Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: NYer
I posted similar comments on a LOTR thread yesterday, but in light of Colson's comments, I'll say it again...

This film seems most timely for our place in history. The understanding that there is evil in the world that threatens to overwhelm what is good...The recognition that good will not overcome evil simply by being good. The forces of good need to be marshalled for an all-out fight if victory is to be assured...The idea that the culture of freedom is superior to the culture of death and oppression -- there is no "moral equivalency" in this movie. While there is "diversity" in the sense that there are many different peoples and cultures (elves, dwarfs, men, hobbits), their strength is in what unites them, what they have in common -- a love of freedom, and a willingness to fight for it...The notion that devotion to values and principles higher than oneself can motivate people to lay everything on the line. This is simply affirmation that there are some things worth fighting for, and their is honor and glory in the fight, even if the outcome of the fight isn't sure, and defeat is most likely.

The most poignant scene was the desparate declaration by Frodo after they have been taken to Osgiliath by Faramir, when he says to Sam, "I cannot do this!" The feeling of desparation and resignation was palpable. This feeling of despair, inability, and defeat is a common human experience. Which one of us hasn't faced, at some point in our lives, a battle or a situation where we felt completely outmatched and overwhelmed, and the temptation to give in? Sam's response, that the fight and effort are worth it because they fight for what is good, was as inspiring a statement ever presented on film.

Finally, the character Gollum/Smeagol was tremendous. Gollum's debate with himself about whether to serve "the Master" or to "kills it" -- the battle within himself -- and the victory (momentary as it would turn out to be) when "Smeagol" wills "Gollum" to "go away and never come back," was heart-wrenching. He is a characterization of ruined humanity -- ruined by sin, selfishness, and uncontrolled desire. There is still a spark of goodness in Gollum, the hope of redemption, but it's all the more sad and tragic because (if you've read the books) you know that spark never overcomes the darkness.

Perhaps it's just me, but I saw this film, more than the first, as a story of spiritual warfare. Particularly, it was a presentation of the truth of how strength, honor, courage, hope, sacrifice, goodness, heroism, and ultimately victory can overcome our own frailties if we are committed to a goodness that transcends us. And from a Christian perspective, we draw upon the higher power that transcends us.

4 posted on 12/20/2002 10:27:51 AM PST by My2Cents
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson