The final battle for Middle-earth has begun. Frodo and Sam, led by the treacherous Gollum, continue their dangerous approach to the fiery pits of Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. Meanwhile, Aragorn must finally accept his destiny as the King of Gondor and lead the scattered forces of Men against Sauron's overwhelming army at Minas Tirith, hoping to draw the Dark Lord's gaze away from the Hobbits just long enough to save their world from eternal darkness.
Information |
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Language |
English |
Country |
United States New Zealand |
Premiere date |
December 17, 2003 |
Running time |
201 minutes |
Genre |
Fantasy Adventure Action |
Budget |
$94,000,000 |
Box Office |
$1,147,633,833 |
Crew |
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Directed by |
Peter Jackson |
Produced by |
Peter Jackson Barrie M. Osborne Fran Walsh |
Written by |
Fran Walsh Philippa Boyens Peter Jackson |
Music by |
Howard Shore |
Cinematography |
Andrew Lesnie |
Edited by |
Jamie Selkirk |
Production Co. |
New Line Cinema WingNut Films |
Distributed by |
New Line Cinema |
Top Cast |
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Official Trailer |
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Movie Collection |
Movie Order: #03 in The Lord of the Rings Collection
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The Plot
The Origins of Gollum
The story begins with a flashback to a time long forgotten, revealing the tragic history of the creature Gollum. Before his corruption, he was a Hobbit-like Stoor named Sméagol. On a sunny day, he is fishing in a boat with his cousin, Déagol. A large fish drags Déagol overboard and into the river Anduin, where, amidst the silt and weeds, he discovers a glittering gold ring. When Déagol climbs ashore, captivated by his find, Sméagol approaches him. Entranced by the object, Sméagol demands the Ring as a birthday present. When Déagol refuses to hand it over, a struggle ensues. Consumed by immediate obsession, Sméagol violently strangles his cousin to death in the grass. He steals the One Ring, and as a murderer, he is ostracized and driven away by his people. Sméagol escapes into the Misty Mountains, where the Ring prolongs his life unnaturally, slowly mutating his body and mind until he becomes the creature known as Gollum. The flashback fades to the present, showing Frodo, Sam, and Gollum approaching the jagged mountains of Mordor. Mount Doom looms in the distance. While Frodo places his full trust in their guide, Sam remains deeply suspicious of Gollum’s intentions.
The Ruin of Isengard
Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, King Théoden, Gamling, and Éomer arrive at Isengard, which lies in ruin, flooded by the river Isen. At the gates, they find Merry and Pippin sitting amidst the wreckage on a "field of victory," enjoying a feast of salted pork and pipe-weed. Treebeard the Ent informs the group that the Ents have retaken Isengard and that the wizard Saruman is trapped within the Tower of Orthanc. The group rides to the foot of the tower to confront the traitor.
Standing atop Orthanc, Saruman attempts to sway King Théoden with talk of renewed alliance. Théoden, however, rejects the offer, declaring that peace will only come when Rohan is avenged for the burning of the Westfold and the children who lay dead. He demands Saruman's execution. Defiant, Saruman mocks the group, predicting Aragorn will never be King and revealing he has watched the enemy's plans through his PalantÃr. When Gandalf offers Saruman a chance to descend and be spared, Saruman retorts with a fireball. Unharmed, Gandalf uses his power to shatter Saruman's staff, stripping him of his rank and order. Suddenly, GrÃma Wormtongue appears on the tower. Théoden offers GrÃma freedom if he abandons his master. When Saruman slaps GrÃma to the ground and insults him, the unstable Wormtongue snaps, stabbing Saruman in the back. Legolas shoots GrÃma, killing him, but Saruman plummets from the tower, his body impaled on the spiked wheel of a watermill below. As the wheel turns, the PalantÃr slips from Saruman's sleeve into the water. Pippin, overcome by curiosity, jumps down to retrieve the glowing stone. Gandalf quickly confiscates it, sensing the Hobbit's dangerous fascination.
