Lord of the Rings - Gandalf vs Balrog [Entire Battle HD 1080p]
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2014
- The entire battle sequence between Gandalf and the Balrog from The Fellowship of the Ring, and The Two Towers. Uploaded in the highest quality possible. 1920 x 800 at 24fps.
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![The Hobbit (2014) - Clash of Immortals [4K]](/img/n.gif)
Fun fact, none of this is CGI, they actually hired a Balrog
He laughed in their faces when they asked, then he heard Howard Shores score and agreed
Yes, he's a new Zealand local actually...his real name was Oliver 😬👍
Oh wow. That was funny. And so original too! 🙄
@@jacobadam6804 Ok
Nice
I've seen people saying it's scientifically inaccurate for Gandalf to catch his sword falling at that speed, but an easier explanation for that would be that it's a movie and he's a fucking _wizard_
In the falling battle sequence, i have the impression that Glamdring "responds" to Gandalf, like a familiar, although nothing as such has ever been mentioned in the books. I feel it has a soul on its own, but very subtle, cryptical. Its not a dancing sword, its not alive, but i have the impression that it has a presence just like the One Ring has, but a benevolent one though.
Glamdring was spinning away before Gandalf reached it back, but not really tumbling around in a chaotic way. Gandalf didnt have to throw in hand forward in an effort to catch it; he just opened his hand at his hip and Glamdring positioned and seemed to perfectly clutch itself in his palm, at the right timing. Like it was saying "Oh hey mate, i was just waiting for you! Alright... theeere ya go... **Gets into Gandalf's hand** Right on! Now, let's kick some demonic ass".
Like i said, nothing confirms this in anyways, im inventing that but i dunno, i like to think of it this way :)
Also, questioning logic in a fantasy film.
Lmao morons
c") The rest of LOTR is scientifically accurate. No ? Please say it is so, I am shaking here...
Anytime you see something like that, a wizard did it.
Can we admit Gandalf fighting the Balrog while falling is one of the most epic scenes ever
@Luc Germain in my opinion?
Still good, not like what we got now.
Him catching up to his sword mid air and starting to swing made the entirely trilogy
@Luc Germain Because it's not CGI. This really happened
Source: Me. I was the cameraman.
Reminds me so much of battling Ridley in Metroid prime 3 while falling
AGREED.
I love how the Balrog's roar isnt that of an animal, but the roar of a blast furnace.
Its roar sounds like the layers of the Earth griding against itself, it's the sound of a volcano screaming.
It is an ancient demon I believe
Iirc in the making of they only used sound effects made from stones, rocks, gravel, and concrete for the Balrog.
@@RoseyCakess a foe beyond any of us?
From what I remember they drug slabs of concrete on concrete to record the base.
That deep, heavy rumbling.
Gandalf slays the balrog.
Gimli: That still only counts as one.
Funniest comment by far 🤣 🤣
Lol
😂😂
Good one!
And you still only count as half
In order to make the scene convincing Peter Jackson Made Ian fall in an actual pit while fighting an actual balrog. Respect
Lmao dude no just no lol
True dedication
method acting
The rumor about CGI being used is all lies. Hmph!
It sucks no other film director does this
Gandalf catching his sword and fighting the Balrog mid-air is probably one of the most epic and crazy action scenes of all time. Very under-appreciated for how well executed it is.
I've always wondered if Gandalf used some sort of magic to alter the swords fall so he could catch it or if it was just chance.
@@eyegnieesllAelven blades are light so they probably fall slower
@@eyegnieesllAmany swords in Tolkien's universe have been forged for a reason. And they seem to have their own "will" to complete the purpose they were built for.
Since Glamdring (Gandalf's sword) was a named sword notorious for killing Balrogs when Morgoth was around, it may very well be interpreted as the sword letting itself be caught by Gandalf as well.
Even the hissing it does while falling seems unnatural. It's almost as if crying "Wield me Gandalf! At long last, today we slay a Balrog once more!"
@@92edoyThe sword didn't hiss.
It sounded more like humming.
I always imagined this scene like " gandalf catches his staff first (because it's so light and falls slowly) and uses magic to pull his sword towards him."
4:22 they had no right making the sword sound this badass
I take it as a war-cry of vengeance for Gondolin.
This balrog may participated in the fall of Gondolin and Glamdring knows it and wants vengeance.
This sealed the Foe Hammer as the greatest weapon of all time, for me. Who better than the humble Olorin to wield it. My favorite fictional character of all time.
I'm told Christopher Lee informed them that's exactly what a sword falling down a deep chasm sounds like.
@@abdallahhafidh8733 every time I see this scene, I have that same thought. Glamdring is straight up SINGING here, going into glorious battle! Brings tears to my eyes!
@@venomdrenched”that’s not the sound a balrog makes when you stab them in the heart”
Gandalf: *defeats Balrog*
Gimli: that still only counts as one!
Here you go 🏆
XD
Revenge for all dwarves
Gandalf: sheeeit more like one thousand
@@United-Federation-of-Planets d
Gandalf: I just slew Durin's bane. You really going to insist it only counts as one?
Gimli (meekly): Noooo!
Gandalf falling: "Call an ambulance!"
*grabs sword*
Also Gandalf: "But not for me!"
Best comment I've seen in awhile!
Ohhh 😏
100/10
You got this from reddit
@@hunterjj1280 still funnier than you are
Amazing how you can see the dread in Legolas' eyes in 1:23. He, as an elf, is old enough to know what kind of threat a Balrog is
Only one elvish generation away from someone that fought balrogs.
He heard of the balrogs since he was a kid from the people that actually fought them, so yes, he knew the mission completely changed at that point, if it wasn't for Gandalf that would be another story entirely
I believe in the books that he is the one that actually points out what it is, not Gandalf who is more unsure actually if it is or isn't a Maiar.
Yes, I just finished reading that part. Gandalf sensed evil, but could not tell what it was. Legolas froze in place when he felt it coming, and he was the one to point out it was a balrog.
Was looking for this comment
I love how the camera very purposefully show us Legolas’s reaction to the Balrog. For movie enjoyers it shows that even the stoic and wise elf is beyond terrified. For Book readers and nerds its basically Peter Jackson and his crew acknowledging they did their homework of the lore and knew Legolas would have DEF heard about the Balrogs from the elves around him who survived the first age
And while Gimli was the first Dwarf to learn WHAT Durin's Bane was, he realized that this horror had to be it.
i love how everyones confused except legolas whos in sheer terror
I think because he's been around for the longest among the fellowship, apart from Gandalf of course. He knows exactly what Gandalf is talking about.
@@Mojo842 He does, all Elves would know of the Balrogs, even if they were not alive at the time they were at war with them and other dark forces
I think even Gimli would be aware of what the Balrog is, since it is also known as Durin's Bane...
Out of all the members of the fellowship they show Legolas when Gandalf explains what is coming.. And for the first time you can see pure FEAR in Legolas eyes.. He have heard the stories, he may even have talked to and elf or two who remembered fighting Morgoth and his servants.
In short you can say that Legolas has a true "OH SHIT!!"-moment there..
And yes, the Dwarfs have many stories and know how to tell them like few others, but there are no dwarces who were alive anywhere close to the Age we are talking about.. The Elves however have lifespans that permit them to bring the memories to life far after all other races only have legends of the events.
You know you’re screwed when Legolas is panicking
“I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountain side” is the most hardcore shit anybody has ever said in a movie lol
Its a nice waying of saying he threw his body down like trash.
And only Sir Ian McKellen could've delivered the line with such gravitas.
Love it
@@TJSaw Damn right.
How about "Go back to the Shadow!"?
To this day, the "you shall not pass" scene still remains as spectacular and iconic as ever, and no one could have ever pulled off that delivery of this line as perfect as Sir Ian Mckellen. Absolutely perfect scene.
It's great lines for him. 'I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Arnor. Dark fire shall not avail you, flame of Udun. Go back to the Shadow...' Straight from the scene in the novel more or less.
