Review: I Am No Man
As I watched ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,’ I couldn’t help but think of those four words, for obvious reasons that anyone with even a minimum of knowledge will recognize.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ is a prequel to the original trilogy that takes the form of an anime to tell us the story of “I Am No Man.” And by the way, why the Helm’s Deep is named as it is. It’s that simple, that easy, and that effective.
I couldn’t get those four words out of my head, and also my childhood, when I watched Japanese cartoons carelessly, long before knowing what “anime” was. Before the movie started, the person next to me described it perfectly: “I don’t expect anything anymore; I just go with the flow.”
And so for two hours, one just goes with the flow, both with animation that isn’t particularly impressive and a story that isn’t particularly inspired. It remains what it is: ‘The Lord of the Rings’ in “anime” version. The animation creates distance… the story, however, does not.
And it doesn’t because it pays homage to the cinematic trilogy, acting as one of its appendages. Even someone not particularly enthusiastic about the saga or the work, like myself, will catch the references. The context. And of course, the plot, classic and simple. Revenge. Honor. I Am No Man.
I don’t know to what extent ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ is a good movie, or to what extent it could have been if it had been shot in live-action. The animation adds a “different” counterpoint to what’s seen, which doesn’t sit particularly well or entirely badly. Neither yes nor no. I Am no Fan.
It’s more of an entertaining curiosity that once the initial reluctance is overcome, it works with the effective and light simplicity of trotting through familiar terrain thanks to a solid script; more than a functional animation that rarely manages to emulate the vibes of the real image it refers to (with ‘The Two Towers’ at the forefront).
A sort of animated shadow that leaves no trace but shows its face during the battle with the dignity of one who has the honor of having prepared to survive it. Revenge. Honor. I Am No Man. Anime. ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ And Helm’s Deep. Simple, easy, effective. And animated.
FAQs
Is ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ a standalone movie?
No, it’s a prequel to the original trilogy of ‘The Lord of the Rings.’
How does the animation style of the movie compare to the live-action films?
The animation style adds a unique touch to the familiar story but may not fully capture the essence of the live-action films.
What are the main themes explored in the movie?
The main themes include revenge, honor, and the iconic line “I Am No Man.”
Is ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ recommended for fans of the original trilogy?
Yes, fans of the original trilogy will appreciate the references and context in the movie.
How long is the runtime of the movie?
The movie has a runtime of approximately two hours.
Does the movie delve deeper into the lore of Middle-earth?
Yes, the movie provides background information on the Helm’s Deep and other aspects of Middle-earth.
Is the animation quality of the movie impressive?
The animation quality may not be groundbreaking but serves its purpose in conveying the story.
Does ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ stand out as a unique addition to the franchise?
While it offers a different perspective through animation, it may not leave a lasting impact compared to the live-action films.
Are there any memorable moments in the movie?
The battle scenes and themes of honor and vengeance stand out as memorable moments in the film.
Where can viewers watch ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’?
‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ is available on Netflix for streaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ presents a unique take on the beloved franchise through anime. While it may not reach the cinematic heights of the live-action films, it offers an entertaining and familiar story for fans to enjoy.
Tags
Cinerecap, Lord of the Rings, Anime, Review, Helm’s Deep