Celebrations in Edoras
The group rides to Edoras to celebrate the victory at Helm’s Deep. A grand feast is held in the Golden Hall. King Théoden, presented with the Cup of Kings by his niece Éowyn, honors the fallen and toasts Aragorn as an honorable man. During the festivities, a drinking game ensues between Legolas and Gimli; the Dwarf passes out while the Elf remains unaffected. Merry and Pippin entertain the Rohirrim with songs of the Green Dragon Inn. Amidst the joy, Aragorn and Gandalf discuss the gravity of the quest. Gandalf admits he has heard no news of Frodo but feels in his heart that the Ringbearer is still alive.
Later that night, curiosity gets the better of Pippin. While Gandalf sleeps, Pippin steals the PalantÃr. As he gazes into the crystal ball, he is violently seized by a psychic link with Sauron. The Dark Lord inflicts torture upon the Hobbit, attempting to extract information. Gandalf and Aragorn awaken and wrestle the stone from Pippin’s convulsing hands. Recovering from the shock, Pippin reveals that he told Sauron nothing of the Ring, but he describes a vision: a white tree burning in a courtyard of stone. Gandalf realizes this signifies that Sauron plans to attack Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor. He deduces that Sauron believes Pippin has the Ring.
The Deception of Gollum
Near the Mountains of Shadow, Frodo and Sam sleep while Gollum sneaks away to debate with his reflection in a pool. The "Sméagol" side struggles against the "Gollum" side, but the malevolent personality wins out. Gollum decides to lead the Hobbits to "her"—a great danger in the tunnels—where they will be killed, allowing him to reclaim the Ring from their remains. Sam overhears this treachery and attacks Gollum. Frodo intervenes, refusing to believe Sam’s accusations, and chooses to trust Gollum, who flashes an evil grin at Sam as they continue their trek.
The Ride to Gondor
In Edoras, Gandalf decides he must ride immediately to Minas Tirith to warn the Steward of Gondor, taking Pippin with him to keep the Hobbit safe from Sauron's gaze. Before leaving, Gandalf enigmatically instructs Aragorn to travel south to the "Black Ships." Merry is devastated to be separated from Pippin. As Gandalf and Pippin depart on Shadowfax, Merry watches them go, and Aragorn comforts him, noting that Hobbits are remarkably stout folk.
Elsewhere, Arwen travels toward the Grey Havens to leave Middle-earth but is stopped by a vision of a future son, Eldarion, she could have with Aragorn. Realizing there is still hope, she returns to Rivendell and persuades her father, Elrond, to reforge the shards of Narsil into a new sword for the true King, accepting that she has chosen a mortal life.
The White City
Gandalf and Pippin arrive at Minas Tirith, the City of Kings, riding up its seven levels to the High Court. They find the Steward, Denethor, sitting in the dark, mourning the death of his son Boromir. Denethor is bitter and hostile, aware of Aragorn's existence and refusing to relinquish his rule to a "Ranger of the North." He refuses to light the beacons to call Rohan for aid. Pippin, feeling indebted because Boromir died saving him, pledges his service to Denethor. Gandalf leaves the hall in fury, telling Pippin that Denethor’s grief has driven him to madness and that the city’s defenses are failing.
That night, the Witch-king of Angmar leads a massive host from the city of Minas Morgul. Frodo, Sam, and Gollum witness the eruption of a green signal flare from the dead city. The Witch-king rises on his Fellbeast, and Frodo is paralyzed by the wraith’s screech, his old wound aching. As the army marches toward Gondor, Gollum herds the Hobbits toward the steep stairs of Cirith Ungol.
Lighting the Beacons
Realizing Denethor will not act, Gandalf tasks Pippin with a secret mission. The Hobbit stealthily climbs to the beacon tower above the city and ignites the fire. The signal spreads across the White Mountains, from peak to peak, until it is spotted in Edoras. Aragorn rushes to Théoden with the news: "Gondor calls for aid." After a moment of contemplation, Théoden declares that Rohan will answer. He orders the muster of the Rohirrim at Dunharrow. Merry, eager to help, is knighted as an esquire of Rohan and prepares for war, though Eomer doubts the Hobbit's utility in battle.
