Middle Earth is a vast world full of mysteries and stories yet to be heard. J.R.R. Tolkien’s works has always been a timeless tale and today, 10 years since the release of a LOTR related movie (“The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies” released back in 2014), the world of Middle Earth presents us a new movie piece and in its animated form.

“Rohan still stands!” against all odds. This old tale of unconditional love, betrayal, and bravery is neither a stand-alone, a prequel or a sequel of the earlier released installments of the LOTR franchise. Set from at least two centuries before Gollum and Frodo fought for the ring, we are back at Rohan to digest on the great kingdom’s rich history.

Synopsis

A sudden attack by Wulf, a ruthless Dunlending lord, forces Helm Hammerhand and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Helm’s daughter, Héra, must lead the resistance against a deadly enemy who’s intent on total destruction.

The Plot

The tale follows Hera, the only daughter and princess of Rohan and of the 9th King, Helm Hammerhand. Starting off with the narration and the iconic intro music of Tolkien, that really hyped up the audience.

Following with the introduction of the key characters and the events that lead to the War of Rohirrim, I love how it was delivered in slow and yet impactful way of story telling, the movie had a few jumpscares that really keeps you on your toes. The fighting scenes were great but a bit rough in terms of the animation.

Lastly the climax and plot twists of the story were brilliant, Hera’s transformation from being held back as a princess now gains her freedom to become who she really is and despite all odds against her and Rohan, hope has yet forsaken them which is very admirable until the end.

Overall Verdict

The movie has its nostalgic touch to it due to the style of animation it took. It’s like watching old western animated series’ and movies. The animation process from its looks looked like a combination of motion capture and hand drawn. The sceneries were exquisitely drawn that they make do as a painting as details on scenes like on a soldier’s armor and the grand carvings in the walls of Helm’s castle is eye-candy to those who love animated films.

LOTR: The War of the Rohirrim is a movie of looking forward to more animated productions from the franchise as it tickles its viewers on what happens in the vast world of Middle-earth and what more can be tackled and explored in the world created by the one and only J.R.R. Tolkien. There are no requirements before watching this movie if one is not a fan of the LOTR franchise as this counts as a stand-alone movie which a new fan can enjoy and a start to ones journey in the world of Middle-earth.

— A review by “8AA”, a guest correspondent for this movie’s review

SetsuAni would like to thank Warner Bros. Philippines for the opportunity and invitation to be one of the first to watch Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim here in the Philippines, on the 9th of December 2024.