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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) More at IMDbPro »

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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) -- The trailer for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy on Blu-ray.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) -- The former Fellowship of the Ring prepare for the final battle for Middle Earth, while Frodo & Sam approach Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) -- MattTrailer.com - Trailer (Flash)

IMDb Holiday Movie Guide

Overview

User Rating:
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 23% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
J.R.R. Tolkien (novel)
Fran Walsh (screenplay) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
17 December 2003 (USA) more
Tagline:
This Christmas the journey ends. more
Plot:
The former Fellowship of the Ring prepare for the final battle for Middle Earth, while Frodo & Sam approach Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Won 11 Oscars. Another 106 wins & 68 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(248 articles)
Avatar Has Best Christmas Eve
 (From Alt Film Guide. 25 December 2009, 7:38 PM, PST)

Top 10 Action/Adventure Movies of the Decade
 (From ReelzChannel. 23 December 2009, 5:08 AM, PST)

User Reviews:
They saved the best for last more (2902 total)
US TV Schedule:

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Der Herr der Ringe - Die Rückkehr des Königs (Germany)
The Return of the King (USA) (short title)
more
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and frightening images. (also extended edition)
Runtime:
201 min | 251 min (extended edition)
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Certification:
Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:14A (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Ontario) | Malaysia:U | USA:PG-13 (certificate #40415) | Hungary:14 | Sweden:11 | South Korea:12 | Brazil:12 | New Zealand:M | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Canada:G (Quebec) | Denmark:11 | Finland:K-11/9 (re-rating) | Finland:K-15 (original rating) | France:U | Germany:12 | Germany:16 (special extended edition) | Hong Kong:IIB | Iceland:12 | Ireland:12 | Israel:PG | Japan:PG-12 | Netherlands:12 | Netherlands:16 (special extended version) | Norway:11 (extended version) | Peru:14 | Philippines:PG-13 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | Spain:13 | UK:12A (original rating) | UK:12 (video rating) (2004) | Greece:K-13

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
To get enough extras for the Battle at the Black Gate, a few hundred members of the New Zealand army were brought in. They apparently were so enthusiastic during the battle scenes that they kept breaking the wooden swords and spears they were given. more
Goofs:
Continuity: When the camera pans over the tower of Isengard where Sarumon is being held captive, you can see the entire top surface - and that he is alone. A few moments later, Grima appears behind him - also imprisoned at the top. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Deagol: Smeagol, I've got one! I've got a fish, Smeag. Smeagol!
Smeagol: Pull it in. Go on. Go on. Go on. Pull it in.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Dreamfall: The Longest Journey (2006) (VG) more
Soundtrack:
Into the West more

FAQ

Is Sauron seen in this film?
How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?
What happened with the original ending in the book?
more
286 out of 357 people found the following review useful.
They saved the best for last, 16 March 2005
10/10
Author: Derek237 from Canada

Obviously, I'm aware of the fact that the Lord of the Rings trilogy is actually one giant movie, but since it was released in parts, that's how I'm judging them. The Return Of The King is the final chapter, and since it is the climax and resolution of the epic journey, it has a little more intensity and urgency than the previous installments.

At this point everyone has come to know and love all of the characters, and the stakes have become tremendously high. Kingdoms are at their knees, and the only two characters who can save the day are getting weaker and weaker. The tension was very high in this episode and I can honestly say that out of all 3 this was the only one that had me on the edge of my seat. There were many memorable scenes (one of my favourites including the part with the giant spider)that made this the classic that it is sure to stay for decades to come.

This is the longest of the series, mostly because of the ending that seems to last a while. This was a good ending, and I can see why Frodo did what he did. He, and us the audience, have gone through an incredible ordeal and I think we needed that 20 minute linger. When the battle is over, and the celebrations have ended, there is a sad emptiness felt. The films spanned over 3 years, there have been the extended cuts of course, but after that, it's all over. Peter Jackson gave us an ending that was both appropriate and admirable.

These were some amazing movies and this one in particular is the best, in my opinion. As whole, the Lord Of The Rings is a phenomenon. An absolute phenomenon. Much more than just movies. They have a universal appeal and have touched the hearts and imaginations of millions. I'm one of them.

Sorry if I'm being all fanboyish and kissing this movie's ass, but I really admire it. It may not be among my personal favourites but generally this seems to be the movie event of the century. There will never be another Lord of the Rings film, and that's a bit depressing.

My rating: 10/10

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