At the end of the year, we are allowed to embark on our very first journey into Middle-earth in anime format, and MeinMMO author Ody is so ready for it.
Which movie is this about? “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is an anime film that takes us back to Middle-earth – this time “through the eyes” of the renowned anime director Kenji Kamiyama.
The film is set about 200 years before the events of “The Lord of the Rings” and revolves around Helm Hammerhand and his daughter Héra. Hammerhand is one of the most famous kings of Rohan, alongside Théoden.
Due to a diplomatic mishap of the highest order, war breaks out between Rohan and the Dunlendings, led by the young prince Wulf. The shieldmaiden of Rohan, Éowyn, known from the films and books, will return as a narrator for the film.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will be released in German cinemas on December 12. You can watch the German trailer for the film here:
A Love Letter to Middle-earth
The trailer has not been received positively by all LOTR fans. Some are bothered by the fact that it is an anime and not a live-action film. Others criticize that the focus is on Hammerhand’s daughter Héra rather than on the king himself. However, I am really looking forward to the film. To me, it feels like a love letter to Middle-earth
I immediately notice that with Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, and Peter Jackson, the producers of the original film trilogy are back on board. Rohan looks exactly as I expected, and the clothing and armor also fit wonderfully into the picture. Even if the trailer didn’t contain snippets and music from the films, you would know – yep, that’s it!
The anime has taken on a very exciting story to tell: Helm Hammerhand is a familiar name to many fans, his name is even part of the name of the fortress Helm’s Deep. The decision to perhaps focus more on his daughter does not mean that Hammerhand will be any less interesting or important.
Animes are Not Just for Kids
I also don’t think it’s a problem that the film is being released as an anime. On the contrary, I notice that the understanding of anime or “cartoons” as a medium is not particularly widespread. We know from series like Invincible or the Castlevania anime that animation doesn’t have to be just for kids.
If someone looks at you funny because you, as an adult, are going to see an anime film, I would just ignore it. You can be sure that this person is missing out on some great productions, while you hopefully enjoy the new LOTR film.
Fans of the Amazon series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power can look forward to a meeting with one of the most fascinating characters from the books in the second season. You can read more about it here: Legendary figure from Middle-earth missing in the “Lord of the Rings” films, now making an appearance in Rings of Power
