The Prancing Pony Podcast: An Unexpected Episode – The War of the Rohirrim Review

Released on December 15, 2024

Introduction

In this unexpected bonus episode of The Prancing Pony Podcast, hosts Alan Sisto and Matt delve into a comprehensive review of the much-anticipated animated film, "The War of the Rohirrim." As dedicated Tolkien enthusiasts, Alan and Matt bring their passion and expertise to dissect every facet of the film, from its unique anime adaptation to its faithful yet inventive storytelling. Despite the episode's surprise release, Matt quips, "[...] the movie's been announced for two years, so I don't know how unexpected this is." (00:47)

Choice of Anime as Medium

One of the standout discussions revolves around the film's choice to adopt the anime format. Alan expresses his initial skepticism but ultimately praises the decision, highlighting anime's expressive potential and its ability to convey powerful narratives. He notes, "It can be expressive. It can really convey a story pretty powerfully. And I think in this case, it was a really good choice." (03:20)

Matt, with limited exposure to anime beyond children's shows like Pokémon and Avatar: The Last Airbender, acknowledges his unfamiliarity but appreciates the visual style. He adds an interesting tidbit: "The 1977 animated Hobbit was made by the studio that would become Studio Ghibli. How crazy is that?" (03:57)

Alan further clarifies a common misconception, emphasizing that "Anime is not a genre. Anime is a medium." (08:46). This distinction is crucial in understanding the film's artistic direction, aiming to transcend traditional genre boundaries and explore the expansive lore of Middle-earth through a fresh lens.

Sound Design Excellence

Both hosts are effusive in their praise for the film's sound design, which they believe rivals that of live-action adaptations. Matt exclaims, "I've never heard an animated film sound this good." (14:55), while Alan agrees, highlighting the immersive qualities brought forth by the meticulous audio work.

However, they do note a slight misstep with the sound effects in the Watcher in the Water scene. Alan points out, "They used the exact sound from that [Peter Jackson's adaptation]. It pulled me right out of it." (15:28). This borrowing of sound effects, though few, momentarily disrupts the film's unique auditory experience.

Story and Plot Adaptations

Alan and Matt commend the film for staying true to the source material while effectively filling in narrative gaps. They appreciate how pivotal moments from Tolkien's lore are translated into the film, ensuring that core elements remain intact. Matt remarks, "They've added a lot of things. Of course, they've had to fill in the blanks to turn this into a full story." (40:45)

Notable additions include the dynamic portrayal of battles, such as Helm Hammerhand's confrontation with the snow troll and the strategic inclusion of Mumakil. The hosts also discuss the narrative choice to incorporate a night-time battle scene, enhancing the eerie and desperate atmosphere of the Rohirrim's plight. Alan observes, "It's a really intense moment with the battles with the Mumakill." (42:18)

While most plot adaptations receive acclaim, the duo expresses reservations about certain deviations, such as the addition of the Watcher in the Water and some dialogue choices that closely mimic the live-action films, which can feel overly nostalgic.

Characters and Casting Brilliance

Casting choices receive high praise, with Alan and Matt highlighting performances that breathe life into the beloved characters. Miranda Otto reprises her role as the narrator, creating a seamless connection to the existing Middle-earth films. Alan states, "That brings me around to casting because Miranda Otto was a natural fit for that." (21:25)

Brian Cox's portrayal of Helm Hammerhand is lauded for its depth and authenticity. Alan commends Cox, saying, "He absolutely flipping owns." (21:49) Similarly, Gaia Wise's rendition of Hera is celebrated for conveying a complex array of emotions, from doubt to unwavering strength. Matt adds, "You really felt everything from the doubt and the sort of the tenderness that she had with her father and then the strength." (22:48)

Supporting characters, such as Wolf, voiced by a compelling performer, and Olwen, portrayed by Lorraine Ashbourne, receive commendations for adding layers to the narrative and enriching the character dynamics.

Gripes and Criticisms

Despite the overall positive reception, Alan and Matt identify a few areas where the film could have improved:

1. Watcher in the Water Scene: Both hosts find this particular scene unnecessary and a distraction from the main narrative. Alan mentions, "I didn't like that scene at all." (40:30), feeling it detracts from the story's flow.

2. Character Development: Matt expresses a desire for deeper exploration of Helm's mental state following the loss of his sons. He reflects, "I would have liked to see Helm's mental state." (18:05), suggesting that more nuanced portrayals could have added emotional weight.

3. Dialogue and Camera Angles: The film occasionally mirrors dialogue and camera work from the live-action films too closely, leading to moments that feel like direct callbacks rather than original elements. Alan critiques, "...a little too much." (52:18).

4. Villain Arc: While Wolf is an effective antagonist, both hosts feel that his character could have benefited from a more detailed backstory, particularly regarding his relationship with his father, Frecka. Matt notes, "I would have liked to see a little more of Wolf prior to Freca getting killed." (29:24).

Overall Impressions and Ratings

Wrapping up their review, both Alan and Matt affirm their satisfaction with the film, awarding it a solid 8 out of 10. Alan summarizes, "I'm not going to give it a 10, but it's a really solid movie." (56:52), while Matt echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing the film's adept storytelling and faithful adaptation of Rohan's lore. Matt confidently states, "I think this movie is a win." (55:53).

They acknowledge minor shortcomings but assert that these do not overshadow the film's strengths, particularly its unique anime presentation and robust character performances.

Conclusion

The War of the Rohirrim emerges as a commendable addition to the Middle-earth filmography, successfully blending traditional Tolkien elements with the distinctive flair of anime. Alan and Matt's in-depth analysis highlights both the film's triumphs and its minor flaws, offering listeners a balanced perspective. For Tolkien fans and cinephiles alike, this animated take on the Rohirrim's legendary battles proves to be a worthy watch, earning the hosts' enthusiastic endorsement.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan (03:20): "It can be expressive. It can really convey a story pretty powerfully. And I think in this case, it was a really good choice."

• Matt (14:55): "I've never heard an animated film sound this good."

• Alan (08:46): "Anime is not a genre. Anime is a medium."

• Matt (22:48): "You really felt everything from the doubt and the sort of the tenderness that she had with her father and then the strength."

• Matt (56:52): "I'm not going to give it a 10, but it's a really solid movie."

Timestamp Key

• MM:SS denotes minute and second marks within the transcript.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments as per the podcast guidelines.