Do You Remember?

[Azaelia of Willowbottom]

I clearly remember waiting for Return of the King. I had finally convinced my parents to let me go to a showing on opening day. It was a triumph because my parents generally hate crowds, and also because the release was on a school night. We gathered up a carload of my friends, and we got all costumed up. I actually still have that picture from that night framed on my desk. I'll be taking it to college with me tomorrow.

I remember the sense of joy mixed with sorrow because this was a new LOTR movie...but also the last one, the end of the journey.

The audience was amazing--applause in all the right places. I love sold-out shows! I could tell that a lot of people present were true fans of the book because lines from the book were greeted with cheers and applause (so was Legolas' surfing stunt, but hey, what can you do? :P ) I remember overlooking differences from the book (though I did want to walk out when Frodo sent Sam away) and leaving generally happy with the whole experience. I did feel a sense of loss, though--that this was the last first time.

It's amazing how many memories a simple question brings back--the trip to the store to by that giant chocolate bar, sharing it with my friends, riding around in my dad's van picking everyone up, sitting with my friend in my mom's kitchen, waiting for her parents to come and get her, returning to school tired but triumphant the next morning...the sense of collective anticipation that had internet fandom waiting expectantly...Good times.

[Folwren]

I remember things clearly, too. There was the morning after spending the night at a friend's house. Pop came to pick me up and her dad went to talk to him while my friend and I finished breakfast. I knew what they were talking about - going to see the movie the night of its release. I could scarcely eat I was so excited.

And then going...the long wait at the theater, yes, yes, I remember. My friend and I chatted excitedly. I was nearly trembling, I felt so excited. I think we bought popcorn, but I never saw it, and I certainly didn't eat it...not while watching the RotK!

Ha! As Azaelia recalls - I, too, remember the moments of applause...I also remember the titters and chuckling that passed through the crowd when Sam said something about not being able to 'go through Mordor in naught but your skin, Mr. Frodo.' I think the other book fans were thinking, along with me, 'thank goodness he's not in naught but his skin like he was in the books!'

I also remember just about crying my eyes out at the end. I walked from the place sobbing and we went into the bathroom before going home. Another lady glanced at me (still crying) and said, "Well, I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one who thought the movie was said."
And, yes, I cried most of the way home, too.

I guess...I was sad that it was over. I remember being terribly, terribly depressed by the whole Grey Havens scene, but then, after Sam's famous line "Well, I'm back" and the screen went dark, there were the words "The End". And that was all. It was over. I really think it was then tha I trully began to cry as though my heart had broken.