When J.R.R Tolkien wrote The Fellowship of the Ring in 1954, it’s safe to say that he had no idea he was creating what would later be considered one of the greatest fantasy stories ever told. A story that would eventually be turned into one of the highest-grossing films of all time, and become an iconic piece of pop culture fandom. Twenty years later, it is still widely considered as one of the greatest movies ever made, and most recently was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
Released on December 19th, 2001, director Peter Jackon’s The Fellowship of the Ring was an instant hit, satisfying fans of the novel as well as capturing the hearts of those new to the series. It broke nearly every box office record for both opening day and first-week sales in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Australia, and would go on to gross $880 million worldwide upon its initial run. It’s impressive to think that with accolades as enormous as those, the journey of the Lord of the Rings films all started with a single hobbit.
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That Hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), is tasked with the ultimate hero’s journey; take the One Ring, an item containing part of the soul of the Dark Lord Sauron, and travel to Mordor to destroy it on Mount Doom. The trek will be arduous, perilous, and near impossible. Not only due to the distance, but also with the threat of nearly every enemy in Middle-earth who wants the ring for themselves. Regardless of the risks, the ring has come to Frodo from his Uncle Bilbo (Ian Holm), and it is now his responsibility, one that he takes seriously. He won’t be alone, of course; traveling with him are eight others, who together form the Fellowship of the Ring.
This first installment of the trilogy focuses primarily on telling the story of the ring and how it came to be, introducing our cast of heroes, and showing them set off on the first part of their odyssey. Major alliances and adversaries are introduced to set up the struggles and victories the group will encounter over the course of the three films.
There is no arguing the pure epic scope of the entire story, especially in later installments once literal wars are forged over the mere existence of the ring. At the core of these films, though, is the undeniably human aspect behind it all – the pure heart and iron will against incredible odds and adversity.
These are complex films with heavy underlying themes and arcs, as is evident with their lengthy runtimes, and that’s even before the extended cut versions which were released later on for each installment. There is beauty in the paradoxical contrast between how considerably massive all three movies are versus the size of our diminutive hero Frodo, as well as the isolated, sheltered little world he leaves behind in The Shire. To take on a mission so fraught with peril and uncertainty, one that feels very much like it could ultimately mean a sacrifice of your own life, is bravery on an otherworldly level.
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Friendship and loyalty are also major themes within these movies, and in particular, are set up in profound ways in Fellowship. One of the most poignant is that of Frodo’s best friend Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin), and his unwavering devotion to Frodo and the destruction of the ring. Sam’s character arc is well developed in that we get to see his courage and selflessness evolve further into the journey they go, ending with him literally carrying Frodo on his back to get to Mount Doom. It’s an uplifting moment with an emotional payoff after the intense obstacles and peril they’ve been through and shows how far Sam is willing to go to ensure Frodo stays safe and accomplishes his goal.
On a larger, more sentimental scale, the allegiance of the entire fellowship, not just to Frodo, but to each other, is one of the strengths of the movie. From the resourceful group of Hobbits to the wise old wizard, to the regal elf and the skillful ranger, the fellowship relies heavily on each of their skills and strengths to carry one another. Along the way, they form an unshakable bond that becomes the crux of the entire adventure.
Twenty years later, the thematic elements of Fellowship of the Ring remain just as meaningful as they did upon its original release. It has become a beloved, timeless classic, and one that offers fantastical escapism in light of the times we live in. There’s a sense of comfort that comes with immersing oneself in a world that, although completely unlike ours, also offers quotes and implications to draw comparison and commiseration.
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Perhaps the most overt example of this comes from a conversation between Frodo and the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen). Downtrodden and despondent over the difficulties he’s faced, Frodo tells Gandalf, “I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had ever happened.” Gandalf’s response remains one of the most heavily quoted statements in the entire series: “So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
Words all of us can live by, both now and as our world continues to change.
