The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

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Written by J.R.R. Tolkien, Frances Walsh, Philippa Boyens

Directed by Peter Jackson

Also known as "El Señor de los Anillos: El Regreso del Rey", "El Señor de los Anillos: El Retorno del Rey", "Le seigneur des anneaux: Le Retour du roi", "O Senhor dos Anéis - O Retorno do Rei"

Running Time: 200 minutes (approx)

Production Year: 2003

Rating: 12 Certificate

Production Country: USA/New Zealand

Filmed in Colour

Peter Jackson's multi-Oscar-winning epic fantasy trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's books, reaches its conclusion. Frodo the Ring-bearer and his faithful companion Sam (Elijah Wood and Sean Astin) are within sight of Mordor, guided by Gollum (Andy Serkis). Once a Hobbit but now, thanks to his possession of the Ring aeons ago, Gollum is a twisted, duplicitous creature with plans to regain it.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the Fellowship, led by Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), must defend the last stronghold of man, Minas Tirith, against Sauron's might. And then, to buy Frodo and Sam time, they must march to the very gates of Mordor to distract Sauron's gaze from the Ring-bearer as he gets ever closer to Mount Doom, into whose fiery depths the Ring must be cast...

The legend of the making of the trilogy is almost as epic as the films themselves. The series is the most nominated in Academy history, with a total of 30, surpassing the three Godfathers (28) and the Star Wars series (21), and this film alone won all 11 of its nominations (The Last Emperor and Gigi both won nine from nine).

But as well as the awards, the films triumph with their technical achievements - with CGI used to the fullest effect - and all of the lead characters are fully rounded rather than ciphers, particularly with the growing relationship between Frodo and Sam and the former's increasing reliance on the latter as the Ring's baleful influence increases.

After Lord of the Rings, Jackson went on to direct King Kong, technically as perfect a fantasy but without the humanity, while the similarly fantasy-based Narnia exuded charm without conviction. The Lord of the Rings trilogy has set the benchmark for all fantasy films.

Cast

Image for Elijah WoodElijah WoodFrodo Baggins
Image for Sean AstinSean AstinSam Gamgee
Billy BoydPippin
Image for Viggo MortensenViggo MortensenAragorn
Image for Orlando BloomOrlando BloomLegolas Greenleaf
Image for Cate BlanchettCate BlanchettGaladriel
Image for Ian McKellenIan McKellenGandalf
Image for Hugo WeavingHugo WeavingElrond
Image for Ian HolmIan HolmBilbo Baggins
Image for Andy SerkisAndy SerkisGollum
Noel ApplebyEverard Proudfoot
Alexandra AstinElanor Gamgee
David AstonGondorian Soldier
John BachMadril
Image for Sean BeanSean BeanBoromir
Sadwyn BrophyEldarion
Alistair BrowningDamrod
Marton CsokasCeleborn
Richard EdgeGondorian Soldier 1
Jason FitchUruk
Image for Bernard HillBernard HillTheoden
Bruce HopkinsGamling
Ian HughesIrolas
Lawrence MakoareWitch King/Gothmog
Bret McKenzieElf Escort
Sarah McLeodRosie Cotton
Maisie McLeod-RieraBaby Gamgee
Image for Dominic MonaghanDominic MonaghanMerry
Image for John NobleJohn NobleDenethor
Paul NorellKing of the Dead
Image for Miranda OttoMiranda OttoEowyn
Bruce PhillipsGrimbold
Shane RangiHarad Leader
John Rhys-DaviesGimli
Todd RipponHarad Leader 1
Thomas RobinsDeagol
Harry SinclairIsildur
Peter TaitShagrat
Joel TobeckOrc Lieutenant
Image for Liv TylerLiv TylerArwen
Image for Karl UrbanKarl UrbanEomer
Stephen UreGorbag
David WenhamFaramir

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