The Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition) is an absolute masterpiece, blending great acting, pacing, and iconic moments. I thought the acting was pretty good, and every character feels fully realized. The pacing is just right, allowing moments to breathe while keeping the story moving forward.
One of the standout sequences is the fight scene in the Mines of Moria—it’s intense, and the stakes are high. Watching Gandalf face off with the Balrog is a moment that still gets me. When I first saw the movie, I really thought Gandalf was gone for good, and it was such an emotional scene.
I love seeing all the extended scenes, especially in the Elven kingdom, as they add so much depth to the world. Also, I still laugh every time at the moment when Legolas asks Gimli, "What did she give you?" and Gimli explains he asked for a strand of Galadriel’s hair, and she gave him three.
The soundtrack is iconic—it’s one of the most memorable movie soundtracks ever. The score captures the epic feel of the journey, and it's a perfect fit for the grand scale of the story.
Gandalf and Elrond’s conversation is another highlight, like watching two incredibly wise characters sharing their thoughts, with years of experience between them. The council meeting is fantastic and sets the tone for the rest of the film, marking the beginning of the Fellowship’s journey.
Boromir’s arc is a tragic and powerful one. I feel bad for Sean Bean's character because they always kill him, but Boromir’s death scene is one of the most emotional in the film. He may have been easily tempted, but he went out as a man of honor, taking three arrows to the chest while protecting Merry and Pippin. What a legend.
The mix of practical effects with CGI is incredible, especially for its time. The orcs and battle scenes are done really well. Aragorn’s entrance and the buildup to it were awesome, and his interaction with Boromir during his final moments is one of the most touching parts of the movie.