Can you imagine if Sean Connery was actually cast as Gandalf? (Peter Jackson's first choice for the role)
@@renehenckens The name's Dalf. Gandalf.
Tolkien actually had Gandalf say "You CANNOT pass". It was said moreover with great authority but not shouted as McKellen does here, but then Jackson was always incapable of subtlety
After Gandalf commanded, “You shall not pass” to the Balrog, teachers had some fun with students. On a separate note, I named my car “Gandalf the Grey.” My car color is obvious.
This scene is the only time I’ve seen Legolas genuinely afraid in the whole series. And Gandalf’s sorrow and acceptance of doom, perfect acting!
Legolas knows exactly what a Balrog is and how screwed they are.
@@TheEquus92
*Legolas:* Ai! Ai! A Balrog! A Balrog is come!
*Gimli:* Durin's Bane!
The Balrog is akin to a Fallen Angel, being only slightly weaker than Sauron, basically if you aren't a Wizard or someone of equal power to Sauron you don't fight a Balrog, you just die.
@@thefanwithoutaface8105
Even if you do defeat the Balrog, you die. Look at Glorfindel, Ecthelion, and Olórin.
Pminvto!
I always loved that the Balrog's roar didn't sound beastial. It just sounded like a roaring inferno.
um barulho seco e assustador kk
WELL 1 IT SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE A MALE LION SO YOUR JUST ABSOLUTELY WRONG!
AND 2 THEY ACTUALLY USED A LIONS ROAR SO YOUR EXTREMELY EXTREMELY WRONG LMFAO!!!
@@danielwhittaker695 Some perfect Dunning Kruger there. And all in caps too.
Didn't they use sounds from a volcano for that?
@@danielwhittaker695 They dragged a brick across a wooden floor and edited it. They did not use a lion roar
It’s fitting that Gandalf slew the Balrog with the sword “Glamdring the Foehammer”. Since it was the sword of the king of Gondolin, and this Balrog took part in the sack of Gondolin. It’s like the sword itself took its revenge on its ancient enemy.
Turgon of Gondolin?
Great vengeance it was.
Plus didn't that king kill a Balrog himself (Specifically the Lord of Balrogs)
James Burgess no that was ecthelion of the fountain that killed gothmog. Turgon died when the Gondolin tower collapsed on him.
Nicely said. These weapons were more than just steel.
When the balrog first roared at 2:13 in the cinema, the whole room shook. It was awesome. I'd love to see the LOTR series make a comeback to theatres. It was a really awesome moment.
That will never happen, too many white men, Christian values…all the ‘wrong’ things they wouldn’t dare risk showing to children
They are showing it in Vue cinemas in England now for its anniversary. Extended versions aswell!
Making the Balrog's roar sound like a roaring fire instead of just a typical monster roar was genius on the sound designer's part
This movie is timeless. No sex scenes, no vulgarity no excessive blood yet it still one a trophy room worth of awards. Take notes movie makers!
@@brainrich1358 exactly! It sounds like something burning VERY violently rather than a big monster or demon with vocal cords. I remember when it happened in the cinema and was like okay okayy this is something new and awesome.
5:09, as they fall into the water:
In Dwarvish the chorus chants: "To the End, Servant of Fire, For you must Fight....... To the End".
Goddamn that is so fucking epic
Props to the camera man jumping after Gandalf and the Balrog so he can film the fight from the best angle!
"guys, the cap was on, we need to repeat this"---walks back through fucking miles of moria xD
😂😂😂😂
@@alucardzutain6062 the climb was a pain, but you gotta love that Union rate overtime.
LOL DUDE 😂😂😂😂
He fought the devil in hell and returned: gandalf the grey
*"A Balrog. A demon of the Ancient World. This foe is beyond any of you...RUN"!!!!*
Chills. The delivery of this line is epic.
I can’t think of a single line Sir Ian delivered that didn’t go hard as fuck lol
"...beyond any of you..."
But not to good 'ol Gandalf as I'm about to show y'all
0:50 to 1:30 ... 40 seconds of just standing there when he knew what it was the moment of the first deep demonic growl.
Thats 40 seconds they could have put on the Balrog and safely crossed that bridge.
In these days movies Balrog would have been defeated by struggeling to get the pronouns of the feminists right.
@@MrNoamCh0mskywow thats cringey. you work in a troll factory ? You need a demotion.
I like gandalf's approach to this fight it wasn't a fight that he wanted, and he did everything he could to avoid it, but accepted the fight as soon as he knew their was no retreat.
That's something that's very important in Tolkien's work in general, and I'm glad it was preserved in the film adaptation here. Tolkien's characters don't *seek out* battle as something good or to be sought after for its own sake. They fight reluctantly, only when they know they have to, and while they don't shy away from it when it *is* necessary, they don't revel in the destruction or prolong it unnecessarily. His characters are mature enough to realize and understand the actual horror of war and that it is something to be *avoided* if one can, and even if that isn't always an option it is something to be ended as soon as possible.
Gandalf isn't setting out to fight the balrog because it'd be awesome, he is *forced* to fight the balrog to allow the fellowship to escape. The free peoples don't *want* to fight Sauron, they just know they *have* to. And whenever the characters can, they show mercy even to their defeated foes, seeking to *break* the cycle of war instead of perpetuate it. Gandalf gives Saruman multiple chances to repent. The dunlendings Saruman duped into attacking Rohan are allowed to return to their lands. The host of the west accepts surrenders after Sauron's fall. Aragorn gives the southlands of Mordor to Sauron's former subjects. Frodo makes sure that the ruffians in the Shire who surrendered are merely shown the borders rather than killed. At the very end on the steps of Bag End, Frodo gives both Saruman and Wormtongue one last chance to repent.
One can see in this Tolkien's own experience with war in WWI. He fought in the battle of the Somme and came home from the war exhausted and sick in mind and body. Many of his closest friends did not come home at all. He knew the actual horrors of war that hide behind the sanitized news stories and propaganda. It's something that's missing from all too many stories that treat war as something glorious.
Yes, he knew immediately that it was his tasks to face the balrog, concious of that he might be the only one at that era with the authority on power to put a stop to the balrog, maybe Elrond and Galadriel were up to the task as well, not only their mission were going to fail, that balrog was going to destroy and cause inmense destruction to great part of the people on that era for sure, plus was going to be on the side of Sauron most probably, he had to put a stop and he could put a stop on it, he started to get ready since the orcs flew, he needed all his power and connection with the creator in order to end the Balrog of Moria, that was an important battle right there for the world
Gandalf was a humble Maiar. He doesn't like to show off even if he knows what he is capable off. He knew he was the only one that can stand toe to toe against a fallen maiar and he does it without being so blunt with his companions. No elf nor man could have block that first initial blow from the balrog.
@@muonneutrino2507 couldn't Gandalf just break the bridge and run away with the others? Without waiting to face the Balrog and trade blows first? There was no other bridge over this chasm (it was a dwarven defense plan).
I guess it's a bit like saying the Eagles could carry Frodo and the Ring and drop them into the Volcano. It's silly and wouldn't be an Epic story then.
Maybe Gandalf didn't even think about breaking the bridge like that. Until he did.
5:10 this shot still gives me chills, the sheer size of the cavern they're in.
Totally agree; when I saw this particular moment in the cinema, aged 19, I remember thinking to myself "This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen in at the movies!" The glow as they fall from the cave ceiling, and how the bass dropped away and the choir came in! So incredible!
Me to..I love the scope of how big the cavern really is,,the music, the shot itself, everything was so cool and perfect.
One of all my all time favorite shots. Just so epic and awesome. Would make an excellent painting.
Was about to say, to this day it’s one of the most coolest, if not the coolest, shots in these series.
I always wondered what other caverns and deep places there might be in middle earth, and what sort of horrible beasts might live there
My late grandfather was one of those ancient legends of geekdom who was highly educated and well-versed in literature, already an adult when the LotR books came out, and he loved the books so much that til the day he died, he was worldbuilding and inventing languages of his own in his mini library at home. I remember attempting to grind my small-vocabularied mind through the Silmarillion at 11 years old, just to try and impress him. He was the uber-LotR nerd.
