THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Two Towers EXTENDED VERSION (Part 2) I Reaction After Reading The Book
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2024
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PART 1 OF LOTR: THE TWO TOWERS: • THE LORD OF THE RINGS:...
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The movies did change how Faramir reacted to the One Ring. The director decided that he shouldn't be able to resist the power of the Ring so easily, so he would start to bring it back to his father. Faramir seemed about as noble as Aragorn himself in the books.
Yes, I like the movies a lot, but I don't like what they did with Faramir at all. They destroyed him, in my opinion.
That, and the return to the Shire were my only real complaints @@jabelardo
@ericgallini3988 I also didn't like the way he handled the Ents. They decided at the meeting to go to war. And they were always aware of how Sauruman was cutting down the forest. They were just a different kind of people and culture.
Both of these changes (ents and faramir) are kinda necessary in the language of movies. You need twists as much as you need slow burns. In the book Treebeard tells us how angry he is at what they’ve done to the forest. That totally works but in a movie it works better if we see it. Similar with Faramir… better to see him come to resist the ring, the opposite of Boromir’s arc, than to just have him be noble from the beginning. Plus you need there to be a tiny flaw for the audience to accept that Aragorn is a better ruler. The nuance between them isn’t really possible to portray well in a movie in my opinion.
As for the scouring of the shire… I agree that it’s a pity but I understood that as well. In the language of a movie it’s anti-climactic plus they would have had to pay to film it. That story is so much more realistic than the ending we get in the movie… it portrays a more complicated world and a more likely fallout. It’s a shame that we couldn’t see it but in a movie you can’t have a third act of a secondary story arc follow the third act that completes the main story arc. There is only one lord of the ring and Saruman ain’t it.
When Sam says "By rights, we shouldn't even be here", that's a nod and wink to the book readers who know Faramir never took them to Osgiliath.
Great reactions to a fabulous movie! Can't wait for the return of Jax and the King!
Thank you so much! Haha, I didn't catch that the line was a wink to the changes from the book. I love that!
Sam’s speech is my favorite moment in the trilogy. Very emotional and edifying.
His speech is so beautiful! ❤️
@@reactswithjaxhey Jax I have a question (press read more if you want to know what the question is)
When can you react to httyd homecoming?
@@reactswithjaxIt almost didn’t make it into the final version. The directors considered it a “performance-dependent scene” meaning that it only works if the actors involved absolutely nail it. Needless to say, Sean Astin killed it.
One of the reasons you don't remember Frodo and Sam going to Osgiliath is because in the book, they never did. Peter Jackson slipped a little nod to the fans in Sam's speech when he said, " By all rights, we shouldn't even be here," and he was right. Both in a literal and emotional sense.
It my favorite moment in this trilogy too
Over the 3 films, Viggo Mortenson’s portrayal of Strider/Aragorn impressed me the most. In the first film, his acting seemed wooden and hesitant. But as the films progressed, I realized it was brilliant acting. Strider was unsure that he could take on the responsibility of Kingship, and that was reflected in his relationship with the other characters. By the 3rd film, Aragorn had truly become the King.
Viggo Mortenson is a horrifically underrated actor, and in some ways I think this movie may be to blame. This role is so iconic that it kind of overshadows everything else he's done, but he's turned out some pretty phenomenal performances over his career.
8:14 Aragorn gave the order “HOLD!” in Elvish because he didn’t think a human could have possibly made that shot.
Conjecture and speculation, your honor!
Gollum's Song playing in the end credits is both incredible and so, so sad.
These tears we cry
Are falling rain
For all the lies you told us
The hurt, the blame
And we will weep
To be so alone
We are lost
We can never go home
😢
Saddest song ever made.
My favourite song in the entire soundtrack. Emilíana Torrini has such an amazing voice and perfect for such a sad song.
You didn’t remember many of the scenes with Faramir because his character arc was drastically changed for the film to create tension… he is much more honorable in the book.
Also, the end of the two towers book with “Her” was moved to the Return of the King movie because it chronologically aligned with the events in ROTK.
The problem from a movie standpoint is there is not enough happening with Frodo and Sam in the last book. Some changes are required to keep them more in the move.
I do think it server a purpose, to show more how the ring or the with of using the ring is corruption and the struggle of Frodo. That Faramir is not as honorable is something that can be sacrificed.
I know a lot of book readers take issue with the alterations to Faramir (and some even to Aragorn), but to give one of the writers’, Phillips Boyens’, explanation of some of the changes that were made… they have spent collectively three or four hours of filmmaking before you meet Faramir, desperately trying to get through to an audience of filmgoers, this Ring is evil. It has corrupted everyone who has come into contact with it, from sweet fatherly Bilbo, to brave warrior Boromir, it is eating away at Frodo throughout the films and has reduced another hobbit, Sméagol, into the wretched creature Gollum. And then, we meet a man, and men are listed as the most corruptible, the most susceptible to its power, and this man says, “I would not pick this thing up if it lay by the wayside.” Suddenly, the film version of the Ring has been stripped of all its power. Faramir needs to be an obstacle, he needs to go on a journey to understand wha the Ring is capable of, or a non reader in the audience will think less of the film’s primary antagonist; The One Ring.
