War of the Rohirrim Review: A Stunning Blend of Anime and Tolkien Lore (The Lord of the Rings)

Return to Middle-Earth in War of the Rohirrim, which takes place 183 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings trilogy!

Frame had the opportunity to watch Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim a week before its official release. Here are our impressions of this highly anticipated addition to the Tolkien universe.

All images courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures.

Setting the Scene

War of the Rohirrim explores the tale of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan, and his family. Fans of Tolkien may recognise this narrative from the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, which briefly reference Helm and his sons, Háma and Haleth. This film however, follows Hera, a character who isn’t named in the original appendices., offering a new, fresh perspective. Hera must summon her inner strength to lead the resistance against Wulf, a vengeful Dunlending lord seeking retribution for his father’s death.

A Fusion of Anime and Tolkien’s World

If you’re a fan of both anime and Middle-earth, this film is likely to captivate you. War of the Rohirrim adopts a distinct anime style, which director Kenji Kamiyama is no stranger of creating. The animation brings a unique energy to Tolkien’s epic landscapes and dramatic battles, offering a fresh take on the world of Rohan.

The biggest factor for this films guaranteed success, in my opinion, is the production team is bolstered by none other than Peter Jackson, the visionary behind the original Lord of the Rings trilogy. His involvement ensures the film retains the essence of Tolkien’s world while exploring a new artistic direction.

A Must-Watch for Fans

The film is packed with standout moments and subtle nods that dedicated Lord of the Rings fans will relish in. From its rich storytelling to its breathtaking visuals, War of the Rohirrim feels like a fitting addition to Middle-earth’s cinematic history.

Whether you’re a long-time Tolkien fan, an anime enthusiast, or both, this film promises to be an engaging and memorable experience. War of the Rohirrim is in cinemas from 13th December!