Grandpa was so curmudgeonly about all movies being stupid and a waste of time that he literally _never_ watched them. But... when the Fellowship of the Ring came out... we all managed to drag him to the theater _just this once._
He went in making sure we all knew he expected the worst. Who wouldn't be worried that this enormous chunk of his identity and nostalgic soul would be trampled on by Big Hollywood idiots with no care for what The Lord of the Rings truly _means_ to the world of literature and high fantasy? And of course, he left the theater running off the full list of inaccuracies, changes, omissions, etc. But when we asked him if he regretted it... he said no. And that was huge.
When The Two Towers came out... he joined us again. And once more with Return of the King. I won't lie or be melodramatic and say I saw him shed a tear during the final end credits, or anything like that... I'll just say that in the early 2000s, one old man chose to get up from his armchair and go to the theater 3 times in his entire adult life... and it was to see these movies. And to me, that is magical.
Thanks so much for sharing this
Daniel Morris indeed it is. I suppose that’s all one can ask for between the relationship of an Author and his or her reader.🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this [2]
Amazing story man, I hope your grandpa was happy
@@donaldpack402 In general he wasn't a very happy guy... but he found peace in fantasy literature (and watching his college football team). Any way to connect with him was worth it, so I'm glad our interests aligned on something as special as LotR... I was happy watching them, so I like to think he was too.
This trilogy is a fucking masterpiece
Its not that great...
+Keddie Vobaine
You shut the fuck up
joshua cuentas Did I hurt your feelings? 😥😥
+Keddie Vobaine
I'm sorry dude I shouldn't have said that. This movie was my childhood back in my day again sorry.
joshua cuentas k
Gimli's little "Gandalf" is so lovely, and so in keeping with the books. In the movies he mostly winds up the comic relief (which is fine, adaptations are adaptations, and I get why they chose that direction). But he's a sensitive, poetic soul, and it's on full display here. He's clearly overwhelmed with love and awe and joy and relief. See also his scene with Legolas after Lothlorien - there's a reason Galadriel gave him three locks of her hair. He's more than worthy.
The dwarves may have been Eru's stepchildren, but they're as worthy as anyone else. Stubborn but loyal to a fault. Grumpy but deeply loving.
We get more of his sensitive and poetic side in the Bakshi adaptation. I love the moment after they see the tablet commemorating the dwarves lost to Moria, he just quietly walks away with his head down. It's a great little moment for his character and how he keeps a calm yet heartbroken temperament.
It's beautiful how faithfully this was adapted from the source material. You can feel the respect for the story from everyone involved in these movies. Something that has sadly become very rare in recent years.
I agree to a point. The scene in the book is different. Note Gandalf never says "You shall not pass" in the book and Gandalf's staff broke when he broke the bridge:
“The Balrog reached the bridge. Gandalf stood in the middle of the span, leaning on the staff in his left hand, but in his other hand Glamdring gleamed, cold and white. His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings. It raised the whip, and the thongs whined and cracked. Fire came from its nostrils. But Gandalf stood firm.
'You cannot pass,' he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. 'I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass.'
The Balrog made no answer. The fire in it seemed to die, but the darkness grew. It stepped forward slowly onto the bridge, and suddenly it drew itself up to a great height, and its wings were spread from wall to wall; but still Gandalf could be seen, glimmering in the gloom; he seemed small, and altogether alone: grey and bent, like a wizened tree before the onset of a storm.
From out of the shadow a red sword leaped flaming.
Glamdring glittered white in answer.
There was a ringing clash and a stab of white fire. The Balrog fell back and its sword flew up in molten fragments. The wizard swayed on the bridge, stepped back a pace, and then again stood still.
'You cannot pass!' he said.
With a bound the Balrog leaped full upon the bridge. Its whip whirled and hissed.
'He cannot stand alone!' cried Aragorn suddenly and ran back along the bridge. 'Elendil!' he shouted. 'I am with you, Gandalf!'
'Gondor!' cried Boromir and leaped after him.
At that moment Gandalf lifted his staff, and crying aloud he smote the bridge before him. The staff broke asunder and fell from his hand. A blinding sheet of white flame sprang up. The bridge cracked. Right at the Balrog's feet it broke, and the stone upon which it stood crashed into the gulf, while the rest remained, poised, quivering like a tongue of rock thrust out into emptiness.
With a terrible cry the Balrog fell forward, and its shadow plunged down and vanished. But even as it fell it swung its whip, and the thongs lashed and curled about the wizard's knees, dragging him to the brink. He staggered and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss. 'Fly, you fools!' he cried, and was gone.”
@@worldsails2000 While the scene was not adapted one-to-one, I feel that what creative liberties were taken did serve to make the scene "more epic", even if it was a little less poetic. Stuff like that I'm okay with, as it is a movie after all, and I feel that in the important parts, it was faithful to the source material, especially when compared to the piles of rubbish that we get these days.
@@worldsails2000 a good adaption shouldn't just take absolutely everything from the book 100% accurately. That's a really really stupid idea. Literature and cinema are two different mediums. They have to be treated differently. The scene worked better like it did in the film, they changed the things they did for good reason.
Book purists like you are insufferable. Such a petty and insignificant detail. God. You people are sheep and it's annoying. Christopher Tolkien didnt like it (valid, it's his father's work and he's invested in his father's work, that's fine) and it seems like his word is immutable law or something with you book purists that have some vendetta against these movies. To take such a TINY and insignificant detail and dare to say it's not "faithful" when if you bothered to read what you just wrote and compare it to what happened in the scene...you absolutely have no right to say it isn't "faithful". My god. One tiny thing was omitted...it's almost as if you need to change some things to make it more palatable when taking written word and putting it into visual media. The NERVE of the cast and crew for having the audacity not to have Gandalf' staff shatter. Worthless movie, honestly...right?@@worldsails2000
this wasn't faithful at all lmao, and LOTR film writers said their version was better.. talk about disrespecting the books. Would it be better if adapted word for word? Maybe, maybe not. Neither stupid nor less epic. But let's not say this was faithful: goblins never swarm the fellowship, no one knows (much less Saruman) what Durin's Bane truly is until they finally see a humanoid figure sprint towards them. Not a 40ft Diablo looking monster either, that somehow pops out of the floor. The bridge itself and then the fall were great. Adding another layer of horror with the nameless things and the slimy Balrog would've been top notch.
You know that a movie is good when, after 21 years, it still can get people to have goosebumps watching it.
2:32 I have goosebumps
And it's cgi is so much better than most 20 years later
I know right. I have watched the trilogy 50+ times. xD
21 years ? Great !
goosebumps? I m fucking crying right there
Gandalf reached Level 50
Skill unlocked: clean clothes
And a new staff
You win the internet
lmao
Immunity to dirt
Nokle dude this is fantasy time not a future time
Probably my favorite depiction of any demon in film. No excessive detail, just a smoldering and smoky mass of stone and fire, and no voice, only the sound of the inferno within exhausting through its stone-gullet.
Always loved the face of Legolas showing such utter fear at Gandalf saying it was a Balrog. If I remember right he is too young to have witnessed one before this scene but as an elf he would have heard all the stories and legends about how terrifying and dangerous they are. The rest of the fellowship have no idea what a Balrog is so only have a slight fear compared to Legolas and Gandalf.
Oddly, Legolas’s reaction is my favorite part of this scene. It really adds to the “oh shit” feeling.
The only time he shows fear in the whole trilogy
It's like Gandalf got so many experience points defeating the Balrog so he leveled up to Gandalf the white.
Gandalf the Grey uses lightning sword. It's super-effective!
Balrog fainted!
What's this? Gandalf the Grey is evolving!
... ... ...
Your Gandalf the Grey has evolved into Gandalf the White!
Congratulations your Gandalf the grey has evolved into Gandalf the white
Multiclassed to cleric.
