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Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom ... see more see more... , Andy Serkis , Billy Boyd , Dominic Monaghan , John Rhys-Davies , Liv Tyler , Bernard Hill , Miranda Otto , Hugo Weaving , Sean Bean , Ian Holm , Joel Tobeck , Cate Blanchett , David Wenham , Karl Urban , John Noble , Bret McKenzie , Ian Mc Kellen , Brad Dourif , Christopher Lee , Lawrence Makoare

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King brings Peter Jackson's mammoth adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic to a close in suitably epic fashion. Instead of starting just where the previous fil... read more read more...m left off, however, it goes far back in time to the moment the tormented creature Gollum first came to possess the One Ring. In this flashback, actor Andy Serkis (who voiced Gollum and performed his movements onset prior to the final CGI effects) finally gets to appear onscreen, portraying Gollum's former self, Sméagol. This disturbing scene serves as a potent reminder that the Ring seeks to corrupt even the well-intentioned Frodo (Elijah Wood), who is increasingly struggling with the dark power of the Ring himself. Thus, the film returns to the present, following Frodo, Sam (Sean Astin), and Gollum as they journey ever closer to the foreboding land of Mordor. They pass by the terrifying dark city of Minas Morgul, watching as the dreadful army of the Witch King sets out for the human strongholds in Gondor, and move on to the rocky stairs to Cirith Ungol, where an even darker enemy lies in wait. Meanwhile, the rest of the Fellowship reunites in Rohan, having defeated the wizard Saruman on two different fronts, at Helm's Deep and Isengard. They are not together for long, though, since the hobbit Pippin (Billy Boyd) gets into trouble, making it necessary for him and Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to hastily depart for Minas Tirith, capital of Gondor. Once there, they find the steward of Gondor, Denethor (John Noble), in an unstable mental state and the city preparing for battle against the amassing forces of Sauron. Denethor unwisely sends his only remaining son, Faramir (David Wenham), back into bloody battle to prove himself. He returns nearly dead, sending Denethor over the edge of sanity.In another realm, elf Arwen (Liv Tyler) begins her journey to immortal life in the Grey Havens, on her way to leave Middle-earth -- and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) -- forever, but has a vision that causes her to once again reconsider her decision. Back in Rohan, the men are preparing to ride to Gondor's aide. Éowyn (Miranda Otto) desperately wants to join the men in battle, but her uncle, King Théoden (Bernard Hill), orders her to stay and defend Rohan if necessary. The hobbit Merry (Dominic Monaghan) also desires to ride with the men, but is denied due to his small size and inexperience. Aragorn is met there by the elf Elrond (Hugo Weaving), who brings him the re-forged Sword that was Broken (in the ancient battle with Sauron) and urges him to take a different route to Gondor. Heeding Elrond's advice, Aragorn, along with elf Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and dwarf Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), takes a cavernous path through the mountains, where they meet ghoulish ghosts who betrayed Aragorn's ancestors and are doomed to eternal unrest unless they fulfill their broken oaths by aiding him. All but Frodo, Sam, and Gollum will meet on the massive battlefield of the Pelennor before the gates of Minas Tirith. The former three instead engage in a battle of wills between each other and the One Ring as they head toward the fires of Mount Doom to destroy it. Released in December 2003, The Return of the King topped even its massively successful trilogy predecessors at the box office, and went on to garner a whopping 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture -- winning in all the categories in which it was nominated and tying the record of total awards won with Ben-Hur and Titanic. ~ Dana Rowader, Rovi

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83% liked it

33,010,271 ratings

Critics

94% liked it

242 critics

PG-13, 3 hr. 21 min.

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Release Date: December 17, 2003

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DVD Release Date: May 25, 2004

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Stats: 2,044,851 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (2,044,851)

