Opened: December 17, 2003

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Starring: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Bernard Hill, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Hugo Weaving, Liv Tyler, Miranda Otto, David Wenham, Karl Urban, John Noble, Ian Holm, Sean Bean, Marton Csokas, Lawrence Makoare & Thomas Robins

The end of a long journey, The Return of the King is the culmination of Peter Jackson’s epic The Lord of the Rings series based off the J. R. R. Tolkien books.

With a battle brewing, Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) are preparing to take on Sauron. At the same time, Frodo (Elijah Wood), Sam (Sean Astin) and Gollum (Andy Serkis) travel to destroy the One Ring.

The film hits on the battle of good vs. evil and while that is evident in the larger battle, it’s also true within Gollum – whose story is incredibly portrayed by Serkis.

Utilizing the brilliant New Zealand landscape as well as gorgeous special and practical effects, this is the fantasy film that all others strive to be.

Final say: A legendary end to the incredible series. ★★★★★