@Fluff Your Garfield Olorin did not die. He just lost consciousness as he was evolving into White Olorin.
@@manictiger Gandalf the White is trying to learn Holy, but Gandalf the White already knows 4 moves. Should a move be forgotten to make space for Holy?
This movie is almost 20 years old and the Balrog looks more real than some CGI villains from modern film
Ikr, the scary part about this is tha the movie came out in 2001 but they started filming and doing set in 1999
It's all about the time,effort,quality and hard work. So that's why the effects still hold up 20 years later.Jurassic Park is almost 30 years old and Terminator 2 IS 30 years old as of this year and they STILL hold up to this day!
@@JR-ju3kj To be fair, Jurassic Park used an absolute fuck ton of practical effects that were then hybridized with just *some* CGI. The raptors in the kitchen scene for example, those are actual people in specially designed suits that were then touched up with CGI. The T-Rex was almost entirely an animatronic except for perhaps the chase scene and the T-Rex vs raptor scene. In fact I think the only full CGI dinosaurs in the entire movie are the brachiosauruses at the very beginning.
@@ChicoDusty oh piss off. The CGI in avengers is fine
@@digiquo8143 when they lift up and fall back down after getting some leaves I could almost feel that.
5:11 is one of the coolest and most beautiful shots I’ve seen in cinema. There’s something so awesome in how it looks like a fireball or a meteor falling. Every time the I rewatch the trilogy it gets better - truly ahead of its time
How fitting that Gandalf's sword, Glamdring, was forged in the Hidden City of Gondolin many ages past for King Turgon, one of the sons of Finwë, and had already been wielded against Balrogs when that city fell. Perhaps even Durin's Bane itself was present for that battle. Gandalf slaying Durin's Bane is all the more meaningful if you think of how many ancient battles in Beleriand that it probably participated in, which are now avenged.
Fun fact Turgon is the great grandfather of Elrond
May the fea of the elves, men and dwarves that fell at the hands of the Balrog now rest in peace with its vanquishing
As Gandolf is falling and reaches for the sword, you can hear the sword "singing" as it cuts through the air, wanting revenge.
Valar: "So what happened?" Gandalf: "Sauron has reemerged, Saruman has betrayed us and joined him, and a hobbit is taking the one ring to Mordor to be destroyed." Valar: "How did you die?" Gandalf: "Oh I fought and killed a Balrog." Valar: "You're promoted."
Technically it was Eru who did that, rather than the Valar.
@@suchiuomizu This is true.
Yes, Eru personally intervened. And if I am not mistaken, since the Ainulindale, Eru intervened in the affairs of Arda on two occasions. The first being the Changing of the World, and the second being the resurrection of Gandalf.
I seriously, and gladly, admit that Tolkien fans are some of the most knowledgeable, and generally politest commentators on the whole of the internet. This thread is so different than many. And yes ... I did see Tolkien's writing desk at my daughter's college. The wardrobe that C.S. Lewis played in as a child as well.
@@grandpatzer and a possible third time, when he made Gollum slip into the crack of doom with the Ring, leading to its destruction
Legolas' face whenever Gandalf says "Balrog". He has to have known how many great elves have died in battle with Balrogs throughout history.
It's interesting to note that, of all the Fellowship, Legolas is probably the only one with an inkling of what's actually going on with this battle. He knows the power of Elves, and has heard of Balrogs, and he knows somewhat that the Wizards are more than they seem...but even he probably doesn't understand the sheer gravity of willpower and magical contest underlying what looks like just flashy swords and light and shadow. To the others this probably just looks like an old man against a monster, but Legolas knows there's more at play even if he doesn't know what it is.
His ol man would know...
True. I think in the book it's Legolas that mentions it's a Balrog. Nevertheless, these 3 movies were awesome when they first came out and still are too.
@@Macebigi No. Legolas says it first, "Ai, ai, a Balrog", followed by Gimli calling it "Durin's Bane". Then Gandalf says that now he understands what it is.
@@Solais1019 i believe legolas predates the wizards by at least 900 years or so, maybe a few thousand more. important to note these are human years, not valar years. we see his grandfather is present in the second age. his birth isn't recorded, as is usual of elves only born in the first age, but i take the evidence of his grandfather appearing in a battle and not him as evidence he was yet to be. Plus his father and Elrond were born at roughly the same time so I put their children within a few thousand years of each other in my headcannon
I think a lot of people don’t know how much lore, symbolism and even character development there is in Gandalf’s speech. Let’s break it down:
”I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Arnor.”
The Secret Fire is another name for the Flame Imperishable: The omnipotent power of creation, which was placed in the heart of Ea by the supreme deity Eru Illuvatar. The Flame Imperishable is a power that can only be used by Eru Illuvatar himself and no one else. This is shown when the Valar Aule creates the Dwarves. When Aule first creates the Dwarves, they lack free will and independent thought, because they were not created with the Flame Imperishable. It is only after Eru grants them the Flame Imperishable that they become capable of such. As such, when Gandalf calls himself a servant to the Flame Imperishable, he means that he is a champion of the omnipotent supreme being of Eru Illuvatar himself.
Gandalf being the wielder of the flame of Anor, however, is not just a declaration of strength. It is mainly a threat meant to intimidate the Balrog. The flame of Anor is not a power like the Flame Imperishable, it’s actually just a word. The word ’Anor’ is the Sindarin word for ’Sun’, therefore the ’flame of Anor’ is actually the ’flame of the sun’. This holds great significance, because after the sun was created from the last fruit of the Two Trees of Valinor, Morgoth would come to have an eternal fear of the Sun and would forever be terrified of the Maiar Arien, who controlled it. He was so afraid of the sun, in fact, that he would even imprint that fear onto each and every single one of his corrupted creations. That’s why the Orcs don’t move in the sunlight and why the Balrog dwells underground, because they have the same fear of the sun that Morgoth had. As such, Gandalf being the ’wielder of the flame of Anor’ is an extremely great threat to the Balrog.
”The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udun!”
The Flame of Udun, similar to the ‘Flame of Anor’, has a different meaning in Sindarin. Udun is a less commonly used name for Utumno, the first fortress of Morgoth and the place where the Umaiar were first transformed into the Balrogs. Not only that, but the words Udun and Utumno both mean dark hell, underground or dark pit. As such, Gandalf refers to not just the Balrog’s birthplace, but also refers to his dark and corrupted nature.
As for the rest of it; here, the contrast between the Balrog and Gandalf is made clear. Gandalf is the Maiar Olorin, a direct servant of the King of the Valar himself, who
travelled to Middle-Earth and became one of the five Istari at the behest of Manwe, despite actually not wanting to go because he feared Sauron. He remained true to his duty and did as Eru Illuvatar willed. Meanwhile, the Balrog is an Umaiar - one of the Maiar corrupted by Melkor - who betrayed the Ainur and turned his back on the will of Eru Illuvatar. He wields the malevolent dark fire of Morgoth, the polar opposite to Gandalf, who wields the benevolent fire of the sun. Here, Gandalf is telling Durin’s Bane that the dark fire cannot help the Balrog defeat him, because Gandalf - since he never fell to the corruption of Melkor and did as he was asked by the Valar, despite being afraid of Sauron - remained true to his purpose as a servant of the Secret Fire and wielder of the Flame of Anor. Therefore, the Flame of Udun is ultimately no match for him, as Gandalf will inevitably prevail in the end, either by defeating the Balrog or by having fulfilled his duty to Eru Illuvatar and returned to his creators side after giving his life to protect the Fellowship - which the Balrog will never be able to do after his death.
This battle is one of the most epic battles of the Tolkien legendarium. It is a battle between light and darkness, between good and evil, between the faithful and the treacherous. It is a battle for the ages between two of the most powerful beings in Middle-Earth; two divine beings who sang the world into existence alongside each other during the Ainulindale, two ancient beings beings who bore witness to the entire history of Ea itself, two opposing beings who likely previously faced each other in battle during the War of Wrath.