In the making of, the filmmakers do not claim that this version of LOTR is definitive, rather it is one group of fans (admittedly well funded) version of the story. They leave out lots of detail (Tom Bombadil, for instance) and can only try to hint at it here and there (Treebeard does say some of his lines to get the tree to stop crushing Merry and Pippin, just as Tom did). This is an adaption, and changes and alterations must be made when changing medium from book to film. Tolkien scholar Tom Shippey said of the Council of Elrond, “It’s 30 pages long. Nothing happens. It’s a bunch of characters sitting around discussing the plot. I lose track of how many people attend, but it’s around 20 odd, most haven’t been introduced before, most aren’t heard from again, and the council represent nothing so much as a badly chaired committee meeting that keeps getting away from Elrond. This is a challenge to adapt.” What is important is that the themes and the message of the book is carried forward, and I think it’s something they manage brilliantly. Yes, some things have been changed, but usually for the betterment of the film, if not the details of the books.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying this rewatch and the extended cuts, they are my favorite trilogy ever made and deserving of the praise they have received. Can’t wait for Return of the King, bring tissues ‘cause it gets real.
Tbh, I kind of like Faramir in the movies more than in the books. He was more of a G in the books, but I found him a lot more interesting in the movies ngl. Him being tempted by the ring just made him feel more human and more compelling. I love book Faramir, but I'd be lying if I said he didn't feel like a fusion between Boromir and Aragorn.
@@user-gw3bs2in5i yeah, I can completely see that. I’m honestly more a fan of the films in general over the books. I have a deep respect for Tolkien’s ability with language and languages, I just don’t find his writing style to be one that speaks to me. However, I love constructed worlds and mythology, and the story he crafted is good, it just never grabbed me as a book, unfortunately. I know it’s a me thing, clearly people love the books or the films wouldn’t have been made, the films are just my preferred way to ingest Middle-Earth.
Both parts dropping at the same time? We are blessed!
At 2:45 you question why the Forbidden Pool bore the penalty of death. Faramir and his company were commandos operating behind enemy lines. The Forbidden Pool lay right under their hideout, and they couldn't risk being discovered by the Enemy.
The whole thing wasn’t even in the books but that makes sense. Nice comment ❤
@@Makkaru112 The Two Towers, Book 4, Chapter 6: The Forbidden Pool
Faramir: "But now he has done worse trespass than only to go coney-snaring in the uplands: he [Gollum] has dared to come to Henneth Annûn, and his life is forfeit. I marvel at the creature: so secret and so sly as he is, to come sporting in the pool before our very window."
To me, Sam's great speech is Tolkien's commentary on the First World War. So apocalyptic, and it changed the world for ever.
This trilogy is the best film series I’ve ever seen, even after 20 years it’s still the best and holds up brilliantly!
I don't know why but the the orc that was running with the torch looked like he running to light the Olympic cauldron. I always get a chuckle whenever i see that scene. 🤣
Same here!🤓
I'm not sure about Hugo Weaving's weathered face but Liv Tyler was the perfect Choice for an Ageless, immortal Elf. The movies were shot 23 years ago and she still hasn't aged a day.
And she can speak Elvish fluently still.
@@incogneato790 I don't know if she can speak it fluently but she can still recite all or most of her lines.
The speech that Sam gave to frodo made me tear up a little as it resonates with the way our world is at the moment.... Very poignant.
His speech was beautiful!
It has been over a decade since I read the books. But it has never left me how much I loved book Faramir. He was my favourite character when I read it.
Faramir is such a wonderful character!
In my opinion book Faramir is very much an example of what we see so often in myth and legend where a character brashly makes a sweeping and simultaneously extremely vague and dangerously specific vow, and is then confronted with a test of that vow and simply goes, "Wupps, well, I made a vow, I have to keep it."
Faramir, at this point only suspecting that Frodo is carrying some secret treasure or weapon that might help Gondor in her struggle against Sauron, boldly proclaims "I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her..." Then it is revealed that, more than just some powerful weapon against the enemy, it is in fact the One Ring...and he says then "...here in the wild I have you,: two halflings and a host of men at my call, and the Ring or Rings. A pretty stroke of fortune! A chance for Faramir, Captain of Gondor, to show his quality."
And then in the narrative, "He stood up, very tall and stern, his grey eyes glinting." And we (and Frodo and Sam) think: 'O no, he's going to go for it, just like Boromir...
