The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim – History, Creators, Reviews & 2024 Release Details

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is an animated fantasy film that expands upon J.R.R. Tolkien's rich Middle-earth lore. Set 183 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the film delves into Rohan's history, focusing on the legendary King Helm Hammerhand and the origins of Helm's Deep.

Creators and Writers

The film is directed by Kenji Kamiyama, renowned for his work on Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. The screenplay is penned by Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, based on a story by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews. Gittins, notably, is the daughter of Philippa Boyens, who co-wrote the original Lord of the Rings film trilogy and serves as a consultant on this project. The creative team also includes illustrators Alan Lee and John Howe, whose artwork significantly shaped the visual aesthetics of Peter Jackson's adaptations. ​

Synopsis

The narrative centers on King Helm Hammerhand, portrayed by Brian Cox, as he defends Rohan from the relentless forces of the Dunlendings, led by the vengeful Wulf, voiced by Luke Pasqualino. The story also highlights Helm's daughter, Héra, played by Gaia Wise, who emerges as a formidable shieldmaiden, embodying themes of courage and resilience. The film explores the origins of Helm's Deep, a fortress that becomes pivotal in later Middle-earth events.

Production History

Announced in June 2021, the film is a collaboration between New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation, with animation by Sola Entertainment. The project aims to visually align with Peter Jackson's live-action trilogy, incorporating the artistic styles of Lee and Howe. The decision to animate the film allows for creative exploration beyond the constraints of live-action filmmaking. ​

Reception

Upon its release, the film received mixed reviews. The Verge commented that the film "feels like a generic fantasy rather than a true Middle-earth adventure," criticizing its lack of depth and originality. Similarly, The Times described it as "substandard slop," pointing out deficiencies in animation quality and character development. However, Polygon offered a more positive perspective, stating that the film "revives the grandeur of Peter Jackson’s iconic trilogy," praising its adherence to the original aesthetic and engaging storytelling. ​

Conclusion

The War of the Rohirrim enriches the tapestry of Middle-earth by shedding light on Rohan's storied past. While its execution has been criticized, the film offers fans an opportunity to delve deeper into the histories that underpin Tolkien's epic saga.​

Order Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim on Amazon.

References

D'Alessandro, A. (2023, August 24). 'Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim' Release Delayed Until December 2024. Deadline. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2023/08/lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim-release-date-delayed-1235524795/

Meyen, F. (2024, December 11). 'Herr der Ringe' als Anime - kann das funktionieren?. Bayerischer Rundfunk. Retrieved from https://www.br.de/nachrichten/kultur/herr-der-ringe-als-anime-kann-das-funktionieren,TYt6J6F

Miller, L. (2024, December 11). War of the Rohirrim revives everything great about Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings. Polygon. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/lord-of-the-rings/492608/war-of-the-rohirrim-movie-review-peter-jackson

Moreau, J. (2024, December 13). Box Office: 'Kraven the Hunter' Makes $2 Million in Previews. Variety. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2024/film/news/box-office-kraven-the-hunter-previews-1235667890/

Robinson, T. (2024, December 11). The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a soulless return to Middle-earth. The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/11/24318164/lord-of-the-rings-war-of-the-rohirrim-review