This battle perfectly symbolizes everything that the Tolkien legendarium is all about. It carries the same weight as Glorfindel’s own battle with a Balrog, as Fingolfin’s battle with Morgoth himself. It holds the same themes of sacrifice, of hope fighting back in the face of fear, of legends battling one another and good triumphing over evil.
That, my friend, is an absolutely incredible explanation of what’s going on in this scene, and the way you’ve explained it is fantastic. Credit to Peter Jackson who has directed as if he wanted all of the nuances of what Tolkien has created to be available in this scene. Still gives me goosebumps every time I watch it! My son is 5 at the moment, and I am counting down the years waiting to get him reading the books and then show him the films so he can immerse himself in this world as well!
I read allat
well said, should have mentioned that they fought for 10 days and night shaking the depths of the earth
Wow man, thanks for explaining this. It makes me appreciate this great scene more and makes me want to try to read the books again. Thanks again good sir.
tremendous explanation
4:23 till this day, that blade sound effect slicing the wind is still so epic to me 5:12 and this shot is just... wow
"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You
cannot pass! The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to
the Shadow! You shall not pass!"
Gandalf is making three very specific references as both warning and
challenge to the Balrog. By identifying himself as a servant of the
secret fire (or Flame imperishable), Gandalf is identifying himself as a
Maia, an embodied angelic servant of the Valar protecting the light of
Creation that Eru Iluvatar (or God) has set to burn at the centre of
Arda (Earth).
Wielder of the flame of Anor is a reference to his ability to draw on
the power of the sun possibly through the Ring of Fire Narya but maybe
also through his own divine origins.
Finally as he refers to the Balrog as the Flame of Udun, he informs
the Balrog that he knows it to be a corrupted Maia in the service of
Morgoth from the earliest time when he resided as Melkor in his dark
fortress of Utumno broken by the Valar at the awakening of the Elves. He
orders it to retreat (go back to the shadows) or face the consequences
of divine conflict and final judgement before the Vala Mandos, the fate
of all slain creatures.
Caleb Smith awesome thanks for that
welding the ring Narya is probably the reason why he was immune to Balrog fire attack.
Caleb Smith So you seem pretty knowledgeable when it comes to LOTR. Outside of the original books, what would you say is the best way to learn the majority of the lore?
The wiki page is great, lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
You can find a great deal of this info in the Silmarillion, which covers the creation through the Second Age and parts of the Third Age concerning the rings of power.
"This foe is beyond any of you."
In other words, they're too low level to fight it.
+Ranatosk You have to be like lvl 45 to enter Moria. Lotro players out there can confirm that?
Laurentius Majestein
i was thinking about D&D rules, but i guess that applies too.
+Ranatosk Gandalf THE GREY is a lv 15, Gimli Aragorn and Legolas are at lv 10. Boromir is a lv 8 and the Hobbits are lv 3.
Balrog is lv 15. That's why Gandalf said that XD
1504Shawn
Nah, he and the Balrog would probably be Epic Level (lvl 20)
***** No, lv 20 is god like, at Valar level, Gandalf and Balrog are Maiar (Celestial beings but weaker than Valar). And in the LotR, everything that is corrupted is weaker. So Balrog would be at 15 and Gandalf the WHITE would be at 20. Valars and Ancalagon would be around 22 to 24. And Morgoth at lv 25
It is only mentioned in the films, but Gandalf fights that Balrog for days and many times the Balrog just tries to escape from him, but Gandalf is determined to bring an end to this threat to middle earth.
What a gigachad
Ah, the old conspiracy, Galdalf scare away his teammate, so he can take all the exp for himself, gain max level, plus some end-game loot and a pet
Woooow, Gandalf you glory hog.
You learn to create your own satisfaction other than xp when you play support.
*are you sure you want to leave your clan?*
What pet?
@@mammontustado9680 a white horse mate
- *"Swords are no use here."*
- (Starts stabbing the sh*t out of the balrog with a sword)
Butt he uses a thunder sword! .-)
He might be referring to their swords because gandalf's is a first age sword the same things that were used against Balrogs and dragons.
Glamdring is no ordinary blade! >83
@@Th3ba1r0n then he should have given it to Aragorn
@@StudioMod aragon would have stood absolutely no chance against a balrog
4:22 still gives me chills to this day, the way he catches the sword as hes falling is so badass
Damn I forgot how amazing these movies are, the music score, the camera work/angles, the acting. It's insane this movie is 20 years old and holds up so well.
It is the greatest movie trilogy ever made and will probabaly never be topped in our life time.
Gandalf falling into the abyss while fighting the Balrog has to be one of the most epic scenes in cinema to this day.
It is mine friend.
@@richmondlandersenfells2238 Heh... and they call it a mine.
A MINE.
@@DirtyDingo419 well if I was a dwarf, everything is MINE!
When I saw this in the theatre I was totally blown away
Totally agreed. My number one beginning of any movie today. Little old man, fighting and destroying a 50 foot fire demon.
Fun fact the sword glamdring gandalf uses is also the sword of a legendary elven king of the first age Name Turgon who also fought many balrogs in his times during the fall of gondolin the sword's body language is enchanting a battle cry for the revenge of it's former master
"I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountain side" Most badass line ever.
Pretty close to the exact line from the book too
Untill At last.
said in a J peterman style from Seinfeld
What I wanna know is how exactly did these two fight their way from the bottom of a pit on to the mountain top...
The Balrog knew of an ancient staircase from the very bottom to the the very top and Gandalf followed him up@@sudanemamimikiki1527
"This foe is beyond any of you."
That is the moment that the audience and the Fellowship realized just how fucked the situation was. If Gandalf was scared, they really should be.
He wasn't scared he just knew that the only being present that could stand up to a Balrog is himself because they are on more or less even footing.
@@Feril1 I assure you that he definitely talks about how he was scared of the Balrog in the book. When it starts countering his locking spell on a door, he has a overwhelming sensation of dread.
Not just the line, but the way gandalf is concentrating stating at the ground and his weary look as he looks up... INCREDIBLE. Cinema and acting at its finest
@@Feril1 I think he was scared, but he had the courage to face that fear. That's the whole theme of the story, good people standing up to overwhelming terror and overcoming it
@@theprinceofthebadlands5204 The balrogs and Gandalf are the same sorts of beings. They are maiar, so is Sauron. Gandalf is even of the same "tribe" as the balrogs in that he has an affinity to fire. The balrogs were corrupted by Morgoth which may have made them more powerful than they were to begin with. But the maiar varied in power individually so Gandalf truly had no way to know how powerful this balrog was at the start. Gandalf was also very limited in his "human" form. He was supposed to inspire and guide not act. Clearly at some point the valar let him go full power once he was fighting another maiar that wasn't Sauron and he was able to defeat the balrog with the aid of the Narya.
No amount of oscars can merit the performance of Sir Ian Murray McKellen as gandalf, the way he delivered each lines give me chills down my spine every time
"Moria. You fear to go into those mines. The dwarves delved too greedily and too deep. You know what they awoke in the darkness of Khazad-dûm: Shadow and Flame." Christopher Lee's delivery was perfect.
Imagine how terrifying Morgoth’s Army must’ve been composed of orcs, balrogs,and dragons.
Real dragons, not the pale shades of what they would become with Smaug.
Glarung, who's whelping form was almost enough to turn the tide of his first battle and Ancalagon the Black, so large that his death fall leveled 3 mountain peaks.
Ancient Elves were made of badassery.
@@Looshmal to be honest Smaug was the only thing well done in the Hobbit. And dragons deminished in size after Morgoth soo
What about Ungoliant almost devouring Morgoth
Think of how brave the armies of old were that they had to fight these things without a thought of retreat
Terrifying enough that the mere mention of "and there were Balrogs" is equal to "Well, everyone is dead lol."
That Balrog fight for opening "The Two Towers" is one of the best best movie intros of all time. Still get goosebumps after years.
Fully agreed
ill never forget seeing this in theatres it was the most memorable scene ive ever seen in my life
Goosebumps? I get freakin' tears. I remember as a kid, jumping up and down in my seat when this came out in the theaters shouting "Go Gandalf!!"
