When thinking back to your first encounter with J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, you will surely remember it for its documentary style. The author’s more famous works, The Fellowship of the Ring , The Two Towers and The Return of the King, known as “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy,” are, of course, written in a similar style, though they are more action packed. In fact, these exciting stories of the 1970s are the stuff of a trio of blockbuster films scheduled to hit screens worldwide over the next two years. For those who need to be reminded, or who have not read the fantasy series, hobbits are quite an unusual species. They keep to themselves, normally do not leave their “Shire” and are bound by a deep friendship. “Foreigners” are treated with reserve. Bilbo, the protagonist of The Hobbit , and Frodo, the hero of the trilogy, join Sam, Merry and Pippin in leaving the Shire. The newly founded fellowship, a representation of all the major “races,” faces danger of all kinds. They also struggle with their faith. Tolkien’s novels create an exquisite, believable, imaginative world, one that viewers hope will translate to film. Elijah Wood plays Frodo and is accompanied by such other great actors as Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett and Ian Holmes. Liv Tyler will play the character of Arwen Undomiel. Look for a review of the film in the News and Views section of the February 2002 issue of Munich Found. For trailers and more information, visit the official site at www.LordOfTheRings.net/. The Internet movie database features the film at http://us.imdb.com/Title?0120737 . The Fellowship of the Ring : premiere: December 19, 2001. Official premiere in Germany: December 20, 2001. The Two Towers : December 2002. The Return of the King : December 2003. <<< KmB
