It's a sad fact that today's modern society is very, very, hung up on this issue in a very twisted, unhealthy way. The mere idea of one person touching another, let alone declaring love for another person, is fraught with sexual overtones and questions of ulterior motives, much more than it was in Tolkien' earlier, innocent and "ignorant" days. <P>In the Actor's Commentary version of the film they even have to address the "issue". Apparently Sean and Elijah had to be convinced that it was OK for Sam to hold Frodo's hand when he finds that he is awake and alive in Rivendell. The actors were worried that it might be interpreted as "gay", (in the most negative, insultive sense.)<P>All I can say to the young people out there who have been <I>indoctrinated</I> into thinking that touching someone or saying "I love you" to a friend implies some sexual motivation: I hope if you are ever faced with the loss of that friend, you would not regret the decision.<P>OK, lecture over. Carry on.
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