Absolutely! Without question! One of the most amazing things I've ever seen on film!
boozin12 Which scene? I can't remember
I love how we see little glimpses of the balrog's prideful personality. The way he sneers at Gandalf, almost taking his threats as a mockery, or dragging Gandalf down with him so that he can have the last laugh.
That dismissive little snort/huff and flare of it’s…nostrils? One of my favorite parts of the fight. Adds an immense amount of personality to what is already a formidable enemy.
I can Watch this scene over and over again and I’m still thrill by it, a complete jewel.
"Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside"
Gandalf, Original Gangster.
The only reason I even watched this is for that line
deBebbler
A fancy way of saying he curb-stomped someone.
or a lyric from a heavy metal song
... and the Balrog was smitten.
smote? is that a word? i always thought he says _smoked_
This entire comment section is a flexing challenge of Tolkien lore knowledge
Something something silmarilion.
This gave me a good laugh was thinking the same :-D
(Laughs in Gimli)
could hardly agree more lmao
I'm cool with it. I haven't read the simirilion.
Frodo: i wish the ring had never come to me.
Balrog: i wish this old man would stop stabbing me.
Making the Balrog’s roar sound like a blast furnace was such a nice touch.
The balrog's roar doesn't sound like a normal sound. It literally sounds like the gates to hell opening up and the explosion of heat that comes with it. These movies are irreplaceable.
It sounds like a blast furnace roaring at full blast.
It's great sound design. I wonder if they used lion or tiger roars for it, I hear a bit of that in there.
@@Phloxnova no lion's roar. In a comment above, they say they took concrete bricks, and dragged them on the floor. The resulting sound, after being heavily modified, is this iconic roar.
@@92edoy Really? Wow. Never thought it'd have been bricks being dragged along the floor.
Well yeah, what'd you think? Our boy Balrog hasn't brushed or flossed since before the First Age! lolz :D Nothing like "Balrog Breath".
It's interesting to think that during the creation of middle earth, Gandalf and this Balrog probably knew each other
Probably. It would likely be akin to Obi Wan fighting Darth Vader one last time, only this time, Obi Wan wins the fight (but still dies).
Bananarama probably yeah because in the beginning Eru taught the ainurs music which is call the Music Of The Ainurs and then visualize the beautiful Vision(middle earth, arda) that Eru showed to the ainurs to see for themselves what they sang, so the ainurs want it to be real and Eru made it real and he call it Eä but he told the ainurs that they are not coming back until the end of the world. The ainurs agree and enter Eä (including melkor)they turn into valars and maiars, that's was the beginning of arda, so yeah Gandalf, saruman,sauron and the balrogs they were once ainurs that enter Eä.
Even more interesting is that Gandalf knew the sun and the moon personally... the sun was likely this balrog's cousin or so.
Sauron is the most powerful of the Maiar (Before falling into darkness he was said to be "the greatest smith of the house of Aulë" and was called Mairon), although Eonwë, Arien (the sun), Melian, Ossë and Uinen were similar to him in power. Then lower to them, come all the Istari (Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, Alatar and Pallando), the Balrogs, the Dragons and Tilion (the Moon) among others.
Gandalf is at the same level as the Balrog he is fighting. The Balrogs are also Maiar, of the level of Gandalf and Saruman, so lower in Power than the high Maiar (Ossë, Eonwë, Sauron...), that felt into darkness like Sauron did. So yeah he most likely knew each other before the ages of the trees, in the ages of the lamps and before that, before the maia spirit that forms the Balrog was corrupted by Melkor and brought into his serving.
Probably old mates who went down to the pub together all the time
The dread and anticipation when the party suddenly stands all alone, with that orange glow coming closer. The deep resonating noises and the growling. The look in their eyes, speaking volumes. Must have looked the same watching this. Rarely, if ever, felt a movie scene on such a visceral level. Absolute masterpiece.
I remember watching this in theaters back in 2002 with my dad… there was just nothing like I’ve ever seen before and even watching it now at 28 I’m still in awe of how amazing this scene is
Also, can we all just appreciate Ian McKellen's facial acting here. He truly conveys the feeling of "this was the one thing I really feared would happen in Moria and it is coming our way".
It’s kind of crazy that the fellowship of the ring has been grounded in reality, yes there’s orcs and Nazgûl, but like it’s realistic fantasy, then all of a sudden there’s a ginormous demon. It really makes the balrog more menacing in my opinion
@@jruth77 it's literally a fallen angel that's even more terrifying because they arnt facing some random beast their facing a being that help sing creation into existence
@@theenderdestruction2362 yeah that’s really crazy. One of the last survivors from the war of wrath and he emerged from his deep slumber
I don’t know the lore. Could you explain why he didn’t want to fight it and avoid it? Is it a case of, if he saw it then he HAS to try and kill it?
@@WYJAFAK2 It's more like Balrogs are insanely powerful. They helped create all of creation, they're fallen Angels. Gandalf himself may be a divine being, but he obviously has doubts on his ability to not only fight it but protect the one thing he was brought onto middle earth to do, which was destabilize Saurons power and try to destroy the ring. None of the Hobbits/Humans would have really stood a chance. If it helps, you can rank the Fellowship in terms of power like this
1. The Balrog
2. Gandalf
3. Legolas
4. Aragorn (Aragorn is one of the better Human derivatives, and is around like, 200 years old if I recall?)
5. Everyone Else.
Gandalf specifically did not want to go into Middle-Earth because he was goddamn terrified of Sauron, so essentially fighting a fallen angel (The Balrog) is similarly goddamn terrifying.
The fact Gandalf fought a literal demon of fire, an immortal being on an equal level of power to him, for ten straight days without tiring, after falling deep underground into a pit of icy water and chasing him twice the height of a mountain, the finally killing him by flattening the peak of the mountain with lightning is fucking wild. Probably the biggest example of how much power he really had hidden away
I havent read the books so i need some help if you will...:)
So my question is how did they get to that tower? Where is that tower i m confused. Cuz they fell very deep. And that lighting came from the sky so it had to be outside somewhere. So did they chase eachother to the surface? If so how?:))))so confused. When we see them fall it looks like a big cave with water in it and that s it. There is no light to suggest an exit(although they are deep beneath the mountain). The only logic thing is teleportation:)))
@@goitidanielaser2167 they absolutely did! They both fell deep into the earth, way under the base of the mountain - it's full of tunnels and caverns from earlier ages when evil creatures were everywhere.
They fell into the huge underground lake, so cold it almost killed Gandalf, which extinguished the Balrog and left it more of a hideous slime creature. The half escaped into a tunnel where Gandalf chased him.
Gandalf chased the Balrog for 10 days through the tunnels leading to the summit, fighting him all the way to the tower at the peak of the mountain where Gandalf used all of his remaining strength to kill the beast, before passing out of the world and "dying" (him being an immortal, godlike being but weakened by being in his old man form and he had limits placed on his powers when he came to Middle Earth), then he was sent back later.
The movie sort of skips over the tunnel parts, and it's not really shown in the books outside of Gandalf explaining it, so it's easy not to get what happened, or how extremely powerful Gandalf was as both the movies and the character were keen to keep a low profile
@@helplmchoking thanks for the reply that helped me alot. Also dang gandalf is a badass😂
And people still say Gandalf can't stop the dragons and "white walkers" of game of thrones, like they should gtfo, Gandalf can just snap his fingers and it is game over for 'em, hmph
I always wondered how the battle started deep underground yet ended at the top of a high mountain
I saw LOTR when I was 7, with my parents in theaters. I still remember feeling terrified when the Balrog appeared, it felt so real! & then sobbing when Gandalf died b/c he was my fave.
