Replies

" historical reference when women did have stronger influence in society and probably had every bit of training as a soldier. There are several VERY strong military activly warrior like women in English history (Buttica, Helen of Aquitane, Joan d'Arc)."

I don't know that many women had "every bit of training as a soldier" or more influence in society back then (though I believe JRRT's mythology is meant to be set long before medieval times), probably those you mentioned are more like exceptions that prove the rule. (Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great also). However, I didn't mind Arwen's augmented role, it was beautifully done.

I don't suppose courtly love has to be demeaning.

Hair, wouldn't Glorfindel's horse have had a better chance to outrun the wraiths with just Frodo aboard (and not his mother on the horse with him)? You'd think so, considering the size of jockeys.

Actually, until running accross this thread, I would have considered LOTR more of a guys' book, what with all the running around the countryside and fighting and stuff. However, I suppose I am proven wrong about that?

"In short, in some ways, I believe PJ IMPROVED Tolkien's work. "

I actually thinks so too, though I'd infinitely prefer to have just the book if I had to choose only one. Boromir's death was alot more moving in the film. Though, to tell you the truth, I think Jackson's genius has been in creating a film that allows us to appreciate Tolkien that much more, if such a thing is possible.

Agree with you on ATOC. I found it hard to get interested in a movie where the protagonist was such a jerk

Agree with you on ATOC. I found it hard to get interested in a movie where the protagonist was such a jerk

I couldn't wait for AOTC to end. But don't you think making him a jerk is their feeble attempt to get us not to like him? After all, in The Phantom Menace Anakin was "cute" and promising. In the next movie he has to morph from annoying teenager to evil personified. My guess is that was their intent, but they just didn't pull it off.

(Sorry for the Star Wars tangent...)

Well, yes, I would suppose that the lighter the load, faster and longer Asfoloth could run! But it was a special horse, with elvish magic about him, either way.

The horses carrying the movie ringwraiths were working pretty hard. They were carrying adult riders (a mixture of men and women BTW) that would weigh between 130-180 on average, I suppose, plus nearly 80 pounds of fabric and gear for their costume. I read that somewhere.

In the book, perhaps the Ringwraiths had it easy. The wraiths themselves were sortof these shapeless spirits, were they not? - wearing the hooded cloaks gave them form. It is possible they weighed very little! Never thought about it!