Fans of Middle-earth can rejoice with the release of The War of the Rohirrim, an animated prequel directed by Kenji Kamiyama. Set 183 years before The Lord of the Rings, it depicts the legendary battle at Helm’s Deep. While many viewers praise its captivating visuals and strong storytelling, some critique the animation style and pacing. Reactions vary widely, from glowing reviews to harsh criticisms, reflecting a mix of nostalgia and modern expectations for the beloved saga.
For the seventh time since 2001, fans are given the chance to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Middle-earth. Following the acclaimed trilogies of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien’s saga makes a triumphant return to the big screen with The War of the Rohirrim. This animated prequel, helmed by Kenji Kamiyama (known for Blade Runner: Black Lotus), continues the legacy established by Peter Jackson’s iconic films.
Drawing inspiration from a short story in the appendices of ‘The Lord of the Rings’, this feature film transports viewers 183 years before the adventures of Frodo, showcasing a pivotal battle at Helm’s Deep—home to one of the most memorable sequences from The Two Towers. So, what are the first reactions from audiences regarding this new venture into Middle-earth?
Viewer Reactions to ‘The War of the Rohirrim’
Describing it as ‘a pure marvel’, Anto386 rates it 5 out of 5. ‘Kenji Kamiyama and Peter Jackson have crafted a remarkable prequel to The Lord of the Rings, breathing fresh life into this extraordinary saga. The direction captivates with stunning visuals that transport us to a familiar yet innovative realm, remaining true to Tolkien’s vision. Fans of high fantasy will find this film a must-watch.’
jennsen (also 5 out of 5) shares, ‘I wasn’t expecting much, as I’m not a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings, but I was pleasantly surprised! The narrative is beautifully crafted, unfolding seamlessly with just the right pacing. The characters are well-developed, particularly the strong heroine and her family.’
Guigui5785 (same rating) adds, ‘Though I’m not familiar with the manga style, I found myself completely absorbed from start to finish. The music, reminiscent of Howard Shore’s compositions for the original films, enhances the experience, while the action sequences capture a visual intensity unique to this format.’
Critiques of the Animated Experience
yoni dh (4.5 out of 5) reflects, ‘This film is far from a mere cash grab; it revives a sense of awe and admiration for characters filled with heroism and goodness. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Tolkien’s legacy, appealing to fans while also serving as a less cryptic entry point for new audiences.’
Imc-3 (4 out of 5) praises, ‘The animation is immersive, enhancing both the breathtaking landscapes and the action sequences, delivering a vibrant homage to Tolkien’s universe.’ However, Muelka (3 out of 5) notes that while the anime style brings spectacular moments, it could feel conventional, lacking surprises that might engage viewers less familiar with Tolkien’s works.
In contrast, PouleRobot (3 out of 5) feels the story is engaging but criticizes the animation for its nostalgic references to classic styles, stating, ‘The static backgrounds paired with animated characters felt limiting to me.’
julien rvr (2.5 out of 5) points out, ‘The animation often falls short of modern standards, and the soundtrack lacks the impact we’ve come to expect from this saga.’ Meanwhile, Elbaz Raphael (2 out of 5) expresses skepticism about the film’s approach, saying, ‘The concept of a manga-style adaptation of a complex story from The Lord of the Rings doesn’t resonate with me.’
On a harsher note, Solar Explorer (1 out of 5) laments, ‘What can you expect from such a disappointing experience? Don’t waste your time or money on this lackluster animation.’