  • superclerk25
    March 19, 2012
    superclerk25
    Awesome.
  • CloudStrife84
    February 14, 2012
    CloudStrife84
    Greatest fantasy film ever made! Even if it isn't full-on perfect, I still regard it as a 4.9 out of 5. I'm a real sucker for the Lord of the Rings and fantasy in general, but this one is very special to me. Kudos to Peter Jackson for making such a triumphant and awe-inspiring ad... read moreaptation to screen. It really deserves its twelve Oscars. Love every second of it, from start to finish. One of the few full pointers I've ever given a movie, which is saying a lot.
  • spielberg00
    February 10, 2012
    spielberg00
    THE RETURN OF THE KING, as the finale, isn't as good as THE TWO TOWERS. It's very interesting, but the last half hour or so is totally unnecessary. Thank goodness, at least, it doesn't carry on endlessly like THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.
  • fb100002384654145
    January 14, 2012
    fb100002384654145
    A great conclusion to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The battle of Gondor is one of the most breath-taking battle sequences committed to film. This movie is the very definition of "epic".
  • wildaly14
    December 20, 2011
    wildaly14
    It was good. Visuals were great. But didn't deserve so many Oscars.
  • paulkoh110
    October 25, 2011
    paulkoh110
    Lets be serious...ITS LORD OF THE RINGS! How much more epic do we have to be!?! LORD OF THE RINGS! EPIC ORC BATTLE, VOLCANO FIGHT, MYTHICAL CREATURES! ITS LORD OF THE RINGS!
  • scottgreen96
    October 25, 2011
    scottgreen96
    Defined as one of the best, the best fight at the end, the best end of a trilogy and an all-round entertainer.
  • TomBowler
    September 17, 2011
    TomBowler
    And thus we reach the inevitable third instalment of one of the greatest trilogies ever made. Third instalments have a strange legacy. Barring a precious few, the third in a series is often the weakest link. Alien, Spiderman, even the Godfather, these series have a great original... read more, an equally amazing sequel and then an underwhelming threequel. Yes, that's a word. And after the mighty previous two in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, no one could have blamed cinemagoers for expecting the worst when buying their tickets for The Return of the King. But it takes all of 30 seconds to realise that tradition does not apply here.

    After embarking on his mission in the first film, Frodo is now closer than ever to his goal of destroying the One Ring in Mordor. His companion/life partner Sam and their guide Gollum are endeavouring to help him get there but Sam's suspicion of Gollum continues to grow. Gandalf takes Pippin to Gondor with a message for the steward and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli ride with Theoden to join forces with Gondor to fight Sauron's armies.

    By now the characters are well worn grooves for their actors and each of them fit into them perfectly. Even Elijah Wood whose character, despite being the principal, has the least to do dramatically, manages to maintain a fantastically restrained performance which, whilst lacklustre for the most part, fits his character to a tee. Other have more to do such as Viggo Mortensen whose character is struggling with the notion of becoming king and Sean Astin whose friend likes his new friend better than him. Despite initial disappointment about the double-act of Merry and Pippin being broken up, the separate journeys they each take allow their characters to find a new steel and reach new depths of emotion. The other double-act of the series is still alive and well, however, as Legolas and Gimli try to out-do each other in battle, drinking and general shenanigans. Ian McKellen stands out as always, showing that Gandalf may not have everything under control for the first time since Moria. All around the cast perform admirably, giving their all in every circumstance which adds to the immersive experience created by their director.

    Fans may have been worried that there was nowhere else for Peter Jackson to go. After covering the exquisite cinematography side in Fellowship and the sweeping epic side in Towers, what else was there to do? A lot, it seems, as Jackson pulls out all the stops to create an epic film which focusses as much on the intricacies of battle as it does on the grandeur of the surrounds. Every shot counts and every moment matters under Jackson's keen eye, whether its a slow motion montage or a terrifyingly tense encounter with a giant spider, Peter Jackson seems to have an instinctive feel for Tolkien's work in terms of mood and tone. He blends comedy with tragedy and tension with sentiment with a deft touch which makes you think that he wrote the thing himself.

    Howard Shore once again brings the thunder as he continues and expands his incredible score. It's hard to imagine the Battle of Pelennor Fields without his amazing soundtrack backing it up. In fact, some moments, such as Faramir's ill-fated attack, rest completely on the emotional stirrings of Mr. Shore and he comes through in spades.

    The screenplay is just as versatile as ever, weaving deftly between sentiment and comedy without becoming stagnant or unnecessary. The restraint of the screenplays has been a trademark of the entire series, resisting the urge to spell everything out for the audience, rather letting them figure it out for themselves. It steers well clear of becoming overly preachy as well, as a film with this sort of content can become as well as staying away from an overdose of fantastical phrases which could turn away the less fantasy inclined viewers.

    It's impossible to write this review without mentioning the source material. Tolkien's epic tale was written nearly fifty years ago yet it is still able to captivate readers to this very day. Adults and children alike have been captivated by its fantasy world and the mythology behind it and, most importantly, without it we would never have these amazing films.

    Defining Scene:
    The Rohirrim ride on Pelennor Fields. Gets me every time.

    Quotes:
    That still only counts as one!

    I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!

