[lindil]

yes, but the women and children of the shire and Helm's Deep were not forced to live in a cave their whole lives now where they? You might start bouncing off the walls to after a decade or so of no sunlight... <P>Also, personally I find the women and childern of the shire or Rohan no less worth saving intrinsically than those of Zion. <P>As for <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Of course the Matrix can't hardly compare to the LotR, so I don't know why anyone is bothering. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Jjudvven, some people [myself for one] prefer a less than perfect movie [or any form of art] that is <I>true to itself</I> and it's aims, than a greater work which is adapted by lesser writers and modified based on the supposed concerns of Hollywood and the perceived necessity to re-arrarnge masterful plotlines and characterizations to fit the needs of 3-4 hour movies. <P>Iris Alantiel posted: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>As for the plot, it was infinitely easier to understand in LotR. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>More or less true, though I had numerous queries from friends who had not read the books as to the relationships between Saruman, Sauron and the Ringwraiths - for some these points of realtion were lost amid all the action. <P>As for the complexity of the Matrix especially reloaded, that was wonderful! A movie that really could have ended up a dozen different ways! <BR>Then again that is exactly what a lot of us feared from PJ as well .<P>Personally I loved the complexity of the matrix and the ferriting out of so many nuances, just like I love it in the Legendarium. The more complex the better I say!<P>Again I do not at all believe that since <B>I</B> find the matrix films more enjoyable than 'TTT' and 'RotK' then everyone else should, this particular paradox is a result of my own experience with the books over 25 or so years and and my own appreciation of the brilliance of the W. brothers [esp in #1].<P>Imladris posted: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> At least LotR knows what religion it is promoting, which is a big difference to the mish mash of the Matrix. At least PJ kept the "christian-ness" of the books of Tolkien. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Hmm... I noticed that 'Gandalf' omitted any reference to the Valar [archangels] during the coronation, and Faramir's saying grace before a meal was axed. Just what Christianness did you see in the 'LotR' movies?<P>Perhaps it was Shadowfax the sentient horse killing Denethor? <P>As for the Matrix using a distinctly unique melange of religious and philosophical themes and references, it is true, but do not forget that the entirity of the Legendarium is built far more upon references and recastings of pagan literature than any direct reliance on Christianity. Tolkien uses a radical amount of restraint in pointing to Christ in the entirety of the Legendarium with the exception of one instance: The Athrabeth in Morgoth's Ring [HoM-E x]. So I really do not see any way that the movie'LotR' is any more Christian than the Matrix. Was not the final scene of Neo [after he has sacrifieced himself for the temoral salvation of the rest of humanity] him being hauled off by the machines with his body/arms outstretched as if crucified? <P>Finally, had the movies been more faithful to the books would my appraisal be otherwise? You bet.<p>[ 1:33 PM December 24, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]