But instead Faramir sits back down speaks of how much men of Gondor cherish speaking the truth, how they "...boast seldom, and then perform, or die in the attempt. 'Not if I found it on the highway would I take it' I said. Even if I were such a man and to desire this thing, and even though I knew not clearly what this thing was when I spoke, still I should take those words as a vow, and be held by them." He goes on to say that he does not desire it, or at least knows that it is too great a danger to him.
In the book, the whole thing is so simplistic, almost trivial, as if Faramir has not spent his ENTIRE LIFE being told he was a lesser man, a lesser son, a lesser soldier, and of lesser worth than his brother, and is not now suddenly confronted with a chance to (maybe) live up to or even exceed his father's expectations of him... A chance to finally hear his father say he is proud, and (in the bargain)potentially bring home a way to save Gondor, and he says, "Welp...said it, meant it, NBD." In a matter of seconds.
The movie, though, does not change ANYTHING about the process except to take out the vow, and to have Faramir take a few days to come to his conclusion, rather than seconds, which both creates more tension, and given what we all know of human nature and of Faramir's life, is more believable (especially to modern audiences.)
It doesn't really lessen, let alone destroy, Faramir's character to make that change, despite the histrionics you will often hear.
14:45 "why would you follow the instructions of your abductor?"
I mean...usually for survival, so they don't kill you.
Jackson did an excellent job, but some things, like Frodo going to Gondor, were added to explain the story of Faramir.
It's good to remember that Éowyn is barely 24 and Aragorn is 87, he actually turns 88 during the battle for Helm's deep. Plus she barely knowns him, he looks to be in his mid 40s and she is definitely having a major crush on him. So his attention toward her while kind and affectionate would have been better portrayed as one of a grandfather to a granddaughter than the way it was, in my opinion. But I also understand that Peter Jackson felt for the need of some male female tension for modern audiences. In the books Arwen is only fleetingly present and of course it is Glorfindel who finds and rescues Frodo and bares him on his white horse Asfaloth to Rivendell. I can see why he switched Glorfindel for Arwen for similar reasons, also would have been Glorfindel's only appearance and there are already a lot of new characters with difficult names to keep straight and remember. As for Aragorn, his betrothed Arwen is 2778. Their relationship and pledge both take with utter seriousness, as Elves marry only once in their immortal lives, which she is giving up. While her father is Elrond who is 6518, her grandmother Galadriel is at least 8372 and probably considerably older, and also the one who brought them together for her own reasons and vision. Both she and Elrond are most assuredly not ones to trifle with in such a serious life and death matter by portraying Aragorn having some theoretical dalliance. While I think Tolkien would have understood some of the films dramatic changes because of the difference in the way his story had to be portrayed in this media, I think he would have been horrified by this one. Tolkien's writing reflects a more purely romantic vision and is reflected by his life, his faith and the class and times in which he lived. On his and his beloved wife and muse Edith's common gravestone is also inscribed the names of Lúthien and Beren who were the second intermarriage between a mortal man and an Elven woman in Middle-earth. The poem The lay of Lúthien was published in 2017 to mark the 100th anniversary of Tolkien's conception of it in the Silmarillion. Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage was the third and final one between a mortal man and an Elven woman.
If one looks like Aragorn having women react like Eowyn is probably not an unusual thing to happend when hanging around humans. Making no comment on the next film because of spoilers I will say though I think Aragorn handles the situation in this film perfectly reasonably. It's never implied he treats her with anything other than the respect and politeness that is to be expected both from him as a character and what is due to her because of her station and competence.
Just a correction, Beren and Lúthien's marriage was the first between Man and Elf. The second was Túor and Idril's, who were the parents of Eärendil, Elrond and Elros's dad. Túor and Idril were known for being the ones to try and cross the sea towards Valinor, to try and appeal to the Valar and ask for their aid in defeating Morgoth. Idk if they successfully reached Valinor, but it was Eärendil who managed to appeal to the Valar and ask for aid.
And not just male-female tension, just the presence of female characters to begin with. Given how big of a role she plays in Aragorn's story, I'm glad they took the time to tell us about Arwen too.
I wish the flashback scenes with Boromir would have been left in the movie, if for no other reason than helping to show those who have a negative opinion of him from the first movie understand that Boromir was a kind, generous, fair, and loving man. He wasn't evil, just easily influenced by the ring because of his desperation to save his people.
Forbidden Pool was a marker of Gondor's Rangers secret outpost (Henneth Annun) in Ithilien. It was guarded with utmost secrecy, especially during the war, as it was strategically very important. Its location was revealed on need-to-know basis and only to the most trusted people. If Gollum was captured by the enemy, he could have been unknowingly reponsible for a significant damage to Gondor's defenses.
Faramir had a slightly different character arc regarding the Ring in the movie, until they reached Osgiliath.
