Chapter 257: Legolas’s Stunning Entrance

In fact, when you look at all commercial blockbusters, the opening is crucial—

Just like the golden first chapters of a web novel.

Warmth, suspense, bloodshed, visual effects… Whatever it may be, the sole purpose is to capture the audience's attention and keep them watching.

If the movie's opening lacks the basic elements that draw the audience in, the film is likely to face a chilly reception at the box office.

The first installment of a series is equally considered an "opening," so its impact on whether the subsequent sequels get released, or how many theaters they can secure, is critical.

If the first part is successful, even if the sequels lose some quality, they can still perform well at the box office.

But if the first part flops, even if the sequels are excellent, they may struggle to achieve good box office numbers or even face difficulties in getting released.

This is where Peter Jackson's brilliance shines—

The voice-over narration is dull, but necessary to explain the background, so those who aren't Tolkien fans can understand.

To prevent the audience from losing interest due to this lengthy narration, Jackson wisely paired it with a large-scale battle scene, sparking the viewers' interest from the very beginning.

After an exhilarating battle that gets the blood pumping, the movie's pacing slows down.

At Bilbo's birthday feast, he uses the power of the One Ring to disappear before the villagers. However, his trick does not fool Gandalf, who confronts him. Bilbo then reveals his plan to leave everything to Frodo, including the ring. Gandalf asks him if this includes the One Ring, since only the One Ring grants invisibility. Though reluctant, Bilbo ultimately leaves the ring behind...

Having seen much in his life, Gandalf feels a foreboding presence when he sees the ring. After researching historical records, he concludes it is the evil One Ring. He informs Frodo, who is horrified and wants to give it to Gandalf. Gandalf convinces Frodo to take the ring to a safe location, with Sam accompanying him. They plan to meet at The Prancing Pony...

As the story progresses, the audience becomes more immersed in the film. The stunning special effects evoke—

The calming rural beauty of the Shire.

The chilling and mysterious atmosphere of Minas Morgul.

The breathtaking elegance of the Elven realm.

Clearly, Peter Jackson understands the pacing of a commercial film. He doesn't reveal all the high points at once but releases them gradually to avoid overwhelming the audience.

Frodo and Sam begin their journey to protect the ring, and soon encounter two other hobbits, Pippin and Merry...

On the road, they are again hunted by the Ringwraiths. Frodo is severely injured, his life hanging in the balance. Just then, the Elven princess arrives and single-handedly delivers Frodo to Rivendell...

The Elven king heals Frodo, and Gandalf also reunites with him. However, the shadow of the One Ring still looms. The weakened Elven kingdom cannot guarantee its safety. With great concern, the Elven king Elrond calls for representatives from other lands to devise a strategy.

Representatives from various nations gather in Rivendell, where nine Ring-bearers are chosen.

It is in this scene that Legolas, played by Martin, makes his appearance.

As soon as he enters, there is a gasp in the theater.

"Oh~!"

"Ah~!"

"Wow~!"

"He's so beautiful!"

"This is Legolas, my God!"

"My heart is captivated."

When the golden glow of the sunset bathes Legolas as he strides out, sword in hand, it's as though he's framed in a golden halo. With his exquisitely handsome features, he immediately captivates the hearts of all the moviegoers.

Men and women alike—because beauty is universal!

Gasps of awe and excited chatter fill the theater.

Sitting behind Martin, Jennifer Aniston, who had already been drawn into the film's beautiful world, is suddenly shaken when Legolas appears on screen. She can't help but stare at the stunning figure on the silver screen, letting out a long, involuntary sigh of admiration.

Immediately realizing what she has done, she quickly covers her mouth.

But even then, her gaze refuses to leave the screen for even a second.

Then comes a brief dialogue between Legolas and the Elven king.

Legolas, played by Martin, kneels on one knee, one hand on his sword, the other resting on his knee, his head slightly lowered. His soft, golden hair cascades down, framing his perfect profile in all its exquisite beauty!

"Mmm~"

Jennifer Aniston can't resist sighing again.

This time, she doesn't bother covering her mouth. She doesn't care.

All she wants is to keep gazing at that face on the screen, forever.

Finally, this scene in the valley ends...

Legolas disappears from the screen, and the entire theater echoes with a collective sigh of regret.

Fortunately, the film's plot is gripping enough that, after such an emotional impact, the audience is still eager to continue watching.

The Fellowship officially begins their journey, and more breathtaking landscapes unfold before the audience.

Honestly, Peter Jackson really spares no effort in showcasing the beauty of his homeland for promotional purposes.

If you watch The Lord of the Rings trilogy, you might notice a recurring pattern.

Whenever they're on the road, the film often includes sweeping shots or wide-angle views to showcase the landscapes of Middle-earth (New Zealand).

Then comes the arrival of Saruman, the fallen wizard.

Honestly, his entrance is far more dramatic than Gandalf's.

Using a series of magical methods, Saruman hinders the Fellowship's progress, forcing them to take the path through the Mines of Moria.

In the film, Peter Jackson portrays Saruman as completely obedient to Sauron, presenting their relationship as one of almost total servitude.

In the original book, however, Saruman is not so loyal to Sauron.

When Gandalf seeks him out, Saruman proposes an alliance to overthrow Sauron and rule Middle-earth together. His agents and orcs are sent to retrieve the One Ring, but his true intention is to bring it to Isengard, not Mordor.

In fact, this powerful wizard even creates his own ring, renaming himself "Saruman of Many Colors."

When Gandalf discovers that Saruman is using the Palantír, he realizes that Saruman has fallen much further than he ever imagined.

However, none of this is shown in the film. Saruman is simply depicted as a servant of Sauron.

Many fans of the original book criticized this portrayal.

On screen, the Fellowship reaches the entrance of the Mines of Moria.

Merry and Pippin once again showcase their "monster-attracting" abilities when they throw stones into the lake, awakening a creature that captures Frodo yet again.

Fortunately, the group works together to rescue him and retreats into the Mines.

During this sequence, Martin, with his golden hair flowing and drawing his bow, once again earns countless gasps of admiration.

The rescue team enters the Mines, and soon the entrance is collapsed by the lake creature, leaving the Fellowship no choice but to continue on their perilous journey.