My family rewatches the trilogy for our Christmas movies almost every year :)
I just love how at first on the bridge, when Gandalf turns around and shouts "You cannot pass!" the Balrog seems kinda... confused. He stands up and turns up his flame, it nearly feels like his body language expresses "Hold up, that little thing isn't scared?" Then Gandalf makes his declaration: "I'm a servant of the secret fire [..]", revealing himself as a fellow maia, a loyal servant of Eru/God, and the Balrog just IMMEDIATELY goes into attack mode and draws his fire sword and slashes at him. That Balrog did NOT expect to enter into a death match with a servant of Eru himself when he woke up that morning 😂
"Uhhh... hello? Is it blind?"
"OH SHIT REALLY NOW?"
Neither off them wanted to fight each other because both were scared off of each other. the Balrog now had to fight an eternal enemy he usually wanted to avoid since...Well fighting Maia really isnt a great time for them.
@@tramachi7027 It took seven balrogs to fight and defeat Ungoliant and save Morgoth from ruin death. she was really nasty. deadlier than Morgoth.
@@joefish6091 isnt ungoliant something beyond even eru? a nameless thing or a god before eru came along and made the music?
@@ginjaedgy49 Ungoliant is something like the Watcher in the water. The closest I can equate it to is a byproduct or glitch of the song of creation, spawned from in part from Morgoth's discordant song.
4:13 props to the cameraman for jumping after gandalf just to bring us this epic fight scene.
Kind of sad that he yanked the editor down with him though.
this time, he did not survived
I thought it was a falcon with a camera taped to its head.
And to the guy who lit himself on fire to play the Balrog 🙃🙃
Cringe Overused, Unfunny joke
Harry Potter weeps in a corner: "No fight I ever did was this grand".
5:11 - With all its biblical influences, it's amazing how Peter Jackson captured this scene to resemble the fall of Lucifer.
1:24 the look on Legolas says it all. His father lived through the First Age and all its wars, and no doubt told his son of his stories. He knows exactly what is coming for him.
Legolas was like: 😫
The monsters that scared you when you was a child in other words
And the hobbit films imply Thranduil was there for the Dagor Bragollach or the Nirnaeth Arnoediad , so he knows PERCISELY what Balrogs can do.
imagine going for a walk one day and actually finding an actual goddam dragon.
...and then grandpa sqaures up to it!!
A demon of the ancient world
That moment when you find out Gandalf and the Balrog are the same race.
Fallen Maiar VS Maiar
Like a fight between 2 Angels. Gabriel vs Lucifer.
@@Boogeyyyman That's a VERY good way to look at it.
So why do they have different forms? Can Gandalf look like that and chooses to look human or the Balrog took that form as Fallen??
@@kennethjuarez5384 It was a creative divergance by Jackson from the source material. They would indeed both look more similar in form.
Love how each character genuinely looks exhausted and filthy, and their clothes are worn, like they really have been travelling and fighting
Can we all admit that the Balrog's growl sends chills down our spines? Cause it still does to me😨
There's so much beautiful depth and history to this entire scene.
The existence of the Balrog, a creature which realistically fought and killed Feanor, helped level Gondolin, experienced the War of Wrath, potentially saw Eonwe himself annihilate Morgoth's forces, potentially saw a fucking air battle between Earendil and Ancalagon
The Balrog pulling out a whip which was used to rescue Morgoth from Ungoliant
The Balrog was also possibly there for the destruction of Utumno and saw Tulkas beat the shit out of Morgoth and drag him back to Valinor
Gandalf, a Maiar who reluctantly went to Middle Earth, the literal embodiment of hope, fighting this creature to death, a creature that he sang the Music of the Ainur with at the beginning of time.
This battle is a follow up to literally thousands of years of divine warfare, long after Morgoth himself has been defeated.
100%. Couldn't agree more, and there are just too many little details to appreciate to even try and list, but you poetically and articulately did the best job anyone could to summarize it all 🙂Even little silent things like posture and facial expressions, from the Balrog standing up and "showing off" his fiery power that Morgoth granted "him/her" to Gandalf, almost as if boasting and mocking Gandalf, a fellow Maiar, to Gandalf throwing it right back in the fallen Maiar's face with his words on the bridge, showing a hint of his TRUE power, and that there is only one Flame Imperishable, and it's not "the Dark Fire;" The way he basically, poetically calls out the Balrog, his fellow Maiar, that was there singing the Music with him (as you stated) for being a sad puppet of Morgoth, Morgoth who is currently hacked up, bound, and banished, while Gandalf, a meek, power-restricted, afraid, and reluctant fellow Maiar, is standing in front of his fallen brother/sister, defiant and seemingly not afraid, although he likely very much is. Even the Balrog seems confused for a moment. But Gandalf, for his reluctance and fear, is the kindler of hope, and it's amolst as if this is a moment of both sadness at the state of this Maiar in front of him, but also resolved defiance and testament of his purpose as an Istari and for the original intented purpose of the Maiar that he is upholding, in front of one who abandoned their purpose and fell to greed and the corrupting allure of Morgoth. It takes real power to obstain from that, and in this moment Gandalf is reminding that Balrog of their shared history you mentioned, and putting that Balrog, more or less, in his/her place. "You shall not pass." That's more than a literal statement about crossing the bridge...it's all of their intertwined histories throughout all time, and despite his fear and any differences in power or abilities, this is the line that Gandalf/ Olorin will simply not allow this fallen, pathetic fellow Maiar to cross, or pass. 🙂
Exactly.
Once you understand the context (which I didn't when watching the films), the scene is even more epic.
exactly my thoughts whenever I rewatch this. makes it so much better and the feelings that come from it
Technically it was Gothmog, not Durin’s Bane, who killed Feanor. But otherwise, hell yes. This comment brilliantly puts thousands of years’ worth of unimaginable history into perspective.
It’s almost like Anakin fighting Obi-Wan in Episode III, a battle between two of the greatest warriors of their time as young men in their prime-but in the battle between Gandalf and Durin’s Bane, it’s the opposite.
In this, it’s more or less a battle between two battle-hardened old men at the peak of their power, with thousands of years of near-incomprehensible history and experience behind them-experience that the rest of the Fellowship can scarcely imagine.
And this battle lasted for *days.*
@@user-nt5lr7kl2e yes. It says there was at least three and no more than 7 I'm pretty sure. He changed it from saying hundreds to just those numbers. Literally angels and demons at war
Balrog saved their lives from orcs and they ran away when he wanted to hug. Ungrateful fellowship.
Yeah what the hell and Gandalf just goes and kills him too wtf
Also:
GANDALF: Swords are no more use here!
*Tries to kill Balrog with magic staff*
*Gets owned*
*Kills Balrog with sword*
*Conveniently suffers from amnesia to save face*
Emrys Myrdin Lol. I lnow you're being silly. The balrog is a maia (lesser celestial being) like Gandalf and Sauron. It served Morgoth, the original dark lord and fallen valar. It probably had its own agenda.
GOBLINS... they were goblins not orcs... had to eye twitch.
Emrys Myrdin im trying to figure out why Balrog didn't use his damn wings while falling.
Something I've noticed about this scene is that, when they're at the bridge, it looks like Gandalf is gearing up for an all-out brawl with the Balrog...and he just sabotages the bridge so it'll fall in the chasm. Clean, no fuss, and ensures he doesn't have to waste any more time and energy fighting an extremely dangerous battle. You can even tell by his expression he's somewhat relieved.
Not his fault that he got snagged by the whip, really. I can only imagine him thinking 'oh for heaven's sake' when he realizes that no, he's going to have to kill the thing properly anyway.
And then... Snichht. The whip
When you realize Gandalf had to kill one of his brethren
The special effects in this film though... nearly twenty years later and this somehow still looks incredible.
Thats why its a timeless classic
Somehow... People back then put way more effort into cgi particularly because it was harder to make and used it as sparingly as possible.
@@schwartzy65 I think it was because CG effects were more expensive back then so they made real miniatures/props, use some perspective camera tricks and just put the CG on top of those.
Now its reversed. Its more costly to build stuffs, so everything is CG and fixed post production. :(
I am re reading and wanted to see this part. And goddamn the whole sequence is so great. I know they had good material to work with from tolkien, but I can only imagine how delighted he would be to SEE A balrog himself. It's just fantastic work from the art department. Absolutely stellar. I really hope we can see more in the Amazon series.
