After years in which we only got new stories from Middle-earth in series form, a new cinema adventure from the world of JRR Tolkien is coming this year. We’re talking about the anime film The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim by director Kenji Kamiyama, released on December 12, 2024 galloped into the cinemas.
But what do the first reviews say about the first Lord of the Rings animated film in 44 years?
Mediocrity from Middle-earth? Reviews of The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim are mixed
On the more positive side of the review spectrum is Frank Scheck from the Hollywood Reporter. He especially praises the battles and spectacles and also writes:
Fans will certainly appreciate the hints and references to previous films, including sections revisiting composer Howard Shore’s original themes and a late salute to Gandalf. However, those unfamiliar with Tolkien’s details will still be able to enjoy The Battle of the Rohirrim in its own visually magnificent and mythical way, even if it ultimately seems overlong at 134 minutes.
Clarisse Loughrey from the British Independent praises the female protagonist, but at the same time criticizes the harsh male characters, who lack the tenderness and emotional sincerity of the usual Middle-earth heroes. It goes on to say:
Battle of the Rohirrim is only interested in convincing you that it’s just like the movies you know and love. But the suspicion always arises that this is just another one Commercial wolf in sheep’s clothing acts.
Julius Vietzen from Filmstarts also praises the borrowings from the music, where the 3-star review concludes:
This even fuels anticipation for the upcoming new live-action films starting with The Hunt for Gollum. However, the film is weak stiff animations, inadequately staged dialogues and an inconsistently developed main character. The animation style remains stuck between anime and live action, thus exploiting the potential of neither world.
Emma Stefansky from IGN is similarly harsh on the animation:
Director Kenji Kamiyama’s foray into the world of Middle-earth is sometimes exciting, sometimes boring, with a choppy animation style and a plot made up of recycled parts from more popular films. They only serve to remind you of something else you would rather watch.
And William Bibbiani from The Wrap concludes:
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim feels like a too-quickly released direct-to-video title that got a little out of control and now has to be played to a cinema audience that probably won’t forgive its many random mistakes. It’s hard to get mad at this movie, but it is very easy to be disappointed in him.