“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” Review | A Return to Middle-Earth, with Mixed Results

Kenji Kamiyama’s The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim promises a bold return to Middle-earth through the medium of animation, diving into the heroic saga of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan.

While it captures the grandeur and action one might expect from a tale set in Tolkien’s universe, its shortcomings in character depth, pacing, and animation execution hinder it from achieving the timeless appeal of Peter Jackson’s live-action films.

Story and Screenplay: A Familiar Yet Uninspired Narrative

The screenplay, penned by Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, stays true to the spirit of Tolkien’s lore, focusing on themes of vengeance, resilience, and sacrifice. The narrative centers on Wulf’s quest for retribution against Helm Hammerhand, culminating in a siege at the iconic Hornburg fortress.

While the story is steeped in Tolkien-esque drama and rich world-building, it struggles with predictability. Wulf’s motivations are compelling, but many secondary characters feel underdeveloped, reducing emotional investment in their arcs. The dialogue often leans into the generic, lacking the poetic gravitas associated with Tolkien’s works.

Animation and Visuals: Ambitious but Uneven

As an animated film, The War of the Rohirrim seeks to differentiate itself visually, blending a gritty aesthetic with sweeping, epic landscapes of Rohan. While there are moments where the animation shines—particularly in depicting large-scale battles and the Hornburg itself—the overall quality is inconsistent.

Characters occasionally move stiffly, and the transitions between fluid action and static sequences can feel jarring. The effort to evoke the grandeur of Jackson’s films is evident, but the animation lacks the polish required to fully immerse viewers in the grandeur of Middle-earth.

Characters and Performances: Strong Leads, Weak Ensemble

Brian Cox delivers a commanding performance as Helm Hammerhand, imbuing the character with the gravitas and determination of a king on the brink of despair. Luca Pasqualino’s Wulf stands out as a layered antagonist, his bitterness and ambition providing much of the story’s tension.

However, the supporting cast, including Gaia Wise and Miranda Otto, is given little room to shine. Otto’s reprisal of Éowyn as narrator adds a nostalgic touch but feels underutilized. The lack of character development for the ensemble detracts from the emotional stakes of the climactic siege.

Direction and Pacing: Epic Moments Undermined by Inconsistency

Kamiyama’s direction effectively conveys the epic scale of battles and the rugged beauty of Rohan, but pacing issues plague the film. The buildup to the siege at the Hornburg is sluggish, with much of the first act feeling like filler. When the action does ramp up, it delivers moments of genuine excitement and tension, but the climax feels rushed and fails to deliver the emotional catharsis the story demands. Kamiyama captures the surface-level grandeur of Tolkien’s world but struggles to infuse it with the depth that made the live-action trilogy unforgettable.

Final Thoughts: A Middling Return to Middle-earth

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a film of highs and lows. It offers fans of Middle-earth a chance to revisit the rich lore of Rohan while introducing a fascinating chapter in the kingdom’s history. However, its flaws—ranging from uneven animation to lackluster character development—prevent it from achieving the epic status of its predecessors.

For die-hard Tolkien fans, it serves as an enjoyable, if flawed, addition to the cinematic legacy of Middle-earth. For casual viewers, it may not pack the same punch.

About “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”

Synopsis: A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg.

Director(s): Kenji Kamiyama

Writer(s): Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins, Arty Papageorgiou, Philippa Boyens

Cast: Brian Cox, Luca Pasqualino, Gaia Wise, Miranda Otto

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2h 14m

Releases: December 13, 2024