LOTR - Movie or Books?

I love both the books and the movies, and feel that the movies couldn't have been done in any other way to capture the hearts and minds of ALL audiences, not just loyal readers of the book. While JRR Tolkien is an amazing writer, I feel that a lot of his characters and dialogue are best left to be read instead of heard in real life. His dialogue had kind of an...odd feel sometimes, and I don't think that anyone but loyal readers would have enjoyed the story if it was told in the way JRR told it. Peter Jackson did a very loving take on the story, and left the important things in the movies so that nothing huge would be missed. Initially, I was shocked when Tom Bombadil wasn't in the movies, but then I realized that his character might be a little too eccentric for anybody to take seriously. I think that the movies perfectly conveyed the journey, and the way that people from all different backgrounds and races were able to come together to fight for the greater good, and despite every hardship they pressed on. Some argue that the books themselves are obsolete, because Frodo should've just flown to Mount Doom on an eagle and thrown the ring in. They don't realize that the books aren't just about the ends, but the means. The story is about the JOURNEY. That being said, I feel that anybody that likes The Lord of the Rings (books or movies) should see "The Ringers". It's a documentary on The Lord of the Rings and how it has influenced culture on more than one occasion. Very very cool. :D Also, did anybody see that petition that was online when the movies were coming out into theatres? People wanted them to change the name "The Two Towers" because of the Twin Towers catastrophe, and they wanted to change the name "Return of the King" because of Jesus and, get this, ELVIS. Some people just need something to complain about. :D JRR didn't know that those horrors would happen, and the return of the king CLEARLY refers to Aragorn. No disrespect to anybody, I just think that's a little over the top.

I've read the books and seen all the movies, I read the books first. The books are great and are still some of the best books I've read. I expected the movies to be horrible but I think they captured most of the book quite well.

I only saw the movies, I watched DVDs at home, and I saw it several times. What Frodo and Ganduff said in the movies was so touching and it depicts wisely what life really is. I am going to buy the books and read it, so hope it would take me so long to finish these.

I haven't read LOTR yet. I started it but never managed to finish it. I have a whole edition with three books in one and not one separate book for eash, and this makes me feel lost. I have read The Hobbit though and obviously like JRR's style. What you are saying though happens to most books that have been turned to movies, they don't do justice to the author's work

I agree. The books are way better than the movies because the books are much more detailed. Of course, you can't really expect the movies to cover everything in the books as the movies only have limited time.

I like the book as i read the book first before the movies. Its also a great movie, and i like all the 3 especially the return of kings!

Hello tamildude3, I ve read all the series 2-3 times and highlighted the best parts for me, and i definitely believe that movies cannot even come close to the books in descriptions!

Actualy, the book and the movie are fust two different things, just becaus they are written and made by two different people. Obviously there are different opinions in two of these sections. Frankly speaking I prefer to see the movies just because they're easy to make ideas clear. However I do not deny that the books are so well written that they let our imagination soar. The Lord of the Rings, I love them from the bottom of my heart.

Both are good, reading is better to improve your langage skills, and also when you're bored and alone!

I loved all three parts of the movie. I watched them all in movie theater. It was amazing. I have not read the book. And I don't think I will be reading it in the near future. But since I have watched the movie and know the ending, I don't think I will enjoy reading the book.

i think the movie was much better than the books. I think it brought a lot more action, where the book was a little dull at times. The movie trilogy is probably the best and most epic of all time.

You all must have heard the famous saying "Never Judge a Book by its cover " .. Let me modify this a little .. NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS MOVIE !! LOTR Book is awesome ! Period ! No doubts on that one . The Way Tolkien creates the world of Frodo is beyond comparison or measurement. His description and creation of the scenario makes the reader go wild with imaginary scenes in his mind . The Movies do a fairly descent job of helping connect many words to a single picture (I dont deny that a picture is worth a 1000 words ). But to an avid reader , the movies dont do justice at all , to a legend like LOTR . I totally agree that the movies deserve a place in the Hall of Fame of Hollywood , but judging the book by the movies , would be totally unfair to the original legend. There are many things missing in the movies , which are present in the book , and one must read the whole book to realize what he was missing , just by watching the movies . Would love to hear your response on my opinion .. Cheers