SYNOPSIS Set 183 years before the events of the original trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” tells the story of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan, and his family as they defend their kingdom against a ruthless Dunlending lord named Wulf, who seeks vengeance for his father’s death. The film follows Héra, Helm’s daughter, as she leads the resistance against Wulf’s deadly army in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg, later known as Helm’s Deep.
CAST
Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand (voice)
Gaia Wise as Héra (voice)
Miranda Otto as Éowyn (voice)
Luca Pasqualino as Wulf (voice)
Lorraine Ashbourne as Olwyn (voice)
Shaun Dooley as Freca (voice)
Benjamin Wainwright as Haleth (voice)
Yazdan Qafouri as Hama (voice)
Laurence Ubong Williams as Fréaláf (voice)
Michael Wildman as General Targg (voice)
Janine Duvitski as Old Pennicruik (voice)
Bilal Hasna as Lief (voice)
Billy Boyd as Shank (voice)
Dominic Monaghan as Wrot (voice)
Alex Jordan as Lord Frygt (voice)
Bea Dooley as Young Héra (voice)
Elijah Tamati as Young Wulf (voice)
CREW
DIRECTOR: Kenji Kamiyama
SCREENWRITERS: Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins, Arty Papageorgiou
PRODUCERS: Philippa Boyens, Jason DeMarco, Joseph Chou
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Tsuyoshi Sadamatsu
EDITORS: Tsuyoshi Sadamatsu
MUSIC: Stephen Gallagher
RELEASE DATE December 13, 2024
RUNNING TIME 134 minutes
MOTION PICTURE RATING (MPA) Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy violence and action, some suggestive material, and brief strong language
DISTRIBUTOR Warner Bros. Pictures
STORY SUMMARY “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” explores the epic tale of Helm Hammerhand and his family’s struggle to defend Rohan against Wulf’s vengeful attack. The film delves into the bravery and resilience of Héra as she steps up to lead the resistance, showcasing the strength and determination of the Rohirrim people.
REVIEW “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is a visually stunning anime adaptation that brings a lesser-known chapter of Middle-earth to life. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the film features a strong voice cast, including Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand and Gaia Wise as Héra. The animation is beautifully crafted, capturing the essence of Peter Jackson’s original trilogy while adding its own unique flair.
The story, while engaging, struggles with pacing at times, and some viewers may find the narrative a bit slow in the middle sections. However, the action sequences are well-executed, and the film’s climax is particularly thrilling. The voice performances are solid, with Cox and Wise standing out in their respective roles.
CRITICAL RESPONSE The film received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its visual style and ambition, others felt that it didn’t quite capture the magic of the original trilogy. The box office performance was modest, with the film grossing $10.3 million worldwide on a $30 million budget.
LIFE LESSONS
- Courage and Leadership: Héra’s journey highlights the importance of courage and leadership in the face of adversity.
- Family and Legacy: The film explores the impact of family and legacy on one’s actions and decisions.
- Resilience and Hope: The story emphasizes the power of resilience and hope in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
CONCLUSION “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is a visually impressive anime adaptation that adds a new layer to the rich lore of Middle-earth. While it may not reach the heights of the original trilogy, it offers a compelling story and strong performances that will please fans of the franchise.
COMMENT PROMPT What did you think of “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”? Did it live up to your expectations, or did it miss the mark?
