sam urges Frodo to cast it in. "No," Frodo snarls, "It's mine!" He slips, putting on the Ring and disappearing. Gollum leaps onto the invisible Frodo, biting off his finger and reclaiming his "Precious." Frodo reappears, clutching his bloody stump. They continue to fight, falling into the lava. Gollum perishes, and the Ring dissolves.
At the Black Gate, the ground beneath the orc army crumbles, and Barad-dûr collapses. Mount Doom erupts. Amidst the jubilation, Aragorn and his companions witness the eruption with horror, fearing for Frodo and Sam. Merry and Pippin mourn. Sam, however, finds Frodo clinging to the precipice. He hauls him to safety just as lava flows beneath them.
Rescued by Gwahir and other eagles, Frodo awakens in the Houses of Healing. A joyous reunion with Gandalf, Merry, Pippin, Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn, and finally Sam, marks a moment of profound relief.
Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor by Gandalf. His reunion with Arwen, who arrives in a wedding dress, culminates in a passionate kiss. Aragorn declares to his friends, "You bow to no-one," and in a powerful display of humility, kneels before them, followed by hundreds of others.
Upon returning to the Shire, Frodo finds himself unable to reintegrate into his old life. Sam, now married with children, and Merry and Pippin accompany Frodo and an aged Bilbo to the Grey Havens. There, they are met by Galadriel, Celeborn, and Elrond. Gandalf bids Frodo farewell, revealing it is time for him to depart. Frodo embraces his friends, sharing a tender farewell with Sam, before embarking on a ship with Gandalf and the Elves, sailing into the West. Sam, Merry, and Pippin turn homeward, their hearts heavy.
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