Lord of the Rings- War of the Rohirrim review: “From an Eagle’s Eye View”

 

Written by Yongma Lee

Seen at Cinemark Olympia in December 13, 2024; Film released in December 13, 2024

 

             Kenji Kamiyama has returned to direct a new anime film. Kamiyama known for his anime works, including Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. This time, he’s directing a Lord of the Rings anime film. The film does show some promise and potential. Nonetheless, there are several controversial aspects of the movie, such as the animation techniques and reusing parts from earlier works. Such situations would be worth investigating I will see if this film’s really worth the watch.

             There will be spoilers in the review. It’s time to dive into the anime version of Middle Earth.

Plot Premise

The story takes place 183 years before the War of the Ring. It follows King Helm Hammerhand of Rohan, who rejects a marriage proposal for his daughter Hera, sparking a deadly feud with Lord Freca. The conflict escalates into a brutal siege during the Long Winter, with Helm defending their kingdom against Freca’s son, Wulf and an army of Dunlendings. Helm goes on to be the namesake for the stronghold Helm's Deep. How will Helm become a wraith? What will be the fate of Helm’s bloodline?

Pros and Cons in the Film

             Kenji Kamiyama returned to direct the current anime project. I would like to see the anime director direct more anime projects that might catch my fancy. It's been a long time since we've seen hand-drawn animation in a US theater. Even adapting from the Ballad of Helm Hammerhand has piqued my interest. Furthermore, the character design appears to be of high quality, making the trailer appealing. It was very uplifting, but the film left me wanting more detailed information. The story does not align with the filmmaker’s vision.

             The film's small budget is the main issue, along with a rushed production timeframe. This would explain why the backgrounds and animation appear choppy. I also believe the project used generative AI, which could explain its unpredictable pace. For example, unnecessary narrative is a distraction. Furthermore, Hera's prominent Mary Sue status jeopardizes the franchise's credibility. The film could’ve done better.

Dangers of shortcuts and deviating adaptations

Anyone working in the media production industry would be aware of this regulation. It's best to avoid using any shortcut. Hence, utilizing generative AI and reusing old movies qualify as shortcuts among many. For example, while the white wizard's task with Isengard nearing the end of the film. At the same time, the War of Rohirrim film crew deliberately used Christopher Lee’s archived audio. Additionally, I hear lines from earlier Lord of the Rings movies. In this adaptation, Hera was a dangerous heroine. A good deviation is when Hera fights Wulf. It is very vital not to stray from the source material.

 

The small budget resulted in an inconsistent animated film, from character movement to scratchy background. It has a beautiful soundtrack. However, it will not save this film from deviation. At this age, I'd be willing to watch an anime film that costs three times amount. With a larger budget for more time for appropriate editing, a masterpiece will emerge. I believe the primary issue with the film team lacks appropriate planning prior to the budget and film timeline. Also, reliance on generative AI didn’t help in the long run. I would give a new anime film at least five years. It is all to avoid another fail like the Rohirrim film. I would ensure that not only animation, but the story is at a good pacing. Maybe it’s time for me to take that leap of faith.

Final Thoughts

The Lord of the Rings movie didn't live up to the hype, even if I would really like to see another hand-drawn, western-style animated movie in theaters. The film's poor pacing and editing, as well as its erratic animation and narrative change, ultimately lead to its demise. I would give kudos to Kenji Kamiyama and Peter Jackson's partnership. However, It would go so far as to be known as the cheapest quality film of the 2020s. Although I greatly admire Kamiyama's work, a different anime film might suit him better. In addition, this movie would serve as Peter Jackson's last project. Perhaps a new anime film may surpass it next year.

             As much as I love animated films, I have no other alternative. “War of the Rohirrim” gets 5.2 out of 10 stars. The film could’ve received a better score with better planning. But, there’s a reason why Hera’s story will never see the light of day.