One ring to rule them all

Elijah Wood plays Frogo Baggins, the young Hobbit who discovers that his Uncle Bilbo's (Ian Holm) magic ring is actually the source of a wild hunt which involves elves, orcs, and other creatures of Middle-Earth. After being informed of the nature of this seemingly indestructable ring from wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen in one of his greatest roles), Frodo sets out for Rivendell while being chased by the hooded Ringwraiths. When finally he narrowly escapes death and arrives at the city of wonder, it is decided that a group of people shall bring the earth to Mt. Doom and destroy it - led by young Frodo. Thus the first live-action adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring" hits full-thrust.

Peter Jackson's THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING is a beautiful masterpiece of fantasy adventure, filmed in gorgeous New Zealand to give it that ancient, mystical feeling. Jackson's directing is terrific; he also scripted.

As a matter of fact, the script is the film's only problem, and a slight one at that. Tolkien fans may find themselves disappointed, as about 1/5 of the novel has been deleted from the film; for those people, I recommend the Extended Version. But true die-hard Tolkien/LOTR fans will find a gorgeous film.

Terrific special effects, terrific direction, terrific acting, terrific film. Of course, there is also Howard Shore's finest achievement as a score and some beautiful contributions by new age favorite Enya.

The first installment of THE LORD OF THE RINGS is unmissable. If you have not seen it, you have no idea what you're missing. It is, possibly, the greatest film of all-time. Leave it to one "Ring" to rule them all.