Every so often, we’re drawn back to Middle-earth, where we expect grandeur, a sweeping score, and existential lessons about honor, sacrifice, and the occasional overly-aggressive elephantine creature. “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” released this past Friday, provides all of that, bundled in an anime format that injects both curiosity and nostalgia into Tolkien’s legendary universe. And if that doesn’t get your orcish blood boiling, I’m not sure what will.
Directed by Kenji Kamiyama (known for Blade Runner: Black Lotus), this anime prequel takes place 183 years before the events of Peter Jackson’s beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy, diving deep into the history of Rohan and one of its most famous rulers—Helm Hammerhand. Unlike the familiar tales of hobbits and rings, this film takes us back to a time when Helm’s Deep was still just Helm’s Keep, a less iconic stone structure destined to become the last bastion of human resilience against the forces of evil.
A New Story in an Old World
Let’s begin with the story—something fans of Tolkien are fiercely protective over. The War of the Rohirrim expands on a single line of text from the appendices of The Lord of the Rings (those of you who diligently flipped to the end of The Return of the King know what I’m talking about). The plot revolves around Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan, and his fierce battle against the Dunlending warlord, Wulf, whose campaign of vengeance takes him to the gates of Helm’s Keep. The film does not shy away from the darker themes of war—betrayal, the cost of leadership, and generational vengeance.
The battle sequences are where this film shines brightest. Kamiyama directs these scenes with a frenetic energy and a sense of scale that echoes Jackson’s epic battles, but with the added visual flair of animation. Whether it’s the siege of Helm’s Keep or the swarming legions of Dunlending forces, these moments are captured with intensity and style. The choice to present this story in anime form, while initially eyebrow-raising, becomes an artistic triumph as the medium lends itself to exaggerated action, dynamic angles, and fantastical creatures (yes, there are some very large, very angry beasts here, too).
The human elements of the film remain front and center, despite all the swirling chaos of battle. Helm is depicted not just as a mythical figure but as a man burdened by the weight of his crown, forced to protect his people in increasingly dire situations. His relationship with his daughter Hera—an original character introduced in this film—adds emotional depth and offers a fresh perspective within the narrative. Hera’s arc is one of growth, resilience, and ultimately, leadership. If the film suffers anywhere, it is in its attempts to juggle these intimate character moments with the grander spectacle, occasionally slowing the pacing down in favor of exposition.
Animation and Visuals: A Mixed Bag?
The anime style is, without a doubt, the boldest choice this film makes. There’s something inherently captivating about seeing Middle-earth through the lens of Japanese animation. The exaggerated expressions, the sweeping landscapes, and the vibrant use of color are stunning, making the harsh landscapes of Rohan feel both familiar and alien at the same time.
Yet, purists might find some elements of the animation jarring. While Kamiyama’s direction and the animators have captured the grandeur of Helm’s Keep and the plains of Rohan beautifully, certain stylistic choices—particularly with character design—may not sit well with everyone. Helm Hammerhand, for example, comes across as more of a mythic figure in the anime, almost superhero-like in stature, which may feel at odds with the gritty realism of Jackson’s films. But then again, who wouldn’t want to see a larger-than-life warrior king take down hordes of enemies with his bare hands?
That said, if you’re here for spectacle, the visuals are more than serviceable. The sweeping shots of Rohan, the intricate detailing of battle armor, and the fluidity of action sequences are all handled with care. There are a few moments where the animation falters slightly, particularly in scenes with extensive crowd movements, but overall, the visuals contribute to the story in a meaningful way. It’s anime meets The Lord of the Rings, and as a fan of both, I’m not complaining.
Voice Acting: Standing Tall
Casting always plays a pivotal role in the success of any Lord of the Rings production, and The War of the Rohirrim does not disappoint. Brian Cox leads the charge as Helm Hammerhand, and let’s face it, no one could have delivered those booming battle cries quite like him. Cox’s voice oozes authority, weariness, and a dash of stoicism—making Helm every bit the tragic warrior king that Tolkien envisioned.
Miranda Otto returns as Éowyn, though this time not in the form you might expect. Instead of wielding a sword, she serves as the narrator, guiding us through the events of Helm’s story. Her voice lends the film a comforting connection to the original trilogy, grounding the fantastical elements in the familiar tones we remember from Jackson’s adaptations.
Other notable performances include Gaia Wise as Hera, Helm’s daughter, who brings a grounded and determined energy to the character. Wise’s portrayal adds layers of strength and vulnerability to Hera, who often steals the show in her moments of quiet resilience.
The Soundtrack: A Subtle Echo of Middle-earth
A Lord of the Rings film would be incomplete without a soaring, emotionally-charged score. While composer Howard Shore does not return for this installment, his influence is undeniably present. The soundtrack, composed by Joseph Trapanese, captures the spirit of Shore’s iconic work while incorporating its own unique identity. There are moments in the film where the music swells to thrilling heights, particularly during the larger battle scenes. The Rohirrim theme is bold, heroic, and everything you’d want for a culture of horse lords preparing for their last stand.
However, Trapanese also knows when to pull back, allowing quieter moments to breathe, particularly in scenes between Helm and Hera. The music serves as an emotional anchor, tying together the personal and epic elements of the film.
The Verdict: A Worthy Entry?
Is The War of the Rohirrim the next great Lord of the Rings film? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. For hardcore fans of the original trilogy, this anime venture may feel like a curious experiment rather than a true continuation of the cinematic universe they adore. The stylistic differences, especially in animation, might take some getting used to.
But for those willing to embrace a fresh take on Middle-earth, The War of the Rohirrim offers a thrilling, emotionally-driven adventure that adds depth to the lore of Rohan and Helm’s Deep. The film strikes a careful balance between grand, large-scale battles and intimate human drama. If anything, it proves that Middle-earth still has plenty of stories to tell—and in more ways than one.
FAQs
- Is The War of the Rohirrim connected to Peter Jackson’s films?
Yes, while it is a standalone story, it shares the same continuity and takes place 183 years before The Lord of the Rings trilogy. - How does the animation style compare to previous Lord of the Rings films?
The film is an anime, which is a stark contrast to the live-action format of Jackson’s films. While visually stunning, the style may not appeal to all fans. - Who is the central character in The War of the Rohirrim?
The story centers on Helm Hammerhand, a legendary King of Rohan, and his struggles against the Dunlending warlord, Wulf. - How does the film expand on Tolkien’s lore?
The movie draws from the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, focusing on the historical conflicts of Rohan and the creation of Helm’s Deep. - Is Howard Shore involved with the soundtrack?
No, but composer Joseph Trapanese has crafted a score that complements the film and evokes the spirit of Shore’s work. - What age rating does the film carry?
The film is rated PG-13 for violence and intense battle scenes, making it suitable for older children and adults.
