Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim – A Review
Lord of the Rings War of the Rohirrim
Introduction
The world of Middle-earth returns once again with Lord
of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, an animated film set within the
canonical realm of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings universe. This
review explores the film’s animation, storytelling, and overall impact while
also touching upon the corporate motivations behind its release.
Lord of the Rings War of the Rohirrim Trailer
The Story
The film centers on Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan,
whose conflict with a local lord leads to a brutal feud. In a single
devastating punch, Helm kills his adversary, prompting the lord’s son to rally
the hill tribes for vengeance. This leads to an epic siege at Helm’s
Deep—before it was even called Helm’s Deep.
Animation and Aesthetic
The animation is a mix between classic Lord of the
Rings visuals and Fire Emblem-style anime. While some aspects
effectively remind viewers of Jackson’s universe, others feel jarring. The
movie incorporates familiar elements, such as Éowyn’s narration and
recognizable musical cues from Howard Shore’s iconic score, though the original
soundtrack doesn’t quite stand out.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the film’s strengths lies in its focus on a
smaller-scale conflict. Unlike the grand battles over the One Ring, this is a
more personal tale of vengeance and leadership. However, this can also work
against the film, making it feel like it could take place in any medieval
fantasy world rather than being distinctly Lord of the Rings.
Another point of contention is the film’s protagonist.
Instead of focusing on Helm Hammerhand himself, the story revolves around his
daughter, Héra—a character barely mentioned in Tolkien’s appendices. While
strong female characters like Éowyn already exist in the franchise, Hollywood’s
tendency to insert new leads instead of expanding on existing ones feels
forced.
Pacing and Runtime
At over two hours, the movie feels longer than
necessary. Certain sequences, such as an inexplicable Kraken-like creature
appearing in Rohan, seem included more for nostalgia than storytelling.
Trimming these moments could have streamlined the film and made for a tighter
narrative.
Final Verdict
Despite some strong moments, War of the Rohirrim
ultimately struggles with its identity. While the first half builds tension
effectively, the second half loses steam. The animation, though visually
appealing in still frames, feels choppy in motion. Additionally, the corporate
motivation behind the film—to retain rights rather than honor Tolkien’s
work—looms over the production.
For fans of Lord of the Rings, it’s worth a
watch at a matinee price, but it’s not essential viewing. The movie is a decent
medieval revenge tale but lacks the depth and necessity to truly stand
alongside Jackson’s masterpieces.
Your Thoughts
Have you seen War of the Rohirrim? What did you
think? What other stories from Middle-earth would you like to see adapted—ones
that honor the IP rather than just retain legal control? Share your thoughts in
the comments
Summery
Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim is an animated film set in Peter Jackson’s Lord of
the Rings universe, focusing on Helm Hammerhand’s battle against vengeful
hill tribes. The animation blends Middle-earth with a Fire Emblem-like
aesthetic, though it feels choppy at times. While the story offers a personal
revenge tale, it lacks uniqueness and could fit into any medieval fantasy. The
focus on Helm’s daughter, Héra, feels forced. Overlong and weighed down by
nostalgia-driven moments, the film ultimately exists more to retain rights than
enrich Tolkien’s world. Worth a watch at a matinee price but not essential.
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