According to Tolkien, there was very minuscule (one grain of sand against all the sand in the world chance) hope for Smeagol's redemption, similarly for orcs as well. Although given his strong bond to the Ring, after its destruction he would probably die shortly after.
The film only changes kicks up a gear here. Sam's "By rights we shouldn't even be 'ere" is a fun line in that context, (just before some of his most amazingly emotional lines.) If you think Faramir acted strangely just wait for his father's scenes. I get why it happened, but it's unfortunate.
Fellowship is my favourite of the three, it captures the feel perfectly and stays closest to the books. Two Towers has one of the greatest battle sequences put to cinema (Gandalf leading the charge is such a great shot, and on the other side the solo voice of nature's reclamation during the last march of the events is one of the highlights in the whole score.) RotK is perhaps the weakest overall, but more than makes up for it with individually iconic moments that probably outnumber those in both former films put together.
You don't remember Faramir trying to take Frodo, Sam, and Gollum to Gondor in the book because this is a change for the movie.
In the book, when Faramir finally discovered that Frodo was carrying the One Ring, and that Boromir tried to get it from the Hobbit he became immensely sad, because he finally made many connections with the ancient lore of Gondor, from which he learned a bit from Gandalf himself, and understood that the Ring would tempt Boromir by making him believe he could save his country if he possessed it. Another trap from the enemy, because the One Ring only recognizes Sauron as his master. And after all that Faramir let them go.
However, the fact is that Peter Jackson needed to find some source of conflict on Frodo's story, to mirror the conflicts that the rest of the Fellowship were having. While I understand why he made this character change, it's still to this day the only change Peter made for the movies that I don't like.
Also: the movie's end doesn't align with the book. In The Two Towers Frodo is attacked by Shelob, is rescued by Sam (who thinks Frodo's dead), and then Frodo is taken captive by Minas Morgul's orcs. PJ preferred to show that on the third movie for narrative reasons, and to not bloat the second movie's end too much.
You aprove of what he did to the ents? Making them vote to not go to war, not making a battle plan, and somehow they where all at the edge of the forest.
There are more things I don't aprove of in the third movie but I will not speak of them until that time :D
What I think is worse in the LOTR films is the murder of the Mouth of Sauron by Aragorn in Extended ROTK whilst he is under the protection of a parley. Aragorn is meant to be a just king and should have behaved in honourable ways even if he is angry at the display of Frodo's mithril armour and a (false) description of Frodo's torture and death.
In the film, if Faramir had followed the book and just let Frodo go, then viewers would be wondering why Aragorn seemed tempted by the ring and yet Faramir was not. This would have elevated Faramir above Aragorn for rulership of Gondor. A film will find it very difficult to show that Faramir is not tempted, but a book can describe why he isn't. The tempting of Faramir shows that Faramir has a story arc and is almost qualified to lead Gondor but will lead Rohan instead.
POTATOES, boil em, smash em, stick em in a stew🤣🤣🤣🤣
I prefer my taters mashed. 😉
Meme win
12:49 "I don't remember this from the book at all."
That was one of the liberties they took. Book Faramir was never tempted by the ring, but I think in the movie, they wanted to give him more of an arc so we could see some more noticeable character growth.
0:45 Háma found a better death in the movie than in the book.
Théoden to Saruman: "And they chopped up Háma's body at the gates of the Hornburg after he was dead."
Poor Hama. He can't catch a break
Fun little tidbit: the Uruk Hai actors were originally supposed to be all over 6ft, however, there weren't enough men of that stature. A good portion of them were between 5'7 and 5'9 and were affectionately labeled the Uruk Low😂
The "Forbidden Pool" is in the Land of Ithilien, formerly a part of Gondor, before Mordor overran it. It has huge significance as the pool and caves are a "Hidden Fortress" fopr the Gondorian Rangers, led by Faramir and is also sacred to Gondorians. (From the Books) Faramir ordered them blindfolded so they could not see or remember how they arrived there, to KEEP it hidden. Technically, Faramir should have ordered Gollum slain immediately he was found, just for having found his way to the Pool, not just fishing in it. That he did no so shows how he was reluctant to kill anyone without a good reason, as did his comment when looking at the slain Southron with Frodo. (The one who fell from the Oliphaunt)
It is so nice to see someone read the books and appreciate them before seeing the movies.
"Could be worse." 21:14 "Could be raining."
Cant believe nobody has said this but Viggo Mortensen ( aragorn) actually adopts the horse that layed by him after the fall and another horse aswell after filming
One of the major themes reflected throughout the story is "Hope".
As a child growing up in Rivendell, Aragorn is given a name to aid in hiding him from the dark powers. He was called 'Estel' ( Ónen i-Estel Edain, ú-chebin estel anim).
This is translated in Elvish language as "Hope".