Better than anything ive seen today.
The LOTR trilogy is almost TWO decades old yet the effects are still incredible. A timeless and epic masterpiece with no doubt.
Absolutely. The effects are still better than most movies now
The effects, soundtrack, and sheer epicness has never been matched since.
Because most of things were made with incredible cure and attention and dedication. They hand-made all those costumes. As chain mails, each ring of them was hand made. There is a work behind this trilogy any normally can’t even realize
It is Cinema's Sistine Chapel.
@@VoiceOfTheEmperor that's a great way of putting it.
0:48 I love that part where Legolas tries to pinpoint the creature that makes rumble the air and the ground.
and he realizes it's coming from behind the giant enormous hall far away from them & ITS VERY HUGE !!
God I remember seeing this in theaters as a 9 year old, the tension in the room was unreal! You could almost feel the heat coming from the Balrog. Felt like you were the 10th member of the group running through Moria.
The Balrog only draws his sword once Gandalf starts to explain who he's dealing with.
I never realized that
And it also happens when the Balrog tried to intimidate him with his size and flames. Like "I'm a Balrog" while Gandalf be like "I'm a Maia too, bitch"
@devilseyecry My flame is bigger than yours lol
I guess we'll never know, but it'd be interesting to speculate what was going through the Balrog's mind when Gandalf starts warning him just who he's dealing with. Like, he's all gangsta "I'm a Balrog" - did he pee his pants just a little when Gandalf goes "Please, bitch, I'm a Maia and a wielder of the Flame of Anor, take a seat!"
I also love that Gandalf shatters that very sword with minimal effort on its first strike.
The pure will always have more strength than those who fell from grace into corruption.
It would’ve been so easy for the roar of the Balrog to be a standard monster roar and none of us would’ve cared. But the sound design is unique and impeccable. The roar sounds like the roar of a blazing fire. It sounds like heat. Like hell. The sound is of burning and destruction. You can even hear crackling, like a log on a fire. So unique, fitting, and perfect. These movies are perfect.
This a million times, the roar is absolutely incredible
It’s a rock being dragged on the ground.
yeah, I too watched the behind the scenes. It was a cinder block and some fire sounds. Works perfect for the Balrog
The appearance of the balrog is one of my best cinema memories that I have. By that time in the movie, 2 hours had passed, the epic fight with the cave troll just happened and I was like well this was a good movie, I'm satisfied if it ends here. The scene with orcs running away from the light, seemed like a perfect cliffhanger for the next movie. But then, this motherfucker jumps and roars like anything that we have ever heard before and Gandalf faces him. My mind was blown away into the stratosphere.
I never even noticed that, thanks for pointing it out!!!
“Swords are no more use here” kills the balrog with a sword
YOUR swords are no more use here...
MY sword, however, well... Watch this.
'Until at last I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside'. What a line, what a trilogy.
I just love the sheer implied *history.* like, none of it is ever explained or elaborated on in the movies.
But you know that Gandalf and the Balrog have some serious personal **beef.**
That bit where he catches the sword on his way down is so fucking badass
that whole falling sequence though!
Goddamn, best opening scene ever!
It makes me moist
It's like "time to go to work"
@@peterstangl8295 the reaction of the audience must have been insane when they saw it in theaters
@@RegularDude00 i did go and see this movie in teathers with my dad and Brother inwas around 14 years old and i Never saw an audience as quiet. It was my favorite expérience tbh, no one talking
"A balrog, a demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you... run!" Gets me every time.
That was one straight up dungeon master line
Vatian Me too lmfao
Reminds me of the Dark Souls lore
When the most powerful member of your party is scared shitless... run!
Vatian he wasn’t exactly wrong, he was the only member of the fellowship that had any chance against the balrog. The only other member that could’ve had any chance was Legolas but he would’ve needed both armor and a sword forged during the first age or the years of the trees
Came here after the FF 16 demo and Phoenix vs Ifrit paying homage to this legendary scene especially with 5:09
Same
Same
Aragorn's "It cannot be!" Almost gets me everytime 👌🏻
Ian McKellen brought So much life and personality into this character it's insane!
He really did. It was perfect casting.
I recently watched the animated LOTR and it really show, how much a good actor can make a scene, the barlog scene in particular looks ridiculous in the animated version,
It helps when you are making a film adaptation of a book or in this case a series of them to get actors and actresses that are big fans of them which Ian McKellen was a huge fan.
It could have been Sean Connery. Imagine that.
I can literally see NO ONE playing as Gandalf than Ian McKellen!!
Everybody gangsta until Gandalf starts saying his titles
👀👀
Best comment in the section!
I always get chills when he says "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, Wielder of the Flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you! flame of Udun!"
Like bruh.. this old boy bout to fuck yo shit up from the bottom to the top of a huge mountain then die and be resurrected with a sweet new style and horse and you got what? a whip... pffft
That might be the most iconic quote of the whole series apart from Aragon saying you bow to no one
This is very true.
The balrog seems super scary and dangerous
Then they square up and Gandalf immediately starts making him look like a little bitch
"you shall not pass!"
since my first viewing at the theater so many moons ago, this defiant directive sent shivers up my spine and goosebumps on my skin.
it still does.
Nothing will ever compare to this. And I’m happy about it.
So this man fought the Balrog the whole way down, fought him underwater in the giant lake, pursued him through tunnels dug at the at the dawn of time, dug by things even Sauron can't comprehend, for TEN DAYS, all the way BACK UP to the TOP of the mountain, and then fought him at the snow capped peak for ANOTHER TWO DAYS, before killing it.
That does it. Gandalf is the official archetype for Fantasy world badass.
I'm not a Tolkien expert, but Gandalf and the other wizards aren't actually fully regular humans.
They're like angels sent to Earth to guard the realms of Men against... basically against leftover military assets from the insanely High Magic past. The Balrog? Sauron's boss used to have an *army* of those.
The Balrog is like a leftover nuke or something.
Gandalf was doing his duty.
He has that moment where he kind of hangs his head -- because he knows he can *probably* take the Balrog. But it could likely finish him as well.
Either way, he won't be there when the party needs him.
Gandalf didn't know the Valor would send him back.
Gandalf also isnt human, so yeah, it does add up why he can do such stuff
Gandalf got all the experience points for killing the Balrog and came back new gear and stronger magic
Gandalf is basically an angel, sent from heaven. He was NOT sent to defeat Sauron, rather, he was sent to teach mortals how to do it themselves.
He isn't allowed to show his full angelic strength in front of normal people, that's why he turns into a badass the moment they can't see him.
Fun fact: Gandalf didn't want this assignment. He thought he was too weak to help anyone. When he died, he thought he was going to be disgraced. Instead, the gods went, "You're doing great Gandalf! We're sending you BACK IN! GO GET IM!" That's why he becomes more confident as the white wizard...
@@jacobwiren8142 The Valar has said “Don’t fight Sauron head on”. If he had wanted to, he could have built up an army like Saruman but fought Sauron directly.
Gandalf wasn’t even supposed to be fighting a Balrog - totally outside his job requirements. But because he did good Eru sent him back, and gave him an upgrade.
The Balrog having a furnace for a mouth is to this day one of the coolest visual decisions an art team has ever made. That shit terrified me at 9 and it terrifies me today.
same
Makes my face feel hot as hell every time that roaring shot happens.
The air distortion was a great touch, impressing upon us the *blazing heat* coming out of it's mouth.
Only thing i ever see exhale similar blasts of hot air are military jets & rockets...
@@davecrupel2817 one of the sounds they used to make the roar was that of two bricks being ground against each other, to get that cracking earthen tone. Genius. Really makes it feel like burning rock come alive
Aww I was that age when this came out actually I think 9 when the second one came out .
Always liked this, too. The most unnerving things are not always the biggest/baddest/loudest. The sound of that heat is intense.
'Until at last I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin up the mountainside' - Wow, Tolkien really had a way with words.