The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim - Review
A great beginning - with so much potential for the existing fans and some new ones!
When fans of J.R.R. Tolkien hear the words "Middle-earth," they are transported to a world of epic battles, timeless heroism, and deep, intricate lore. It is a world that has captivated readers and moviegoers for decades, with Peter Jackson's cinematic adaptations elevating Tolkien's work to an entirely new plane of cultural significance. With The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, director Kenji Kamiyama seeks to take audiences back to Middle-earth, not through the traditional live-action format, but via a bold foray into anime.
This film focuses on an untold chapter in Rohan’s history, exploring the origins of Helm's Deep, the site of one of the most iconic battles in Jackson's trilogy. Through breathtaking landscapes, dramatic storytelling, and a valiant attempt at marrying anime artistry with Tolkien’s grandeur, The War of the Rohirrim offers a unique addition to the Middle-earth canon. However, its ambition is at times undermined by uneven execution, leaving audiences with a mixed but memorable experience.
A New Perspective on Middle-earth
Set nearly two centuries before the events of The Hobbit, the story of The War of the Rohirrim revolves around King Helm Hammerhand, one of Rohan’s most legendary figures, whose exploits have become a cornerstone of the kingdom’s mythology. The screenplay, penned by Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, draws from Tolkien's appendices to expand a brief mention of Helm’s life into a full-fledged narrative. The film also introduces an original character, Héra, Helm's daughter, whose presence adds a fresh, feminist perspective to the tale.
From the outset, the film immerses viewers in Rohan’s windswept plains and rugged mountains, capturing the pastoral beauty and harsh realities of life in the Riddermark. The narrative examines themes of duty, sacrifice, and familial bonds, resonating with the core ethos of Tolkien’s work. Héra’s journey, in particular, parallels the struggles of her descendant Éowyn, forging a connection between the past and future of Rohan.
Visual Storytelling: Beauty in Imperfection
Visually, The War of the Rohirrim is a fascinating experiment. The decision to adapt Tolkien’s world through anime was both bold and divisive, as it marks a departure from the visual realism of Jackson’s films. The animation, produced by Sola Entertainment, blends traditional 2D techniques with CGI enhancements. At its best, the artistry soars, evoking the grandeur of Tolkien’s landscapes and the kinetic energy of battle. Sweeping shots of Helm’s Deep and its surrounding terrain are particularly impressive, conjuring the majesty of Rohan while hinting at the fortress’s legendary future.
However, the animation is not without its flaws. Action sequences, which should be the film’s crowning glory, suffer from inconsistent frame rates and choppy movements. This is particularly noticeable in large-scale battle scenes, where the lack of fluidity detracts from the immersive experience. While some sequences echo the dynamism of Kamiyama’s work on Ghost in the Shell, others fall flat, feeling more akin to a mid-budget television anime than a cinematic epic.
Despite these shortcomings, the film’s visual design deserves praise for its attention to detail. The armor, weaponry, and architectural elements of Rohan are rendered with loving precision, paying homage to the cultural richness of Tolkien’s world. Fans will appreciate the visual continuity between this prequel and Jackson’s films, as the filmmakers have clearly drawn inspiration from the aesthetics of the original trilogy.
A Tale of Heroism and Tragedy
At the heart of The War of the Rohirrim lies the character of Helm Hammerhand, brought to life by the commanding voice of Brian Cox. Helm is a complex figure, embodying the virtues and flaws of a ruler under siege. Cox imbues the character with a gravitas that captures both his strength as a warrior and his vulnerability as a father and leader. Helm’s transformation into a near-mythical figure is portrayed with a mix of heroism and tragedy, echoing the Shakespearean overtones of Tolkien’s writing.
Héra, portrayed by Gaia Wise, emerges as the emotional core of the story. Her journey from rebellious daughter to resilient leader is both compelling and heartfelt, providing a modern perspective on Tolkien’s themes. Héra’s struggles to find her place in a male-dominated world mirror Éowyn’s famous declaration—“I am no man!”—creating a poignant link between the two characters.
