Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring Parent Guide
For all the excitement and marvel Lord of the Rings has captured, parents need to be aware that this is not a movie for young children
Parent Movie Review
Long ago, rings of power were forged and given to the dominant races of Middle Earth: Elves, Dwarves, and Men. In secrecy, the wicked Sauron forged a master ring, one mighty enough to overtake the others and potentially rule the world in darkness. Through calamities and strange events, the talisman falls into the unlikely hands of Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm), a Hobbit—sturdy childlike people.
During his gala birthday banquet, Bilbo puts on the innocent looking gold band and unexpectedly vanishes in front of the assembled guests, leaving his young nephew Frodo (Elijah Woods) to inherit all of his possessions, including the ring. Saddened by his uncleís departure, Frodo seeks comfort and counsel from Gandalf (Ian McKellen), the wise family friend who identifies the ring’s horrible origins. Fearing that Sauron will come searching for his lost possession, the great wizard advises Frodo (and some faithful companions) to flee their peaceful homeland.
However, evil agents are already on their trail. Pursued by dark riders, the Hobbits are forced to team up with a mysterious stranger named Strider (Viggo Mortensen). The reluctant adventurers make their way to Rivendell, a temporary safe haven, where a grand council decides the ring must be destroyed by returning it to the fire from which it was made. With trepidation, nine chosen companions, including Frodo as the designated ring-bearer, embark on a most perilous quest.
True to the classic novel and departing only slightly from the original plot, The Fellowship Of The Ring beautifully showcases friendship, loyalty, integrity, and self-control. The rich settings and stunning special effects preserves the dignity of the novel, providing a fitting tribute to the majestic grandeur of Tolkien’s imagination.
Yet, for all the excitement and marvel it has captured, parents need to be aware that this is not a movie for young children. Even older teens should note there are extended and gratuitous battle scenes. The portrayal of the Orc creatures and other villains are frightening, gruesome, and may disturb some viewers.
Prospective ticket-bearers will need to carefully weigh violence versus nostalgia before setting out on their quest to the theater.
Directed by Peter Jackson. Starring Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Woods. Running time: 178 minutes. Theatrical release December 19, 2001. Updated July 17, 2017
Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring
Rating & Content Info
Why is Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring rated PG-13? Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for epic battle sequences and some scary images
Overall: B
In the rich literary tapestry of JRR Tolkienís Middle Earth, an unlikely assortment of heroes set out to destroy an evil ring of power. Mostly faithful to the classic novel, LOTR fans will find this an elaborate and impressive adaptation. Unfortunately it’s also laden with gratuitous violence making it not a recommendable choice for children—and all others are cautioned.
Violence: D
Numerous battle scenes throughout the film show armored men fighting with swords, bows and arrows, spears, axes, magic scepters and staffs. Many on-screen deaths are depicted (including decapitations), along with dismembered body parts sometimes flying through the air. Creature interrogated in medieval-style torture chamber. Even with the carnage, little blood is shown. Frightening and scary dialog, scenes, and character depictions. Characters in peril are chased and taken captive through out. Magic is used to inflict injury. Innumerable decaying corpses are shown. Characters attacked by creature with tentacles, ghoulish monster swinging a club, and a large fire-breathing monster with whip. Mention of human flesh as reward for fighting. Character who cannot swim nearly drowns.
Sexual Content: A
Man caresses woman’s neck, they then kiss. Woman kisses man.
Language: A-
One indiscernible expletive muttered.
Alcohol / Drug Use: B
Characters engaging in drinking at social occasions, in taverns, and in their homes. Characters remark on large size of beer mug. Some background characters depicted as drunken. Characters often shown smoking pipes. Drug reference made in connection to weed being smoked by characters. Use of herbs for medicine.
Miscellaneous content:
Reckless use of fireworks causes risk to public safety. On two occasions, stealing is engaged in as a prank. Dark and sometimes frightening special effect used to change appearance of characters tempted to do evil, or under spell of magic. Mention of evil disembodied spirit. Spell-casting depicted. Magic spell exerts power on character. Insects are shown in a brief scene. Recurrent fiery visual effect. Numerous ominous and dark settings. Volcano threatens eruption. Many ghoulish and hideous-looking creatures: one born out of a mud pit. Character verbally berates another.
Page last updated July 17, 2017
Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring Parents' Guide
In the movie, Frodo despairs over the fateful events that have forced him to become the ring bearer. The wise wizard reminds him that no one gets to decide their circumstances, but they can choose what they will do with the lot they are given. How could that counsel apply in your life?
The Elf Queen preaches that even the smallest person can change the course of the future. Do you agree with her?
Director Peter Jackson’s past cinematic achievements have been in the slasher/thriller genre. Do you think his background had any effect on his film adaptation of Tolkien’s literary masterpiece?
Don’t forget The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, and The Hobbit can be found in most libraries. Encouraging your children to read the books, or reading them together as a family, may be a good alternative for those who admire Tolkien’s tales of good versus evil but are concerned about the film’s content.
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring movie is August 27, 2012. Here are some details…
October 11, 2016 Warner Brothers studios has announced the combined release of all six of Peter Jackson’s films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. This compilation is available in two packages: The Middle Earth Theatrical Collection (A 6-disc set (Blu-ray or DVD) featuring the theatrical versions of each movie) and The Middle Earth Limited Collector’s Edition (a box set of 30 discs featuring the extended editions of each movie plus extras).
On August 28, 2012, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Extended Edition releases in as a single movie on Blu-ray (5 disc set).
Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring releases as a single title to Blu-ray on September 14, 2010. The 2-Disc package includes copies of the movie in Blu-ray and DVD.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Release Date: 6 April 2010
The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring is releasing as part of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. This boxed set of 9 discs offers the theatrical versions of all three movies (not the extended editions), plus many extras.
Related home video titles:
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, the other movies in this trilogy include:
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Other fantasy movies we have reviewed include Dungeons And Dragons, and The NeverEnding Story.
Related news about Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring
