I was unhappy with The Return of the King, because the director, Peter Jackson, does not understand the Tolkien view of the monarchy and the entire importance of the restoration of the rule of men. The battle scenes, of course, are Jackson's forte, but battles in Tolkien are NOT the most important theme.
The virtues of the characters have been overlooked at well, for an over modern interpretation and not the Catholic view of frailty, sin and redemption, which Jackson also does not get.
Redemption is a huge theme in Tolkien's books as is the growth in virtue through suffering. Men, women, hobbits change not merely by courageous deeds, but by the awareness of where they stand in the BIG picture, the spirituality of Middle Earth and the Undying Lands. The Afterlife is an important theme in Tolkien, and, as a Catholic who is aware of the ultimate goal of men, the author constantly points to the Afterlife, and the symbolism of the unity and harmony the monarchy brings, as a symbol of that order. Aragorn is one of the Christ figures, but no one would get that from Jackson's interpretation. The reluctant king interpretation is also seen in the odd caricature of Bilbo, no matter how well acted. Jackson is not thinking like Tolkien.
He just does not get it.
Here is a less than positive view of the upcoming Hobbit movie. I shall see it, but without the spiritual dimension, will it be just another adventure flim?
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lookingcloser/2013/06/the-desolation-of-the-hobbit/
