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The scene with Aragorn/Arwen where she cheers him up with her faith in him is not realistic, IMHO, for that time in Aragorn's life. Although it might be very appropriate for the period 40 years or so earlier when they get engaged. They've obviously compressed some of the history of their relationship timewise. I don't have a real problem with that, as I think it works fairly well. The only alternative would be some type of flashback scene to Lorien, which would just confuse the newbies no end.

Again, I agree with you... but isn't in interesting the way it unfolds on screen. You have Elrond's "he has exiled himself", then you see Strider (that's how we know him at that time) reading a book. Then you see Boromir for the 2nd time. At first you think it is Boromir that will lead them. The controversy between Aragorn and Boromir is born in that scene. Strider watching. Boromir handling the sword of Narsil like it's a relic until he sees that he is watched. Then he drops it like its no big deal.

Next we have Strider pick it up and loving put it into place, and then comes Arwen who introduces the audience to Aragorn. This is the one who has chosen exile. He's the heir of the throne. He's the king. (Then comes the clunky love scene... it's beautifully done, but it's like... time out, insert obligatory love scene... okay back to the action) In the council, Legolas introduces Strider to both Boromir and Frodo. And you see the dismay in Boromir's eyes and the wonder in Frodo's.

I agree that PJ did an astounding job. Although I have an occasional criticism as to the flow of the movie, I wouldn't really have a clue about how to do it better.

I suspect if I had made the movie, it would have been three 9-hour films! And since I don't have his genius, they would have been true to the book, but stunk as movies.