Another cool effect is Smeagol/Gollum pupils of his eyes.
When he speaks as Gollum his pupils are very small, when he is Smeagol his pupils are much larger.
You can see them change as he debates between the two characters.
Glad you are reading the books and follow up with the movies. Personally as a long time nerd of LOTR & The Hobbit I enjoy them both tremendously. I found an audio book of the trilogy by Phil Dragash that has the musical score play in the background as the story is narrated. Highly recommended.
Enjoying your reactions very much & anticipating your reaction to ROTK.
Hannah-Le (Thank you) & Namarie' ( Fare Well ).
Best part of the movie besides the story is the musical score! Thanks for sharing Jax!❤️💛
FYI, like the first movie, Peter Jackson had a cameo in this film. He was one of the archers at Helm’s Deep.
The end song on The Two Towers is one of the best songs/melodies in the whole trilogy, which is saying a HELL of a lot! Otherwise known as "Gollum's Song" featuring Emiliana Torrini. Movie-wise though I still have to say The Fellowship of the Ring is my absolute favorite. It's where all the excitement/anticipation happens talking about the ring. When Gandalf is like "Sauron needs only this Ring to cover all the lands in a sickened [second is the apparent quite, but sickened fits much better] darkness. He is seeking it. Seeking it, all his thought is bent on it, and the Ring yearns above all else to return the hand of its Master."
That line gives me chills and puts in my head a sense of foreboding and possibilities that no actual story could possibly compare to. It's like I can imagine the ring being in my house (without Gollum or anyone else knowing I have it), and what I could do to make sure the ring is never found again. Mariana's Trench anyone? Obviously destroying it is the best solution, but it was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Couldn't it be unmade in the fires of Mount Fuji perhaps? Even if it wasn't destroyed there, what creature would possibly be able to survive a lake of lava to get it out? Maybe a Balrog but it's hands are too big for the ring anyway so I doubt it gives a crap about it.
Don't get me wrong, I can't imagine The Two Towers actually being better than it was, but there's something about the start of a quest that just feeds excitement and I love watching it. Plus the appearance of the Balrog and that whole sequence is so damn epic. Also even though I prefer Gandalf the White in terms of power, I think I preferred Gandalf the Grey in terms of wisdom and mannerisms. He's more down-to-earth and has the most quotable lines. Gandalf the White is more ethereal and doesn't seem to take to the pleasures of the world the same as he did before.
Tbh, I kind of like Faramir in the movies more than in the books. He was more of a G in the books, but I found him a lot more interesting in the movies ngl. Him being tempted by the ring just made him feel more human and more compelling. I love book Faramir too though. Both versions are great!
This is one of my favorite movies. Thanks for sharing!
Boromir has an important character redemption arc that’s only found in the extended version- it’s also my favorite part… when you spoke earlier how the movies did him “dirty” (they do the same with his brother Faramir). He was supposed to let the hobbits go right away without taking them to Osgiliath outside Gondor first. They needed to fill some time, because Shelob’s Lair took place in the Towers book, not the Return book…
Hey Jax😊and Lamy😺 - so interesting to follow your watching, 'after' reading the books, which makes you on one side a bit more prepared (like knowing already about Gandalf's return), on the other side it must be confusing to then see an altered script... still, overall they follow the books amazingly well, I think.
You are so adorably compassionate to all the animals... I learned, that the horses all came from New Zealanders, and were partly ridden even by their owners... I'm sure they were treated with care. PS. so sweet that Lamy is joining you on this journey, and when Theoden considered calling for aid, you spontaneously volunteered the 2 of you too!
👭💞
Well - the absolute climax is about to unfold with the 3rd book/movie, which acclaimed the highest praise with critics as well as us normal mortals, and even if you read the book before watching it, you (and Lamy also!) will need tissues, mainly for the relief at the end of it all... and Jax - if there's ever a competiton on youtube of who has the sweetest smiles, I'll vote for you!!
😎 💖
I like each movie for different reasons. Fellowship has the shire and the hobbit shenanigans. The two towers had the amazing pace and awesome battles. The last is the finale- i like having it all wrapped up!
"...don't tell the Elf." Is my favorite part of all three movies.
I think the major differene between the first 2 movies the Fellowship had to set up the world and the difference races to people who had never read the books or know nothing about Middle Earth. Where The Two Towers didn't need as much set up and they could concentrate telling the story and expanding the characters.
"The ents are incredibly gentle!"
13:56 - lol.
(Elves near extinction) Here is why the elves couldn’t help as much as some may have wished at the final battle of we Helms Deep & other places: By the Third Age of Middle-earth, the population of Elves had significantly decreased from their numbers in the earlier Ages. It is estimated that there were only a few thousand Elves remaining in Middle-earth by this time.
