I have long held the opinion, shared with most of the world, to read the book first, see the movie second. Most of the time, I won't even watch a movie based off a book, unless I have read the book first.
But the Lord of the Rings series was an exception for me. It was a large trilogy, previously started and unfinished, and the movies were too popular to not join with friends and see as they were released.
I loved the movies, how they presented the world of the books, the nuances of characters and was very moved by just the stories presented on the screen. As much as I loved the movies, I loved the books more.
It did take something away, knowing what was coming, but to hear Tolkien's description of the emotions, and depth of the characters that movies just can't come close to bringing across was incredible. I actually cried, at numerous points throughout the books, they were that touching.
I was also pleasantly surprised when I came across the sections that didn't make the movies, and found extra delight in them.
Bottom line, even if you have already watched the movies, these books are worth the time invested in them. If you are short on time, just read the end of The Return of the King, there is a HUGE interesting story about the hobbits return home that is not even close to represented in the movie, and it is quite the interesting end of the book. Plus, you would then be able to read the touching scene where Sam and Frodo part company, and that is worth reading all by itself.
What I learned from it- the power of friendship, and the various ways that friendship is represented in the story. There are friends who fight for you, friends who make you laugh, and friends who stand by your side even through the darkest times, even when you try to push them away. This series is a good reminder that you will never make your goals in life without precious friends getting you through.
No comments:
Post a Comment