Faith in Film, Week 4

Here's the worksheet from tomorrow's class. Can't wait to hear all your thoughts on "Narnia" and "The Lord of the Rings."

Title: “Lord of the Rings” (2001-2003)

Starring: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, and Ian McKellen

Synopsis: “Lord of the Rings” is a trilogy of films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s tale of Middle Earth. The series centers on a group of hobbits, led by Frodo (Wood) and Sam (Astin), that are charged with bringing the ring of power to be destroyed. Along the way they are assisted by elves, dwarfs, wizards, and other mystical creatures. Tolkien was a friend and contemporary of fellow Christian author C.S. Lewis. The two were part of the literary discussion group known as the Inklings.

Like “The Chronicles of Narnia” series by Lewis, “Lord of the Rings” is rife with religious themes and imagery. However, though there is a clear presentation of the prototypical Gospel message in the presentation of the narrative for “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” that isn’t a part of the narrative of “Lord of the Rings.” While “Lord of the Rings” features plenty of Christian themes, some go too far in ascribing a Christ-figure to the narrative. The series, however, does offer plenty of food for thought, especially pertaining to how we deal with temptation. The film series also earned critical acclaim. All three films in the series were nominated for Best Picture, with the final installment, “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King,” earning a host of Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for the work of Peter Jackson.

Questions to Consider:
1. Which character do you relate to most?


2. How do you deal with the rings of power in your own life?


3. Why is it so important to have others to lean upon during our journey?

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