I can't speak for the historical accuracy of this movie since I don't know much about Tolkien outside of his stories, but I really enjoyed this movie! It was easy to follow and the characters were very likable in my opinion. Watching Tolkien hanging out with his friends was so sweet and made me wish I was that close with my friends.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Almost immediately after I started watching it, I realized we'd seen it before, but I was still mesmerized and, though it was rather late, watched it all again. And what I wrote in January 2021 still was valid: This worked on so many levels - from the dark shades of the colors in part of the beginning to the more colourful shades later in the movie; the ethereal soundtrack; the English countryside; the attempt to make the war just slightly poetically and ethically inspiring but not totally closing an eye to its total cruelty; the elements that inspired Tolkien. Makes me want to try to read his opus, after a failed attempt years ago.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
the man, the myth the legend. amazing biopic, I loved every minute of it. wish it was longer and had more more more. great movie
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
This is very much an average biopic. It has the look and feel of a TV film and the visual effects were alright but nothing special. Its an interesting enough story but it felt a little bland and not entirely memorable.
I admire the creative mind that was J.R.R. Tolkein and this film does certainly give an insightful into his life and what may have inspired his writing but overall I don't feel I can entirely rate it as a film. I did think that the ending had a bit of impact and I thought Nicholas Hoult did well in his portrayal of the author but its not a film that will stay with me or that I'd want to watch again, hence my rating. I wouldn't actively recommend it, no.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The greatest 01 hour: and 52 minutes based on a true story!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
it's fine, not what i expected
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Nicholas Hoult wonderfully enraptures Tolkien's brilliance and creativity.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Tolkien inspirations are well demonstrated in his life story of the film. A sort of poetic adventure and apparently a unique love. Great special effects. Great love and frienship story.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Tolkien (2019), directed by Dome Karukoski, is a period drama that dramatizes the early life of J.R.R. Tolkien to the moment he begins to pick up the pen and write his celebrated fantasy novel, The Hobbit. Tolkien is a compelling story, beautifully shot and edited, and superbly acted by a wonderful cast of actors that give it a depth and richness.
The film is set against one of the World's darkness periods, World War I, and follows a non-linear narrative of Tolkien's life moving from his military service on the front lines in France to flashbacks of his early life and his impecunious circumstances to his schooling at King Edward's School in Birmingham. When at school, Tolkien reluctantly befriends some snobbish boys and is pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The friendship of the four boys grows by leaps and bounds, and they go on to form a semi-secret society which they call the T.C.B.S. The teen actors are phenomenal in the film and make the film with their superb acting. They are wonderful to watch and the film beautifully captures the camaraderie, the banter, the sense of humor, and fellowship they share. The camaraderie continues and follows them into adulthood which is a running motif in the narrative of the film. Their unwavering commitment and allegiance to one another is deeply moving and it draws you into the narrative of the film and the world of Tolkien. The film begins with a delirious and weakened Tolkien suffering from trench fever who is desperately looking to find his friend Geoffrey on the front lines during the battle of The Somme, in France during the first World War.
The film is situated within a historical context juxtaposing Tolkien's reality and his fantasy life and his experiences which have an influence on his fantasy writing. Some of the most disturbing scenes in the film are the scenes of the re-enactments of war which reminded me of the folly and futility of war. One of the saddest scenes is seeing a young Tolkien discover his mother has passed. Some of the most tender scenes include his relationship with Edith Bratt, and his meeting with Geoffrey's mother at the Tea Shop to discuss the publication of Geoffrey's poems. The film will tug at your emotions so, be prepared and bring some tissue with you.
The director has woven together many visual elements to make a remarkable film that celebrates the author. The film's imagery not only captivates but stretches the imagination and references the imagery found in the fantasy writing of the author. The juxtaposition of the real and surreal is visually stunning. The film is not all dark and somber but has many comedic moments which provide cathartic release against the misery and drama of his life.
Tolkien is a film that awes and inspires, and which beautifully depicts the humanity and brilliance of the author. It is a wonderful film that is made up of a stellar cast where each of the main characters shine and show us their acting chops. It features Nicholas Hoult, Lily Collins, Colm Meaney, and Derek Jacobi.
It's a must see for anyone who is a fan of his writing or anyone who loves period pieces, or biopics or dramas but it's a film for anyone really since it's beautifully crafted, shot and edited and it has so much to offer the viewer. There are many reasons to appreciate this film not only for its meaningful story line and insight into one of the most celebrated fantasy writers of all time. If you are a fan of the handsome Nicholas Hoult, then you'll enjoy him in his performance of Tolkien. I found it a poignant film that speaks to the heart and celebrates the bonds of brotherhood that transcend classism and the dimension of time.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars
It feels like this movie had potential, as it boasted some good performances and visual creativity, but honestly, I struggle to think of a movie in recent years that was blander and more boring than this. I really wish I didn't feel this way, as a massive Lord of the Rings fan, but I just couldn't enjoy this movie. It was too much of a boring slog to get through, given that Tolkien seemed to have such an interesting life. It feels like this movie could've been really interesting, but it was just too slow and lacking in dramatic tension to hold my interest.