    Certainty of death, small chance of success... what are we waiting for?

    It must be getting near tea time, leastaways in decent places where there is still tea time.

    It's better if you don't speak at all Peregrin Took.

    I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of woes and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight!
  • DreamExtractor
    September 14, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is my second favorite fantasy film ever made (behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2), and is the best in the series, and is my 6th favorite film of all time. Return of the King broke all boundaries the year it came out, awards, ... read morebox office numbers, and critical reception, which were all univerally amazing. How anyone can not love LOTR is beyond me, unless they don't know a good film when they see it. Frodo (Elijah Woods) and Sam (Sean Astin) are nearing the land of Mordor led by the trechorous Gollum. Arragon (Viggo Morstein) and wizard Gandalf (Ian Mckellen) still fight the armies of Sauron trying to help Frodos path. But when Merry (Dominic Monoghan) discover that Sauron is creating a great army led by the most powerful Nazghul, they must save Saurons target of Minas Tirith and prepare for the greatest battle of our time, and in time to give Frodo his chance to destroy the ring once and for all. It was the single greatest achievment in the history of film, because it won 11 Oscars and deserved every one. The plot is maybe the greatest adaption ever made. The acting is amazing and possibly the best in the series, and I know not a lot of people are Frodo fans, but I think just being the bearer of the ring of power makes him badass, come on you can't tell me you didn't like Frodo a little bit. The effects are truly incredible, it is so well done and incredible and Peter Jackson is one of the masters when it comes to visual effects. The score is amazing in so many ways I cannot describe, and I think the true genius of the score is in the final hour of the film, just listen closely and you will hear this great score. Every aspect of a genius film is in this movie, one of my all time favorite films.
  • 3niR
    August 29, 2011
    3niR
    Last one was long but better than the rest.

View All The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Reviews

Critic Reviews

Andrea Gronvall
February 6, 2007
Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader

Standing out amid an excellent cast is Elijah Wood, stymied by tweeness in the earlier films but here convincingly developing the character of Frodo as the embodiment of valor and self-sacrifice. Full Review

Peter Travers
January 15, 2004
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Pops your eyes, excites your senses and brings you in as close as a whisper for scenes of startling emotion.

Anthony Lane
January 6, 2004
Anthony Lane, New Yorker

As I watched this film, an eager victim of its boundless will to astound, I found my loyal memories of the book beginning to fade.

Bill Muller
December 18, 2003
Bill Muller, Arizona Republic

Not only has Jackson boldly and faithfully brought J.R.R. Tolkien's world to life, he's created the most epic and sweeping fantasy adventure of all time. Full Review

Peter Howell
December 17, 2003
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Completes the picture, magnificently so, and all honour and praise are due the visionaries behind the project. Full Review

Roger Moore
December 17, 2003
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

The thrilling conclusion to what has become the film event of our time -- the definitive screen fantasy -- features more spellbinding moments, bigger battles, more emotion and more poetry than the ter... Full Review

Liam Lacey
December 17, 2003
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

A movie for our time, perhaps for all time, mostly a good time and definitely a long time. Full Review

Tom Long
December 17, 2003
Tom Long, Detroit News

It reminds you of the power of film like no other movie in memory.

Robert Denerstein
December 17, 2003
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News

I went along with the first and admired the second, but it wasn't until the third that I was swept away by the magnitude of Jackson's vision.

Lisa Kennedy
December 17, 2003
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

Confirms Jackson's reputation as a kinetic director who has made author J.R.R. Tolkien's work his own -- not as plagiarist but as a visionary. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Frodo Baggins: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
    • Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
    • Aragorn: You cannot give me this.
    • Arwen: It is mine to give to whom I will, like my heart.
    • Samwise Gamgee: Do you remember the Shire, Mr. Frodo? It'll be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields... and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?
    • Frodo Baggins: No, Sam. I can't recall the taste of food... nor the sound of water... nor the touch of grass. I'm... naked in the dark, with nothing, no veil... between me... and the wheel of fire! I can see him... with my waking eyes!
    • Samwise Gamgee: Then let us be rid of it... once and for all! Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!
    • Aragorn: I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of woes and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day. This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good Earth
    • Aragorn: Hold your ground! Hold your ground! Sons of rohan, my brothers. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. The day may come where the courage of men fails... when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day... an hour of wolves and shattered sheilds, when the age of men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand men of the west!
    • Aragorn: My dear friends... you bow to no one.
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Trivia

The Lord of the Rings: The Return... Trivia

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