The Epic Conclusion of The Lord of the Rings: Exploring the Debate Over the Theatrical Cut's Ending

The theatrical cut of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a cinematic masterpiece, but its lengthy ending has been a subject of debate among fans. Spanning nearly 30 minutes, or one-sixth of the entire three-hour film, the conclusion has been praised for its emotional depth and criticized for its drawn-out nature. In this in-depth analysis, we delve into the various potential ending points, the merits of the chosen conclusion, and the lasting impact of this iconic film's epic finale.

Crafting a Satisfying Conclusion: Balancing Closure and Emotional Resonance

The Hobbit's Homecoming: A Poignant Resting Point

The first potential ending point occurs when Sam and Frodo realize they have survived their harrowing journey, sitting on a rock and watching the lava flow from Mount Doom. This moment, marked by a poignant exchange between Sean Astin's Sam and Elijah Wood's Frodo, would have provided a satisfying and open-ended conclusion to the film. As Frodo regains his ability to envision The Shire, the story comes full circle, offering a sense of closure and leaving the audience to ponder the characters' futures.

The Fellowship's Reunion: A Triumphant Homecoming

The second potential ending point arises after Frodo wakes up in a bed, surrounded by the entire Fellowship, with Sam being the last to enter the room. This reunion of the principal LOTR cast would have been a powerful and emotionally resonant way to conclude the film, highlighting the enduring bonds forged throughout the characters' perilous journey.

The Hobbits' Triumph: A Fitting Acknowledgment

The third potential ending, and the one that many fans argue should have been the final scene, occurs after the healing of the characters. As Aragorn is crowned the King of Gondor, he reunites with Arwen, and the Hobbits are celebrated for their pivotal role in saving Middle-earth. Aragorn's words, "My friends, you bow to no one," as he leads everyone in a bow to Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, is a triumphant and poignant moment that acknowledges the true heroism of the smallest and most doubted characters.

Extending the Epilogue: Exploring Frodo's Fate

However, the film does not end there. Two additional scenes follow, further exploring the Hobbits' return to The Shire and Frodo's decision to depart for Valinor. While these scenes provide a more comprehensive and somber conclusion to Frodo's story, some argue that they extend the ending beyond its optimal point, potentially diminishing the impact of the earlier, more celebratory moments.

Balancing Narrative Closure and Emotional Impact

The debate surrounding the length and structure of The Return of the King's ending highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must strike between providing narrative closure and preserving the emotional resonance of a story's conclusion. While the extended ending offers a more comprehensive resolution to the characters' arcs, some argue that the third potential ending, with Aragorn's tribute to the Hobbits, would have been a more powerful and impactful way to conclude the film.Ultimately, the choice of the final ending sequence reflects the filmmakers' desire to honor the depth and complexity of Tolkien's original work, even if it means sacrificing some of the theatrical impact. The extended conclusion allows for a more nuanced exploration of the characters' journeys, but it also risks losing the audience's attention and diminishing the overall emotional punch of the film's climax.