The Fall of Osgiliath
In the ruined city of Osgiliath, Faramir and his rangers are ambushed by Orcs led by the deformed commander Gothmog. Despite a valiant defense, the garrison is overrun. Faramir orders a retreat to Minas Tirith. As they flee across the Pelennor Fields, they are pursued by the Nazgûl on winged beasts. Gandalf rides out on Shadowfax and drives the wraiths away with a blast of white light, saving the retreating soldiers. Inside the city, Denethor confronts Faramir, coldly stating he wishes Boromir had survived instead of him. Stung by his father's rejection, Faramir agrees to a suicide mission to retake Osgiliath.
Betrayal on the Stairs
High on the stairs of Cirith Ungol, the Hobbits rest. While they sleep, Gollum throws their Lembas bread over the cliff and sprinkles crumbs on a sleeping Sam. When they wake, Gollum accuses Sam of eating the last of their food. Sam, furious, attacks Gollum, but Frodo, exhausted and corrupted by the Ring, sides with the creature. Believing Sam wants the Ring for himself, Frodo tells a heartbroken Sam to go home. Gollum smirks as he leads a solitary Frodo higher into the pass, while Sam begins a tearful descent.
The Sacrifice of Faramir
Faramir leads his cavalry in a doomed charge toward Osgiliath. As they ride, the scene intercuts with Denethor feasting in his hall, indifferent to his son’s fate, while demanding Pippin sing for him. Pippin sings a mournful song as the soldiers of Gondor are slaughtered by Orc arrows. Faramir’s horse drags him back to the city; he is unconscious and riddled with arrows. Believing his last son to be dead, Denethor snaps completely. He orders a pyre built in the Hallows, intending to burn himself and Faramir alive to escape the coming doom.
The Paths of the Dead
At the encampment of Dunharrow, Elrond arrives in the middle of the night. He presents Aragorn with Andúril, the Flame of the West, forged from the shards of Narsil. He tells Aragorn that Arwen is dying and that his only hope to save Middle-earth—and her—is to claim the title of King and summon the Army of the Dead, oath-breakers cursed to linger in the mountains. Aragorn accepts his destiny. He enters the Dimholt Road, accompanied by Legolas and Gimli. Deep within the mountain, they confront the King of the Dead. Aragorn asserts his authority as Isildur’s heir, blocking the Ghost King's blade with Andúril. He demands they fulfill their oath. The cavern begins to collapse, burying them in skulls, but they escape to the river, where they see the Corsair ships of Umbar approaching. The Ghost King appears and pledges his allegiance.
The Siege of Minas Tirith
The vast armies of Mordor lay siege to Minas Tirith. Catapults rain fire and severed heads into the streets. The Witch-king and the Nazgûl decimate the city's defenses from the air. Denethor, having abandoned leadership, prepares his pyre. Gandalf takes command of the defense, organizing the soldiers. The giant battering ram, Grond, shatters the Great Gate, and trolls and Orcs pour into the first circle of the city. Gandalf and Pippin rush to stop Denethor from burning Faramir.
Shelob's Lair
Gollum leads Frodo into a dark tunnel, claiming it is the only way. Inside, Frodo finds himself in the lair of Shelob, a giant, ancient spider. He realizes Gollum’s betrayal and flees, using the Phial of Galadriel to ward off the monster. He manages to escape the web but is ambushed by Gollum. Frodo overpowers him but spares his life again, telling him to leave. As Frodo wanders forward, Shelob descends from above, stinging him and wrapping him in a cocoon. Sam, having found the discarded Lembas bread and realized the truth, returns just in time. He fights Shelob courageously, blinding her with Sting and the Phial, forcing her to retreat. Sam mourns over Frodo’s lifeless body, but he is forced to hide when Orcs arrive. He learns from their chatter that Frodo is not dead, only paralyzed. The Orcs take Frodo to the Tower of Cirith Ungol.