One reason why Elves didn't have much military prowess to help out more in the Third Age is because they had already fought many battles in the previous Ages, & were weary of war ontop of Lothlòrien(where Galadriel is) being constantly attacked throughout this current story during the trilogy story but the movies never show it. Additionally, many of the great Elven kingdoms had already fallen, & the remaining Elves had scattered across Middle-earth, making it difficult to organize a large-scale military force.
Furthermore, Elves had a deep respect for the natural world, and were hesitant to engage in battles that could harm the environment. They preferred to use their skills in magic and healing to assist in battles, rather than fighting directly.
Despite their reduced numbers and military prowess, Elves still played an important role in the events of the Third Age. They were instrumental in the quest to destroy the One Ring, and many fought bravely in battles against Sauron's forces. However, they had to be strategic about their involvement, as they knew that they could not sustain heavy losses without risking the extinction of their entire race.
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The exact population of Elves in Middle-earth during the Third Age is not explicitly stated. However, it is generally believed that their numbers had greatly diminished by this time, with only a few remaining Elven kingdoms & settlements scattered across Middle-earth.
Some sources estimate that there may have been only a few thousand Elves left in Middle-earth by the Third Age. It is important to note that the exact population of Elves in Middle-earth is not a major focus of Tolkien's works, as he was more concerned with the individual characters & their journeys rather than the demographics of Middle-earth.
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While there are some distinct figures given in Tolkien's works, some fans have attempted to estimate the population of Elves in Middle-earth during the Third Age using various mathematical models comparing to what was known about the past. One such estimate, based on the size of Elven settlements & their likely populations, suggests that there may have been around 100,000 Elves scattered across Middle-earth from different clans as it were with slightly different diverging history at certain points during the Third Age.
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The population of Elves in Middle-earth changed over time due to a variety of factors, including wars, migrations, & natural disasters.
During the First Age, Elves were relatively numerous and lived in many different kingdoms & settlements across Middle-earth. However, many of these kingdoms were destroyed during the wars against Morgoth, the first Dark Lord.
During the Second Age, the population of Elves began to decline as many Elves left Middle-earth to sail to the Undying Lands, a paradise-like realm across the sea. This was largely due to the influence of the Valar, the angelic beings who created the world, who offered the Elves a chance to escape the sorrows and limitations of mortal life in Middle-earth.
By the time of the Third Age, the population of Elves in Middle-earth had greatly diminished. Many of the great Elven kingdoms had fallen, & the remaining Elves had scattered across Middle-earth in small, isolated settlements. This was partly due to the wars of the First Age and the destruction of many Elven kingdoms, as well as the gradual decline of the Elves' power & influence in Middle-earth.
Overall, the population of Elves in Middle-earth declined more over time, with many Elves leaving for the Undying Lands & many others being killed in wars and other conflicts. By the end of the Third Age, the Elves' numbers had greatly diminished, & they were a shadow of their former glory in Middle-earth.
It’s been their fight for ages alone before Men came along and many of them befriended Men from the very beginning. They share the same fights/The same histories etc!
Let’s just say it used to be a few million so imagine what Galadriel & her husband Celeborn have seen regarding experiencing their entire race that still dwelled upon middle earth nearly being wiped out into extinction…
I can't pick a favorite movie. They are all phenomenal and tell such a perfect story that you really can't separate them
I'm with my fellowship re-reading this book. Love your reactions! And I am growing fond of Lambie too! Thank you!
Boromir's father Denethor was a great man with, his usage of the Palantir enabled Sauron to drive Denethor insane. Denethor stood alone against Sauron, he was desperate and turned to using the Palantir go gain information, not even mentioning his tragic backstory.
I want Jax to play Éowyn.
I would have been about 10 when they filmed this movie and I would have rocked that part! 🤣
Next The Lord Of The Ring Extended Edition Of The Return Of The King Extended Edition
Ithilian, where Frodo and Sam were captured by Faramir and his rangers (and the forbidden pool) is to the East of the Anduin and extends to the Ephel Duath. It is the immediate border between Gondor and Mordor.
Yeah I don't remember why Faramir was changed the movie. I think there was actual logistical reasons. I think maybe it was because Frodo and the ring stop being the focus of the story for a very long time in the books. The whole thing with the ring kinda takes a back seat for the battle of Middle earth and they couldn't do that for the movie so in order to have him still be a part of the film they opted to have Faramir take him to Gondor while everything was happening.
The first film is the most cosy and sort of nostalgic with all the scenes in the Shire and Rivendell and the third film probably have most of the most top tier moments in it, Sams speech in this one excluded, but as a whole this film is absolutely my favourite.
My favourite part of any of the three movies is the beginning of the first one because I could live in the Shire, it's just so beautiful and everyone wants a peaceful life like that. If you enjoyed the movies then listen to the radio play, that too is wonderful. Lots of sound but no images, it forces you to create them in your own mind, so good. I also love the wisdom of Gandalf, most of his sayings are fabulous. By the way, I hope that Lambie enjoyed the films, I loved that cute little lamb.
