In a refreshing take on the Tolkien classic, an animated feature brings to life Héra, Princess of Rohan, as she defies expectations and battles for those dear to her heart. With its exploration of hope and love in the face of despair, this film offers a unique perspective on Middle-earth’s hidden gem.
The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim – A Middle Ground Between Fantasy and Reality
Set 200 years before J.R.R. Tolkien‘s The Hobbit, this animated feature centers around Hèra, Princess of Rohan, who defies her country’s expectations to defend those she holds dear. The story follows Hèra as she struggles against the treacherous Lord whose son Wulf has loved her since childhood.
A Generic yet Hopeful Tale
Hèra is a noble and honest protagonist, but one that lacks depth and complexity. Her character feels generic, with hardly any flaws between her and her two brothers. The story’s conflict lies entirely between Hèra and external forces of war and tradition, without exploring character interiority.
A Mediocre Visual Experience
The animation in War of the Rohirrim is unremarkable, lacking ambitious spectacle. Traditional 2D animation has its strengths, but here it feels underutilized. The film’s pacing suffers from the first 70 minutes being slow and uninspired.
Fidelity to Tolkien’s Core Theme
Despite its shortcomings, War of the Rohirrim honors Tolkien’s most central theme: the resilience of hope and love in the face of despair. The film builds to an epic climax, but it requires patience to reap the benefits of its medium.
A Middle Ground Between Fantasy and Reality
For fans of high fantasy or anime, The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim may not be a dealbreaker. However, it lacks the transcendent quality that made the trilogy appealing beyond a genre audience. The film’s generic elements and underwhelming visual experience make it a mediocre addition to the Lord of the Rings franchise.
