No. 5b - LOTR: The Two Towers (2002)

A New Power Is Rising...

Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance-age 13) for battle sequences and scary scenes

Director: Peter Jackson; Screenplay: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Stephen Sinclair; based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien

Starring: Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Karl Urban, Bernard Hill

Movie Introduction: Part two of the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) trilogy follows the continuing quest of Frodo and the Fellowship to destroy the Ring of  Power. Frodo and Sam discover they are being followed by the mysterious creature Gollum. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli venture to the besieged kingdom of Rohan, the horse kingdom once rules by King Théoden, who has fallen under Saruman's deadly spell. 

Defining Moment: The exorcism of Théoden of Rohan

Galdalf, Aragaon and Legolas seek help from King Théoden of Rohan. When they enter his exalted hall at Edoras, they find King Théoden, locked in a deep trance, counseled by the sinister Grima Wormtongue. Gandalf immediately demands the release of Theodon’s mind, using his powerful staff. The King, clearly under the wizard Sarumon's control, violently resists Gandalf's attempts to rescue his mind and faculties. (see the scene on YouTube) 

Something subtle you might have missed:  nature vs. the unnatural (part 2)

This theme continues as the hobbits, elves and men battle the massive orc army and strive to destroy the Ring. They must contend with unnatural foes: Sauron, the manifestation of unholy evil; his chief advocate Sarumon, now a wizard in his control; and a host of hell-spawned creatures. On the nature's side, Merry and Pippen escape to Fangorn forest and there befriend an Ent. Ents are gigantic living trees, who are also known as a "tree-herders". Together, they mobilize (albeit slowly because that's the speed at which trees move) all the forest’s tree-herders to lay siege to Sarumon’s castle at Isengard. It is only by destroying the unnatural dam and releasing the natural river, that our protagonists are able to win the day.

Memorable Quotes:

"The strength of the Ring Bearer is failing. In his heart, Frodo begins to understand. The quest will claim his life. You know this. You have foreseen it. It is the risk we all took. In the gathering dark, the will of the Ring grows strong. It works hard now to find its way back into the hands of men." - Galadriel

"So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?" – King Théoden

"Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something even if you were too small to understand why. But I think Mr. Frodo, I do understand, I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going because they were holding on to something…. That there’s some good in the world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for!" - Samwise Gamgee, the brave

Dad's Review:

The Two Towers is the second film in the incredible Lord of the Rings trilogy. I can say with all honesty, that this is my favorite of the three, but that's like asking if I prefer regular cut, krinkle cut or seasoned fries... I mean I love them all, yet krinkle edges the others out. This film gives us more of what made the first film great, then adds in new characters, and a gigantic, epic battle finale. And the story still goes on to the final film conclusion.

"The battle for Middle Earth is just beginning..."

We are introduced to additional important characters: Gollum, the slimy creature who seeks the ring, calling it "the precious"; King Théoden the ruler of the horsemen of Rohan; Éowyn, Théoden's beautiful and strong niece; and the sinister Grima Wormtongue, an evil servant to Sarumon.

This epic begins with the Fellowship in tatters. Galdalf has fallen into darkness, dragged down by the fiery Bel Roq. Merry and Pippen have been captured by Orcs and are bound for Isengard to face certain death. Sam and Frodo are wandering, lost, as they search for Mordor. It appears that all hope is lost.

What a great way to start a movie!

The film divides its time between three main story plots:

Merry and Pippin, in Orc custody, desperately manage to escape and flee deep into the dark Fangorn Forest. There they meet Tree Beard, an giant walking, talking tree. The Tree Herder decides to take them to the "White Wizard". Merry and Pip fear the worst. 

Meanwhile, Aragon, Legolas and Gimli, who are hot on the Orc's trail, find themselves in the land of Rohan, dominion of the horse lords. When they reach the king, they find he has fallen under Saruman's possession. With the warriors' aid, Théoden is freed from his mental imprisonment. They soon learn that thousands of Uruk-hai minions are heading to Rohan to destroy that kingdom. Théoden makes the difficult decision to avoid open war and protect his people deep by taking his people to the stone-walled fortress of Helm's Deep, an ancient stronghold.

The final plotline centers on Frodo and Sam, as they work their way to Mordor. The weight of the ring weighs heavy on Frodo, as it desires to makes it's way back to the evil Sauron. Along the way, they encounter the mysterious creature Gollum. The troubled creature agrees to lead them to Mordor and into Mount Doom. Sam wisely remains leery of Gollum, sensing that he wants to steal the ring back. Frodo, however, insists that Gollum is their ally. 

The film builds to the massive battle at Helm's Deep as Sauron's forces besiege the fortress and Rohan's entrenched army.

There are so many incredible moments. The battles are epic. Yet, I appreciate the intimate touches: Éowyn's unfulfilled affection for Aragon; Sam's unwavering devotion to Frodo; Frodo's reluctant, yet earnest, sympathy for Gollum. It’s engrossing to witness our beloved characters struggle, and face their greatest challenges.

By the end credits, you'll race to watch the final film, Return of the King!

Onto No. 5c... The Second Coming of the Monarch