Thanks Jax! I'm so glad that Lammy is back. I was fixing my turntable and I think Lammy supported me, it works! Please don't be upset that I do things while watching your LotR reactions. 😅
Sam's speech is perfect. My high school English teacher used it. Granted I don't remember the lesson that day, but I was reading The Lord of the Rings at the time so it sticks out in my memory.
That's so cool! His speech is so beautiful!
"Do you think Smeagol could be saved?" tough question. Like Gandalf said, he has a part to play in this. Whether it was intended for him to have a change of heart, we don't know.
1:51 notice that horse is Brego, the one that Aragorn calmed in the stable scene earlier.
13:05 They brought the Ring to Osgiliath, so close to Gondor, but not within the White City of “Minas Tirith”.
"....and slowly murdering a fish." 😂 That made me laugh more than I expected.
Your reactions continue to be the best, Jax!! I love your comparison of speeches between Sam and Cap - great observation. I greatly look forward to Return of the King! Keep up the fantastic work, Jax....and Lamby!! 😊🐑 Your closing riddles are awesome, and this one was my favorite!! 😁
The battle of Helm’s deep if one of my favorite moments of the film
Don't forget that there are 3 movies by the same director for the book "The Hobbit". They are excellent also. Having a good time watching you watch the Lord films.
The extended version definitely shows a better side of Boromir, which is how he really is and not how the theatric version originally depicted him.
You are so fun to watch with. Thank you so much.
I'm so glad you enjoyed this! ❤️
Hi Jax, This isn't the first time they've tried to put this book to film. They tried to do an animated version of it in the 70's. They got as far as just after the Balrog scene in Moria. They ran out of money, saying it was too epic and it would never be put onto film.
8:15 "OMG, can you imagine being the one that started it all?"
Sauron?
Yeah, I can imagine being Sauron: I would sit in my tower and do nothing at all but use my magic eyeball to look at things, until I'm destroyed by a hobbit.
But you probably meant imagine being that dude who fired the first arrow.
He didn't start anything.
Those orcs didn't march all this way to just change their mind and go back home.
This was started long ago.
All that dude did was put an end to the staring contest so they can this over with.
Good on him!
Lamby looked pretty worried when the big wall explosion happened at Helm’s Deep.
I don't believe that Smeagol would have lasted more than a few minutes after the Ring was destroyed. It gave him so much life beyond his natural span that like a vampire he'd just turn to dust right there.
I love these films and listen to the extended scores regulary.
The scores are incredible
It’s really hard to pick a favorite. All 3 are incredible films, some of the best in cinematic history
Yes! These films are all incredible.
Ok, Lamby’s joke at the end got me 😂
Faramir was known for saying that if he were to find the ring by the side of the road he would not take it, not even if it would save Gondor. Denethor sent Boromir because he felt that Faramir was too much Gandalf's student and not enough loyalty to Gondor. Faramir wanted to go but Boromir was sent instead.
8:43 out the corner of my eye looked like a giant scorpion leaping out from behind the bed.
Oh my God you are going to love her. She is inviting and her hospitality is legendary.😊
I loved all of the books and the films, but I would have to say that The Return of the King is probably my favourite. Haven't seen any of them in quite some time, so it was nice to relive them through the eyes of someone that hasn't seen them before.
That song at the end is Gollum’s song. It’s worth checking out on its own!
16:19 Gimli discovered the nervous system long before the Ancient Greeks, apparently. 🤦♂️
Thank you.
The balrogs were of the same 'race' as Gandalf and Saruman called the maiar. The balrogs choose to serve Melkor (or Morgoth) who had a chief lieutenant by the name of Sauron...
The poem you hear Thèoden speaking was written by a forgotten poet for Eorl, long before the War of the Ring. On the way to Edoras, Aragorn chants a poem in Rohanese to characterize the Rohirrim. The text is not given. After Legolas comments that the sound of the words resembles the land of Rohan, Aragorn recites his translation of it, which is this poem:
“Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing? Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow; The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning, Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?”
But they somehow made Thèoden recite a portion of it:
At the beginning of the Battle of Helm's Deep, Théoden recites some lines of the song, lamenting how alone the Rohirrim stand (so it fits for the movie! Just not for the books so much… as it’s misplaced) here is what he recited in the movie:
“Where is the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? They have passed like rain on the mountains, like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the West, behind the hills... into Shadow.
The remaining lines are sung in Old English on the score in the background in the above and other scenes.
“Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing? Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow; The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning, Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?”
