Cast: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Miranda Otto, Luca Pasqualino,
Genre: Fantasy, Animation, Drama, Action, Adventure
Director:Â Kenji Kamiyama
In Irish Cinemas: 13th December 2024
“The story of the War of the Ring is one known to all of Middle-earth,” begins Miranda Otto’s haunting narration, evoking a tone reminiscent of Cate Blanchett’s iconic Galadriel. Yet, as she continues, we are introduced to a far less familiar tale: the saga of Helm Hammerhand and his daughter, Hèra. “This is not a song you will have heard sung,” she declares, signalling a departure from the well-trodden paths of Tolkien’s most famous narratives.
This lesser-known story is drawn from the shadowy recesses of J.R.R. Tolkien’s appendices, set nearly two centuries before Frodo’s epic journey to destroy the One Ring. It belongs to an era when Sauron’s influence still gathered strength when the Kingdom of Rohan faced its trials and tragedies. More footnote than a headline in Tolkien’s legendarium, the tale of Helm Hammerhand and the fortress that would bear his name risks being overshadowed by its more famous counterparts—a challenge this cinematic spin-off wrestles with, even as it delivers moments of genuine power and visual splendour.
Through rich storytelling and compelling performances, The War of the Rohirrim strives to breathe life into these overlooked pages, offering a glimpse into the history and heroism that shaped Middle-earth long before the Fellowship was formed. Still, the film sometimes struggles to escape the weight of its origins, fighting to establish itself as more than an impressive yet ancillary chapter in the vast tapestry of Tolkien’s world.
Directed by renowned Japanese anime filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama, this marks the first feature-length Middle-earth film in over a decade and the franchise’s most significant animated project since Ralph Bakshi’s experimental 1978 adaptation. The pairing of creative forces behind the scenes presents an intriguing blend of styles—what Elrond might describe as a curious “fellowship of strangers from distant lands.” However, the final product often feels uneven.
Kamiyama leans heavily on Peter Jackson’s cinematic vision as a visual blueprint. Iconic locations like Edoras, Isengard, and the future Helm’s Deep bear a clear allegiance to the aesthetic established in Jackson’s trilogy. The film offers stunning artistry moments, with richly painted backdrops that evoke the rugged majesty of New Zealand’s landscapes.
Anime adaptations of Western properties have a generally strong track record, as seen in works like The Animatrix and Terminator: Dark Fate’s Zero Day. Yet, Kamiyama’s approach is somewhat unconventional by contemporary standards. His decision to combine traditional 2D animation with clunky 3D environments results in a low-frame-rate style that can feel outdated. The action sequences, full of swooping and spinning camera movements, sometimes verge on overindulgence—reminiscent of the frenetic energy found in a Michael Bay blockbuster.
Without the familiar presence of Elves, Dwarves, or Hobbits, there’s a risk that this story feels somewhat detached from the essence of The Lord of the Rings. The tale—centred on warring horse riders, rival houses, an epic battle, and a dramatic siege—draws clear inspiration from Shakespearean drama and perhaps Game of Thrones. However, it struggles to capture the monumental weight of the Middle-earth sagas we know and love. Attempts to tie the narrative to the lore of the Rings feel tenuous at best, leaving it less like a grand epic and more like an ancillary tale.
However, its breathtaking set pieces elevate this story from feeling like a mere footnote. Anime’s unparalleled strength in dynamic action is on full display, delivering battle sequences that are visceral, energetic, and visually spectacular. The sight of Oliphaunts in full stride will evoke awe—Samwise Gamgee would undoubtedly approve. At its centre is Helm Hammerhand, brought to life with fiery intensity by Brian Cox. As a Viking-like, larger-than-life leader, Helm is fierce and reckless, and his commanding presence gives rise to several instantly iconic, myth-making moments. Helm’s Deep may be a familiar name, but here it’s Helm’s legend—and Helm’s might—that takes centre stage.
Yet, at its heart, this is the story of Hèra (Gaia Wise), which explores themes of lineage, resilience, and female strength. These ideas are handled with a light but thoughtful touch, reinforced by the subtle nods to Éowyn’s struggle against patriarchal constraints (aided by Miranda Otto’s evocative voice work). Wrapped in deeply Tolkienesque musings on unexpected leadership, the narrative finds its footing in its thematic richness.
There are glimmers of Middle-earth magic throughout, enhanced by Stephen Gallagher’s evocative score, which borrows liberally—and to significant effect—from Howard Shore’s iconic Riders of Rohan theme. When the music swells, it’s hard not to feel a tingle down your spine. While it may not reach the epic heights of the main Middle-earth stories, this chapter carves out its own space, blending familiar mythology with the bold artistry of anime.
This marks an intriguing and somewhat unexpected chapter in Middle-earth’s journey to the screen. While it doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of Peter Jackson’s groundbreaking trilogy—an accomplishment few works could ever hope to match—it carves out its space amidst a complex and sometimes chaotic convergence of worlds. Despite its imperfections, moments of genuine emotion and stirring grandeur remind audiences of the enduring magic of Tolkien’s universe.
Overall: 7/10
Movie Reviewer
