The Rings of Power | One series to rule them all

The first two episodes of rings of power have been on screen since Thursday night. The series launched on Prime Video is dizzying; more than 1 billion dollars have already been invested in this epic which plunges us back into the unique universe created by JRR Tolkien. Take a look at the phenomenon that erases the border between TV and cinema.

Pierre-Marc Durivage
The Press

Fantasy sagas are more popular than ever on the small screen. HBO is once again feasting on the work of George RR Martin with The dragon house – the first episodes launched since August 21 shattered the American broadcaster’s audience records. Amazon, with the blessing and personal commitment of its boss Jeff Bezos, a fervent admirer of Tolkien, is therefore using great means to obtain its share of the cake.

If HBO can count on the author himself for the scriptwriting of the universe of Game Of Thrones, Amazon is tackling a sacred monster by creating a new series based on Tolkien’s work. A colossal task not only because we are talking here about the creator of modern fantastic literature, but also because the film adaptation of the Lord of the Rings by Peter Jackson has had a following – winning dozens of Oscars along the way.

“Can you imagine having to come back to this universe adored by all and having to take up the challenge of reaching the level of excellence set by Peter Jackson? wondered co-producer Patrick McKay, in an interview with Vanity Fair.

The first two episodes are reassuring from all points of view. The setting is rich and detailed, the special effects are more than convincing, we are plunged directly into the visual universe portrayed by Peter Jackson. Hardly surprising when you know that John Howe, illustrator of Tolkien’s work forever, is once again part of the adventure, mostly shot in New Zealand. We also find ourselves there in terms of musical atmospheres, the talented Bear McCreary having been able to obtain a helping hand from Howard Shore, composer of the unforgettable plot of the trilogies of Lord of the Rings and Hobbit.

Respect

The music was composed for the occasion, but it awakens in us the same emotions as those felt when viewing the original trilogy. Because the creators Patrick McKay and JD Payne wisely chose to maintain the tone of Jackson’s films, which showed great respect for Tolkien’s work. The dramatic intensity is provided by the Elves and the elusive threat of the forces of evil, the weight of darkness being balanced by the good nature of the surly Dwarves and the cheerful Pievelus, nomadic ancestors of the Hobbits.

One could thus reproach the screenwriters for having modeled a proven recipe, but this would be to ignore the fact that the story, mainly inspired by the appendices of the Lord of the Rings, has many more ramifications than that of the trilogy, especially since the scriptwriters allowed themselves a time distortion allowing them to concentrate certain key events in time. This serves the storyline and allows for the integration of important characters – mostly Humans, unfortunately mortals, unlike the Elves. Purists might be shocked, but they were also shocked when The Fellowship of the Ring hit the big screen in 2001, and history has proven that their grievances have in no way compromised the company’s success.

Still, what we are offered today on Prime Video is legitimately in line with the path traced by those who wanted to pay tribute to the genius of Tolkien. The operation is ambitious and its deployment is remarkably cinematic. It is almost a sin that the series is intended for the small screen. So please do yourself a favor and don’t watch this on your phone…

Camped in the Second Age of Middle-earth, thousands of years before the Lord of the Ringsthe events of rings of power first focus on the resurgence of the threat of the shadowy Sauron. All believe him to be destroyed forever, with the notable exception of the young Galadriel, energetic commander of the elven forces in the North – this was long before she became the great lady that we knew as Cate Blanchett. in Peter Jackson’s movies. Elrond, also much younger, establishes the bases of his benevolent power as a close adviser to the high king Gil-galad, in particular by helping the famous blacksmith Celebrimbor, the same one who will fashion the rings of power, connected unwittingly to the One Ring that Sauron will forge in the fire of Amon Amarth, the Mountain of Destiny.

A new episode on Amazon Prime every Friday (starting next Friday)

The key characters

Galadriel (Morfydd Clark)

An elven warrior, she chooses to remain in Middle-earth, against her king’s wishes, convinced that the threat posed by the wizard Sauron remains. She wants to continue the work of her brother Finrod, who fell in battle while chasing Sauron.

Elrond (Robert Aramayo)

Elven diplomat who serves in Middle-earth under High King Gil-galad. Friend of the Dwarves, he tries to convince them to help him build the largest forge ever built, a work capable of creating objects of inestimable power.

Round (Ismael Cruz Córdova)

An elven soldier stationed in the southern lands, in support of the human populations there. He deserts his garrison to stay with the human herbalist Bronwyn, before realizing that the threat still hangs.

Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi)

While Rounding investigates a mysteriously devastated nearby village, Bronwyn faces a danger that has been dormant for many years. She organizes the flight from her village.

Elanor “Nori” Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh)

A young Woodstalker who travels with her nomadic clan in Rhovanion, a vast region east of the Misty Mountains. She will meet a mysterious character who has arrived in the most spectacular way.