Author J.R.R. Tolkien changed the way people fantasize, whether it be about fairies, magic or friendly every day Hobbits. We take his writing and enter his worlds wholeheartedly, but never really question the man behind the myths. What allowed Tolkien to imagine greater and what events led him to create new worlds and adventures that stand the test of time. This film Tolkien delves into those very questions, with laughter, sorrow and surprises at every building block.
The movie starts in the early 19th century with J.R.R., his brother and mother making a move after losing his father and money becoming tight. Helped by the church, they find themselves enrolled in a prestigious academy of higher learning. Unfortunately, little money and no titles leave them the paupers of most groupings. Still, there persevere and soon J.R.R. find a band of friends that will paint his life and times for years to come.
It is with this band of friends that art and imagination become an option to escape the real world. We see Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) blossom into an intellectual, albeit a somewhat nerdy one, that searches to find a world he can call his own. He finds companionship not only with his group of fellows, but with a young lady living under his same room (played by Lily Collins). Choices and wants quickly become obsolete though, as first Oxford makes its demands and then World War 1.
This film jumps around its timeline to show you connections and things of import to J.R.R.’s life. In the war, fighting the dragons of anger and death. With his friends, as he develops his mind and a language made to be magical. With a woman, that he wants to be with, but only if he’s lucky and only at the end of an adventure that will have him fighting at every step.
I very much liked the film, it is a look at the building blocks that make great people. Moving past obstacles, and sometimes, finding luck when you need it. More importantly, showing that we are molded by the instances and the people around us. In this film, some instances are subtle, while others are blaring. Nonetheless, everyone attending should know that it is not a high-action film with arrows and monsters at every turn. It is a well thought out film that lays out a road to who the man was and the choices he made leading to what he created.
Grade: A-
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1hr 52 m
Review
Rating
Review of Tolkien
Loved this story of an adventure to become the man that could breathe life into new and magical worlds.
