THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM – The Red Right Hand Movie Reviews [Matthew Stogdon]

Starring
Brian Cox
Gaia Wise
Luke Pasqualino
Miranda Otto

Almost two hundred years before the events of The Lord Of The Rings, we are shown an epic struggle between the king of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand [Cox] and the leaders of the Dunlendings. But more so, this is a story of their heirs (Hera [Wise] and Wulf [Pasqualino]) in a personal war of vengeance and attrition. And on paper, a prequel covering a formative time in the history of the peoples of Rohan is a fantastic setting and an opportunity to tell a different sort of story that isn’t as constrained by the bigger picture machinations of Mordor and the fate of the ring. Yet, frustratingly, this movie somehow manages to fumble every aspect.

One of the more interesting elements of this feature, is that it’s animated. And the choice to utilise animation affords the creators the opportunity to tell a story in a different and dynamic way. Rather than being restricted to what is, you can create truly unique and vibrant characterisations, performances, action, and scale. Alternatively you could just shoot it like a live-action film and end up with a flat unambitious slog. Again, on paper, I should be rooting for this movie. I’m a fan of both anime and The Lord Of The Rings. But I genuinely don’t know who this is for, as none of the strengths of these two forces are harnessed but all of the limitations are present. Although, it may help to know that this movie wasn’t necessarily born out of a passion to tell a story or explore the possibilities of animation, but simply to retain the intellectual property rights.

But let’s stick with the animation for a second because it’s the first thing you take in and the first offence the film commits. As stated, there are so many animated features that understand the unique properties and potential that this medium offers. But it seems the creators opted for a rotascoped feel to ground the action and bring it more in line with the live-action adaptations. And in trying to root the animation in reality, the studio have tied the artist’s hands being their backs and limited the potential of what this film could be. Meaning the faces are fairly unexpressive, the movement is clunky and (for lack of a better word) human, and so many of the animated components sit flatly on the CGI elements with a lack of cohesion. In fact, one of the most egregious examples is when Hera is running away from a crazed oliphaunt and into the woods, where she ends up at a pool of water. And then the camera just pans across this flat image. Forget films for a moment, there are countless animated shows with infinitely superior visuals and direction. I cannot express how very cheap looking and feeling this moment was – to the degree that I was filled with embarrassment on behalf of those attached to this movie. Which is honestly fascinating to me considering the director’s storied and incredibly impressive career to date.

So disappointment with the visual components to one side, does the story at least carry you through the beefy two and a half hour runtime? No. In fact, it comes off like incredibly tenacious but ultimately lacking fan fiction, that doesn’t have many new ideas and desperately reruns familiar tropes that were done better. Going so far as to minimise the scope of what a Rohan based tale could be. Reducing every single important moment in their history to being overwhelmed, stubbornly refusing to ask for help from Gondor, ignoring the prominent female member of the family who is the only one speaking sense, before finally ending up in a siege at Helm’s Deep, saved only by banished kin ex machina. Granted, it’s probably realistic world building and the fact this is their go-to response to attack is even referenced in The Two Towers by Saruman. But for audiences, it simply feels repetitive and uninspired. The key difference here is the characters we’re following and that the motivational drive behind the attack isn’t a proxy war in a wider conflict. It’s a personal vendetta between former childhood friends. So is that the element that saves this movie? Again, no.

Other than Hera and her sheer determinism and bravery, there are so few likeable characters. As such, the illogical arrogance and futility of this conflict makes it difficult to care about their plight. This is most evident in Helm Hammerhand, brought to life by a thundering Brian Cox. Yes, the performance is incredibly good and it’s clear that Cox is having the greatest time being this elder, imposing beast of a man. But considering his reckless actions are the catalyst that puts everything in motion – literally denying a marriage proposal, one-punching a lord and then banishing his surviving son – and throughout the entire film, he never truly learns his lesson. If anything, he’s rewarded for the actions which almost led to complete ruin. As for Wulf – the film’s central antagonist – I have so much to say that I’ll save it for later in the review. But to give this movie what little credit I can, the performances are incredibly earnest. Too many big screen animated features push aside voice actors in favour of big name performances but War Of The Rohirrim has a magnificent collection of talent that does their best with the script they’re given. Actually, there is one character who served as an industry marker; almost a stowaway from a different feature. Janine Duvitski voices Old Pennicruik, a crone like figure who resides within Helm’s Deep. Her presentation, mannerisms and delivery are the closest we get to a dialled up anime character. And it made me more frustrated for how the film could have felt and been given more warmth and personality in amongst all the stoic solemnity.

To reiterate, this film is not a complete write-off and the exploration of animation as a way of telling franchise adjacent stories should be celebrated and encouraged. Case in point, the sound design is incredibly powerful and layered, shaking the cinema in IMAX. And the score hits a lot of nostalgic leitmotifs, as one would expect. But it simply doesn’t do enough to grab you and the whole thing feels sluggish. If this is somehow your first introduction to either anime or Lord Of The Rings, I feel you’ve been done a disservice to both and owe it to yourself to explore what is truly capable.

Release Date:
13 December 2024

The Scene To Look Out For:
**spoilers**
This is a very long film and, what’s more, one which has pacing issues. Subsequently, any development falls under scrutiny of “why is this here”. A key example for me is the denouement. Using a secret tunnel, Hera dresses in a ragged bride’s dress and rides out to meet Wulf head on. Acting as both a distraction and a defiant symbol. And watching her tear over the fortified walls and across the monolithic siege tower, it creates a bold and striking image. But as the tower came crashing down onto the wall I just muttered to myself “they spent months building this thing, why can’t they just burn it and fend off the handful of attackers that make it through?” And after the final fight between Hera and Wulf, that’s exactly what happens and the siege bridge collapses within minutes. It may sound like a minor oversight but it just goes to show that so much of this story hasn’t been thought through or considered and what should be an awe-inspiring moment crashes under its own weight.

Notable Characters:
Wulf is the worst. And I don’t mean he’s a villain you love to hate. He’s just a terrible ruler. Every chance we get to learn more about him and his motivation fails to impress. He makes blunder after blunder, yet people follow him. He is arrogant and single-minded. And his grudge against Hera feels inflated from almost nothing. And what’s most frustrating about this is these are the core building blocks for an over entitled adversary who deserves to fail yet is able to manipulate those around him to serve his own callous needs. Of all the characters who came and went, this one had the scope for the most interesting development. Instead we have all the negatives with none of the nuance. Which is a shame.

Highlighted Quote:
“I broke my shield in that battle. I wanted a new one but your father said no. It’s not broken, it’s broken in.”

In A Few Words:
“A completely mishandled project that will disappoint fans and confuse wider audiences.”

Total Score: 2/5

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