The poem was written by a forgotten poet for Eorl, long before the War of the Ring. On the way to Edoras, Aragorn chants a poem in Rohirric language to characterize the Rohirrim. The text is not given. After Legolas comments that the sound of the words resembles the land of Rohan, Aragorn recites his translation of it, which is this poem I quoted above ☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻
But they somehow made Thèoden recite a portion of it:
At the beginning of the Battle of Helm's Deep, Théoden recites some lines of the song, lamenting how alone the Rohirrim stand (so it fits for the movie! Just not for the books so much… as it’s misplaced) here is what he recited in the movie:
“Where is the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? They have passed like rain on the mountains, like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the West, behind the hills... into Shadow.
The remaining lines are sung in Old English on the score in the background in the above and other scenes.
Personally my fav film of the trilogy. So much lore and things to love
I'm a fan of thrm giving Faramir an actual arch in this movie, as a second act it needed things to help it have a real climax.
Still love your attention to detail, analysis, and emotional investment… such a beautiful reaction!! 🐑❤️🥹
Wow, thank you so much!! ❤️🐑🎉
3:43 - Faramir is one of the biggest change in the movie. To be fair, I don't think there was much room for developing him more as a character in the movie but although he's still noble and still resists the influence of the Ring, he's far away from his book version (where he's explicitly described as being the only one in his family with remnants of the Numenorean in his blood).
6:14 - This is another addition that Peter Jackson nailed perfectly. In the book they win alone, and there is never a chance to see Men and Elves actually remembering they're long lasting allegiance. Book version makes sense too, but this is better.
That lambi joke at the end🤣🤣🤣🤣
You want to know how deep the score really goes? React to How Howard Shore Used Voices. Galadriel is on the thumbnail with a blue tint to the image. Danielle reacted to that video and she loved it.
What a pleasant experience to watch you watching that. You have a sweet soul.
Gollum's song at the end credits is soooo underrated. 😢
Ahh Gimli, son of Gloin, the only dwarf to ever be tossed by a king.
I just watched this trilogy for the first time so it w is perfect that you started watching this .I enjoyed the second movie better than the first .See you next week Jax!!
Ofc, when Gimli says: "forty thrrreee", is isn't so much representative of how many orcs he kilt, as it is representative of Gimli's ability to add one to whatever number Legolas says.
Also... "There's no traffic on the highway"?! That's funny, I hadn't heard that one. It's like saying: "It could be worse... Could be raining" or "This is going to be Wilfred's best Christmas ever"
9:26 I believe the final count between Legolas and Gimli is 42-43 respectively. Although Legolas thinks one of the “Ura-Kai” is still alive and shoots it even though it was already dead. It was twitching because the Dwarfs axe was imbedded in its nervous system. Just to paraphrase the lines from this movie.
The question you have about getting something in your eye while fighting is answered at the beginning of Deadpool 2 quite well actually.
Oh! Haha, I can't wait to see it!
lol Thank you for that. I haven't had a good laugh in a while.
This is my favourite of the three movies. Even though it's pretty hard to choose between them.
The score for this trilogy is definitely the best one I’ve ever heard, and arguably the best score ever.
At 12:50 you say, "I don't remember this from the book at all." T2T departs more from Tolkien's story than either of the other two movies. Peter Jackson & Co. had to make major adaptations in the interests of producing an exciting movie. You don't remember Frodo and Sam being taken to Osgiliath because in the book they didn't go there. Faramir treated the Hobbits with kindness, topped off their packs with additional food, gave them walking sticks, and sent them on their way. Faramir and his father Denethor were far more interesting characters in the books than they are in the movies.
Thanks for reminding me that it didn't happen! I thought I had misremembered the book. Yeah, Faramir was much lovelier in the books.
About Aragorn hugging the Elf in the Hornburg. Viggo's costume wasn't washed or mended during the entire making of the three movies, so the Elf's reaction might be real surprise, and a little disgust......
The scene with the suicide orc lighting the explosives at the Hornburg wall got a whole new meaning after 9/11. The film is called the Two Towers and was released only 15 months after 9/11.
Did you notice, for instance in the scene at the end with Gimli talking about how much orcs he killed? He looks totally different from most scenes in the movie. Those are the very first scenes they shot with Gimli, and John Rhys's skin did not react well to the latex prosthetics he had to wear, so for the later scenes they totally changed the make-up. It was too expensive to reshoot the scenes wilth the 'old' look, so they kept those.
At the end when Sam is talking about if they are going to write stories about them. In the book, that dialogue is from Return of the King, when they have escaped Mount Doom after the destruction of the Ring, and are expecting to die. As the whole scene at the end of the movie TT is not happening like that in the book, they probably needed some iconic dialogue and put it in the end scene of TT.
My Favorite movie Yes Thank You ❤❤❤❤❤❤
you have an incredible smile)
Just found your channel thanks to the LOTR reacts. I have to recommend the tv series The Last Kingdom, I think it's right up your alley.
Sams speech makes me cry