[MozartLover]

Yes and Yes on the Aragorn & the Legolas scenes. I LOVE the part where he shoots the 3 arrows.

One of my favorite parts is a very small one; the very first close-up of Frodo's face, as Gandalf is arriving. Just the total innocence & the shine of youth; which of course dims as the movie progresses. But that first shot of him is precious.

I can't wait for Sunday night; I NEVER watch the Academy Awards but I will this year! Can't wait to hear Enya sing "May it Be". I'm listening to it now.:)

[HairOfTheDog]

Would you like to join our hobbity Yahoo egroup?... we are planning to use the chat room there to share comments about the Oscars easier than posting here... FReepmail me for instructions if you would like to... We will likely be monitoring the usual live thread the ladies put up here too...

[osagebowman]

I concur, the archery advisors/consultants did their home work, very well done, the arrows were withdrawn nocked drawn and shot is less time that it takes to say it. The archery scenes created quite a stir on a traditional archery board I also frequent. There are speed shooting contests occasionally at bigger tournaments, there is a large one in Nottingham England I believe the winner last year shot 21 arrows, all hitting the target, in one minute. The arrows are drawn from a ground ring rather than a back quiver. I watched it closely the second time I viewed it, paying particular attention to Legolas, he handled the bow very well. It was not a surprise considering how fantastic the movie was.

[Penny1]

All the joy and laughter from Frodo in that first part of the movie is absolutely heartbreaking to me considering the changes that are in store for the character. I am so glad they took the time to give us that in the movie.

I also liked the way Gandalf seemed almost to have forgotten how to laugh in the time he'd been away. His joy just in being in The Shire and enjoying his time with the hobbits brought out the delightfulness of the hobbits but also how greatly Gandalf is worn down by his responsibilities, and struggles and worries in standing against the evils that are beyond the borders of The Shire. It's all very touching, the contrast between the realities of the outside world and the delightfulness of the limited world of the hobbits.