The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth saga has become a milestone for 21st century filmmaking. His adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels have proved to be timeless, continuing to usher in new fans with each passing year. Less successful was Jackson’s return to Middle Earth with The Hobbit trilogy that left one terrible film, one middling film and a fun film in middle chapter, Desolation of Smaug. In an attempt to maintain the rights to J.R.R. Tolkien’s eclectic novels, an animated prequel has arrived. In a refreshing change of pace, this is the rare studio film animated with traditional 2D animation. Taking place nearly 200 years before Frodo receives the infamous Ring to Rule Them All, the latest film set in Tolkien’s Middle Earth is a solid, if unspectacular piece of work.

Courtesy WB Pictures

Set over 180 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, The War of the Rohirrim takes us to Rohan where the land is ruled by King Helm Hammerhand (voiced by Brian Cox). The King’s defiant daughter, Hera (voiced by Gaia Wise), hopes to take on more responsibility within the land. Local leader, Freca (voiced by Shaun Dooley), and his son, Wulf (voiced by Luca Pasqualino), arrive in Rohan to meet with King Helm where Freca proposes a marriage between his son and Hera. Seeing the leader’s attempt to gain power, King Helm immediately denies this request, leading to a fatal showdown that leaves Freca dead and Wulf banished from Rohan. However, Wulf, hungry for revenge, seeks to lead his army against King Helm, and his old childhood friend, Hera.

Directed by Anime auteur Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Blade Runner: Black Lotus), The War of the Rohirrim works as its own stand-alone film set within J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe. This is not a film full of cheap Easter eggs to please hardcore fans, but rather a self-contained epic that enriches the Middle Earth mythology. Kamiyama doesn’t recapture the magic of Jackson’s trilogy, but he doesn’t need to. His film works on its own merits, with a few strong characters and exciting spectacle. The action sequences are rousing, with an early Elephant chase providing some legitimate thrills. Kamiyama is a strong enough director who boasts a number of stirring imagery while undoubtedly working with budget restrictions that shows its seams on occasion. Still, a 2D-animated film from a major studio is worth celebrating.

Courtesy WB Pictures

What hinders The War of the Rohirrim the most is its stagnant pacing which prevents it from truly hitting its stride. As a result, the film lacks urgency in some aspects. It’s, frankly, too long, with too many starts-and-stops between the action and hard-hitting moments of tragedy. The assembled voice cast all do fine work, namely Brian Cox who adds a great deal of gravitas to the role of King Helm. Wulf is a rather tragic character and a villain who grows more menacing as the film goes on. Gaia Wise’s Hera is a compelling heroine who is easy to root for and is quite sympathetic. Director Kamiyama builds to a satisfying conclusion with flourishes of imagination. The script, penned by Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, is successful at taking core characters, and piecing together an intriguing siege film set within Middle Earth. Several side characters are easily forgettable, but, thankfully, the most compelling characters are the ones who get the most screen-time.

Courtesy WB Pictures

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a solid entry in the Middle Earth saga, but one that falls just short of its potential. Director Kenji Kamiyama tells an involving, entertaining film with a number of epic battle sequences, compelling characters and enough striking imagery, despite cheaper animation than we’re used to seeing on the big-screen.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is now playing in theaters.