The antagonist, Wulf (voiced by Luke Pasqualino), serves as a foil to Helm, driven by vengeance and ambition. While Pasqualino delivers a solid performance, Wulf’s character lacks the depth and nuance of Tolkien’s more iconic villains. His motivations, though grounded in the political turmoil of the era, come across as somewhat one-dimensional, preventing him from achieving the same gravitas as Sauron or Saruman.
Musical Resonance
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its score, which draws heavily from the musical legacy of Howard Shore. While the legendary composer did not return to score this prequel, the film’s music pays homage to his iconic themes, weaving familiar motifs into new compositions. This choice evokes a sense of nostalgia, grounding the anime firmly within the Middle-earth cinematic universe.
The use of leitmotifs associated with Rohan, such as the haunting yet triumphant tones of the horn of Helm Hammerhand, is particularly effective. These musical cues not only enhance the emotional resonance of key moments but also serve as a reminder of the enduring power of Tolkien’s world.
Balancing Innovation and Tradition
One of the most challenging aspects of creating a prequel like The War of the Rohirrim is finding the right balance between innovation and tradition. The film attempts to carve out its own identity while remaining faithful to the spirit of Tolkien’s work. In many ways, it succeeds. The focus on Rohan’s history offers a fresh perspective on Middle-earth, shedding light on a relatively unexplored era. The inclusion of Héra adds a layer of modernity to the narrative, appealing to contemporary audiences without straying too far from Tolkien’s ethos.
However, this balancing act also highlights the film’s limitations. The reliance on familiar tropes and motifs, while comforting, can feel derivative. Some viewers may find that the film leans too heavily on the legacy of Jackson’s trilogy, relying on nostalgia rather than forging a truly unique identity.
Reception: Dividing Fans and Critics
The reception to The War of the Rohirrim has been polarized. Fans of Middle-earth have praised the film for its ambition and its willingness to explore new facets of Tolkien’s universe. The focus on Rohan, a fan-favorite kingdom, has been particularly well-received, as has the film’s exploration of themes like family, duty, and resilience.
Critics, however, have been less forgiving. While some, like Polygon, commend the film for “revitalizing the legendary spirit” of Middle-earth, others, such as The Verge, have labeled it a “soulless return.” Much of the criticism centers on the film’s animation quality and its perceived lack of narrative depth. The decision to adapt Tolkien’s work into anime—a medium that thrives on visual storytelling—places immense pressure on the animation, making its flaws all the more glaring.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Despite its imperfections, The War of the Rohirrim represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Middle-earth adaptations. It demonstrates the versatility of Tolkien’s world, proving that his stories can resonate across different genres and formats. For longtime fans, the film offers a welcome return to a beloved universe. For newcomers, it serves as an accessible entry point into the rich lore of Middle-earth.
Looking ahead, the success of The War of the Rohirrim could pave the way for further explorations of Tolkien’s appendices. The histories of Gondor, Arnor, and Númenor are ripe for adaptation, offering countless opportunities to expand the Middle-earth cinematic universe. If the lessons learned from this film are applied—particularly in terms of animation quality and narrative depth—future projects could achieve even greater heights.
Conclusion
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is an ambitious and heartfelt addition to the Middle-earth saga. Its exploration of Rohan’s history, combined with its unique anime aesthetic, offers a fresh perspective on Tolkien’s world. While the film is not without its flaws, it succeeds in capturing the spirit of heroism, sacrifice, and legacy that defines Middle-earth.
For fans of Tolkien, the film is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of his stories. For the uninitiated, it serves as an invitation to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth. Though it may not achieve the cinematic perfection of Jackson’s trilogy, The War of the Rohirrim stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Tolkien’s vision.
I watched this with my 7 year old son and I was just as captivated as he was at the sights and scenes. Watching the towns come to the life and the names of some of our favorite characters being mentioned it would be crazy to say that they aren’t setting us up for some amazing moments here in the near future - where for at this moment, in the words of our fearless leader Gandalf, I shall pass…