The Battle of the Pelennor Fields
As hope fades in Minas Tirith, the horns of Rohan sound. King Théoden and six thousand spears arrive at the Pelennor Fields. Théoden gives a rousing speech, declaring a "red day" and leading the charge with the cry of "Death!" The Rohirrim smash into the Orc lines, decimating them. However, the tide turns again with the arrival of the Haradrim and their massive Mûmakil (Oliphaunts). The Rohirrim fight desperately against the giant beasts.
In the city, Gandalf arrives at the pyre just as Denethor lights it. Pippin pushes Faramir to safety. Denethor, seeing his son move, realizes his mistake but is consumed by the flames. He runs out of the tomb and plummets from the prow of the city to his death.
On the battlefield, the Witch-king attacks Théoden, fatally injuring him and his horse. Éowyn, disguised as a man, steps between the Wraith and her uncle. The Witch-king boasts that "no man can kill me." Éowyn removes her helmet, declares "I am no man," and thrusts her sword into his helm, destroying him. Merry, who helped distract the Wraith, is also injured. Théoden dies in his niece’s arms.
Aragorn arrives at the docks with the Army of the Dead. The ghosts swarm the battlefield, wiping out the Orcs and Mûmakil in moments. The battle is won. Aragorn releases the Dead from their curse, and they fade away.
The Black Gate Opens
Aragorn decides to march upon the Black Gate to draw out Sauron’s armies, emptying Mordor to give Frodo a clear path to Mount Doom. Sam rescues Frodo from the tower, where the Orcs have killed each other over the Mithril shirt. Disguised as Orcs, they cross the plains of Gorgoroth. At the Black Gate, the Mouth of Sauron taunts the heroes with Frodo's Mithril vest, implying he is dead. Aragorn beheads the messenger and rallies his men: "For Frodo." The Great Eye turns toward the gate, and the vast army of Mordor marches out.
Mount Doom
Frodo and Sam reach the slopes of Mount Doom. Frodo, exhausted and dehydrated, can go no further. Sam, refusing to give up, declares, "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!" He lifts Frodo onto his back and climbs the mountain. Near the entrance, Gollum attacks them. Sam holds Gollum off while Frodo runs into the Chamber of Fire. Inside, standing at the precipice, Frodo succumbs to the Ring's power. He refuses to destroy it, proclaiming "The Ring is mine," and puts it on, vanishing.
Sauron instantly senses the Ring. The Nazgûl turn from the battle to race toward the mountain. Gollum knocks Sam out and attacks the invisible Frodo. He bites Frodo's finger off, reclaiming the Ring. Dancing with joy on the edge of the chasm, Gollum is tackled by a desperate Frodo. They struggle, and Gollum falls over the edge, clutching the Ring to his chest as he sinks into the lava. The Ring melts. Sauron is destroyed, his tower of Barad-dûr collapses, and his armies are swallowed by the earth.
The End of All Things
Mount Doom erupts. Frodo and Sam are stranded on a rock surrounded by lava, prepared to die together. "I'm glad to be with you, Samwise Gamgee, here at the end of all things," Frodo says. However, Gandalf arrives with the Great Eagles, rescuing them from the fire. Frodo wakes up in Minas Tirith, reunited with the Fellowship. Aragorn is crowned King Elessar and marries Arwen. The realm is at peace.
The Grey Havens
The four Hobbits return to the Shire. Sam marries Rosie Cotton. However, Frodo is unable to heal from the physical and spiritual wounds of his journey. Years later, he finishes his book and travels to the Grey Havens with Bilbo, Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond. He bids a tearful farewell to Sam, Merry, and Pippin, handing the Red Book to Sam. Frodo boards the ship and sails to the Undying Lands to find peace. Sam returns to Bag End, where his wife and children wait. He walks inside, closes the door, and says, "Well, I'm back."
