December 12, 2024 Samuel Hames 0

‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ – Review

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The world beckons, and adventure lies ahead as Sir Peter Jackson invites audiences back to the mythic lands of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth for a new and sensational tale of high fantasy adventure in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, and this promises to be a tale of hope, power, glory, sacrifice, the horse lords of Rohan and the legend of Helms Deep.

Set 183 years before the events of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, The War of the Rohirrim tells the story of Helm Hammerhand, a legendary king of Rohan, and his family as they defend their kingdom against an army of Dunlendings.

The world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings continues to enchant audiences around the globe. His vivid imagination and sensational storytelling is beloved by audiences of every age, gender and country, and now Sir Peter Jackson invites audiences back to the lands of Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. And a brand new vision is promised in his epic anime blockbuster. Jackson, along with frequent collaborator Philippa Boyens, were looking for a new angle to realise another chapter of Tolkien’s great works and settled on the formidable history of the mighty horse lords of Rohan to do so. Such a story demanded an incredible new vision and a new point of view to be brought to the complete narrative, and they found their storyteller in celebrated anime filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama, and the resulting picture is something that will completely take audiences by surprise.

As an anime filmmaker, Kenji Kamiyama is one of the most talented anime directors of his generation, contributing to classic works such as Genocyber, Ultraman and Ghost in the Shell, along with stretching his talents with more Western-driven productions such as Star Wars: Visions and Blade Runner: Black Lotus. Tapped by Sir Peter Jackson to lead the production of The War of the Rohirrim, Kamiyama makes the film his own while also honouring the grand tradition of Tolkien. Utilising a complete hand-drawn style of animation, with every single shot of this picture being hand-drawn in perfect detail, Kamiyama blends both Western animation and Eastern anime for a film that completely fits Tolkien’s grand story but is entirely unique and different in its delivery.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is the world of Tolkien delivered from an anime perspective, but it holds true to the tapestry of Tolkien’s vision. Director Kenji Kamiyama delivers a film that sticks to the European influences of the Rohirran, especially the influence of the Anglo-Saxon culture that was a key development point for Tolkien, but he does renders this from an anime point-of-view. While it’s obvious that The War of the Rohirrim is a straight-up anime movie, the subtler design work and narrative story points mark this picture as something totally unique within Tolkien’s broad cannon. While not leaning into specifics, certain moments have been designed from the anime point of view, and these narrative elements keep the audience on guard and engaged in what is delivered to the big screen.

From its first frames, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a completely transformative experience, and audiences will find themselves lost in the picturesque visuals that make their way up to the big screen. This piece of cinema is a pure piece of art, and Kamiyama and his talented team deliver vibrant and energetic cinematic experiences. The colours are crisp and layered, and the animation flows flawlessly as the film’s heroine, Héra, rides forth to take on the marauding forces of the Dunlendings. The fight scenes are energetic and in your force, and you can hear the clash and clang of steel on iron, and the blood flows as the battle for the fate of Rohan roars. Keeping with its anime roots, The War of the Rohirrim is filled with a good dose of blood and guts, and there’s another subtle, sexy nod to the character design, which is not overt and is in keeping with the style of the medium. It’s also a refreshing watch to see the actions of men fighting men and not a battle for ultimate power, and this power struggle brought upon by the actions of mankind is a refreshing approach to a story set in this world.

Bringing a powerful presence to the film is Brian Cox, whose Shakespearian training and grand gravitas enable him to command the screen as the legendary King Helm Hammerhand. Cox has built a career portraying strong and formidable characters, and he delivers this role with a booming voice and commanding stance. As a key figure in Tolkien’s legendarium, Helm Hammerhand is depicted as a force of nature – a giant of a man, as uncompromising as the rock of the Hornburg that bears his name.

While he is a strong and resourceful leader, he is not without flaws, and his unwavering personality adds an edge to the drama, allowing director Kamiyama to explore the theme of leadership and its potential for blindness. Cox fully embodies Helm, and throughout the film, there are pivotal moments that showcase his expressive performance. Helm Hammerhand represents a powerhouse performance by Cox, and with his thunderous voice, he makes the cinema resonate when he calls the Riddermark to action.

In The War of the Rohirrim, rising star Gaia Wise brings a sense of adventure and a grand dose of heroism to the role of Héra, the spirited and tomboyish daughter of Helm Hammerhand. While she is a princess of Rohan, Héra is much more interested in galloping across the vast plains than in wearing pretty dresses. Initially, she is viewed as a pawn for political manoeuvres, but destiny soon thrusts her into a pivotal role. Through her strategic thinking, skill, and the fierce spirit of the shieldmaidens, she embodies a burning hope and emerges as the leader and heroine her people desperately need.

Wise delivers an energetic performance, showcasing her character in a way that resonates with the film’s talented designers, who infuse Héra with thrilling action on screen. Throughout the film, Héra experiences significant growth and transformation, evolving into one of the most exciting and dynamic characters in The Lord of the Rings franchise. Just as Miranda Otto’s Éowyn inspired young girls years ago, Gaia Wise’s Héra is poised to make a profound impact on the franchise as well.

Bringing the shadow of villainy to The War of the Rohirrim is Luke Pasqualino as Wulf, the brutish leader of the Dunlendings. Pasqualino delivers a performance filled with frenzied antagonism and a hint of madness. Motivated by a desire for revenge against the people of Rohan, he lays siege to the Hornburg, and his growing thirst for vengeance casts a dark shadow over the narrative.

Director Kenji Kamiyama and the film itself offer a nuanced perspective on Wulf’s actions, providing some justification for his motives within the story’s world. This complexity heightens the intensity of the narrative. Pasqualino’s portrayal of Wulf makes him a formidable adversary, showcasing the darker aspects of humanity. This brings a fresh experience to The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, differing from the more traditional arcs typically seen in Tolkien’s works.

This grand tale of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a fresh approach to J.R.R. Tolkien’s treasured legendarium of tales, and with its ferocity of narrative and performance, the beauty of its art and design and the innovation of its story and perspective, makes it one of this year’s most exciting and original presentations up on the silver screen. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a purely epic spectacle, and it will deliver a hell of a roar for cinemagoers and honours the warrior spirit of the horse lords of Rohan.