Hope?

I am curious to see what others are thinking...<P>From all of the reviews, we keep hearing people mention how dark The Two Towers is. Upon leaving the theater, my husband (who recently finished reading TTT and is working on ROTK), made an observation that the movie was full of hope. I have been thinking about this since seeing it, and have to agree. <P>In the appendix of ROTK, Tolkien goes into further detail of Aragorn and Arwen's story. Hope is mentioned many times...Aragorn's name given to him by Elrond even means "hope" in Elvish. I am grateful that this theme was picked up on by PJ and crew and threaded throughout the movie...even if one has to look hard for it. Here are some "hopeful" instances that I can remember (right now...need a second viewing..):<P>The interaction between Smeagol and Frodo. I believe that Frodo not only sees in Smeagol what he himself could possibly become, but also hope that Smeagol can be redeemed. I guess hope that there might still be good left in him. Likewise, there is hope that in Smeagol's "new found goodness", the quest might just be accomplished. It almost seems that Frodo begins to lose this hope when he sees Gollum begin to reappear.<P>The Legolas and Aragorn interaction. Legolas began to lose perspective and accordingly, was overwhelmed by the surrounding circumstances. He sees the strength that is in Aragorn...although seemingly hopeless...who sets his mind to fight to the bitter end. Although different from the book, the Elves coming to Helms Deep brought hope. Hope of renewed relations, and hope for the battle. Legolas is able to grasp this. <P>Gandalf freeing Theoden. The people of Rohan had lived in such despair under the shadow of Saruman...that when Theoden was freed, even with looming war, a cloud seemed to be lifted. <P>These are just a few of the instances that I can think of. I'm interested to hear others opinions...and to see if you can see hope in the despair.