10 Reasons Why Reviews for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Are Mixed

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim has sparked a range of opinions among critics, with several aspects of the film receiving mixed feedback. Reviews highlight issues related to pacing, narrative cohesion, action sequences, and character development. While the movie concludes on a satisfying note, hinting at future stories within Middle-earth, its overall reception has been underwhelming. Additionally, the film’s box office performance has mirrored its lukewarm critical response.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, The War of the Rohirrim holds a critical approval rating of 50%, based on 92 reviews. This splits opinions evenly among critics, earning it the distinction of being the lowest-rated film in the Lord of the Rings franchise since the original trilogy in the early 2000s. The film has been scrutinized particularly for its action sequences, its integration of 2D and 3D animation, and the portrayal of its characters. Critics appear divided on the anime movie’s overall execution.

10 Animation Draws Mixed Reactions

“The animation doesn’t feel like it’s breaking Tolkien’s verses open or soaring beyond what we’ve already explored.”- Radheyan Simonpillai, Guardian

The animation style in The War of the Rohirrim has proven to be a polarizing aspect of the film. Some critics appreciated the anime aesthetic, while others deemed it lackluster and inconsistent. The combination of 2D and 3D animation was described as jarring, especially by Tom Stone from the Times (UK). Reviewers noted fluctuations in character animation quality, with characters occasionally appearing lifeless or uninspired.

Conversely, some critics praised the film’s painterly backgrounds, using terms like “superb,””gorgeous,”and “stunning”to describe its visual artistry, as noted by KCCI and Free Press Journal (India). However, the overall consensus indicates that animation is a foundational pillar that The War of the Rohirrim fails to uphold consistently.

9 Narrative Lacks Depth

“Due to its thin plot… War of the Rohirrim itself is a story that risks being forgotten.”- Joshua Stevens, Loud and Clear

Joshua Stevens from Loud and Clear highlights an ironic contradiction, pointing out that despite its theme centered on rediscovering forgotten tales, the film itself does not live up to its narrative aspirations. Miranda Otto returns as Éowyn, narrating Héra’s story, which sadly fails to resonate memorably.

8 A New Lens on Middle-earth

“The adaptation offers a new perspective on the Middle Earth universe.”- Victor Recinos, Cine Premiere

One of the intriguing aspects of The War of the Rohirrim is its potential to provide a fresh perspective within the established universe of Middle-earth. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the film’s anime style lends it a distinct flavor. Critics agree that experiencing the lore of Middle-earth through a different filmmaker offers a compelling twist, adding a layer of excitement, even if the animation does not always resonate positively.

7 Action-Fueled Experience

“The War of the Rohirrim is action-packed, has strong voice acting, and is well-directed…”- Sheraz Farooqi, Cinema Debate

Amidst critiques regarding the story and animation, the action sequences of The War of the Rohirrim garnered more favorable reviews. Richard Crouse highlights the fidelity of the action scenes to the established lore, describing it as an “epic and action-packed cinematic experience.”This is fitting, given that the heart of the film revolves around significant conflict, which appears to pay off with thrilling moments more often than not.

6 Character Depth Flaws

“The characters are as flat as their animated images.”- Soren Andersen, Seattle Times

The film’s characters have also been viewed unfavorably in many critiques. Critics like Soren Andersen of the Seattle Times argue that the characters come across as generic and clichéd, lacking the depth of those in previous adaptations by Jackson. Despite this, some reviewers commend the development of Héra’s character, indicating that while uneven, certain elements spark a degree of interest.

5 A Minor Placeholder in the Franchise

“The War of the Rohirrim” exists more as a minor placeholder than a significant contribution to the franchise.”- Nate Adams, The Only Critic

Some critics express concern over the very existence of The War of the Rohirrim, suggesting it was a strategic move by Warner Bros. to retain film rights to the Lord of the Rings franchise. Given the upcoming live-action project, The Hunt for Gollum, slated for 2026, this characterization of the film as a mere placeholder seems particularly harsh yet widely acknowledged. Zachary Lee of Roger Ebert also emphasizes this sentiment, criticizing the movie as a product of creative obligation rather than genuine artistic intent.

4 Comparisons to the Original Trilogy

“This prequel to the Oscar-winning ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy falls very short of expectations.”- Carla Hay, Culture Mix

As with many franchise expansions, The War of the Rohirrim has been inevitably compared to Peter Jackson’s beloved trilogy. Critics note that its overall execution feels inferior, with Times labeling the film as crude by comparison. It appears that the film’s reliance on references to Jackson’s trilogy only serves to highlight its shortcomings.

3 Favorably Viewed Compared to The Hobbit

“It is certainly a heck of a lot better than the over-extended Hobbit trilogy.”- Donald Clarke, Irish Times

In examining the comparisons, The War of the Rohirrim is often viewed more favorably than Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy. Several critics argue that it surpasses any of the prequels released to date. Despite a mixed reception overall, it is recognized as a better entry point than its Hobbit predecessors, shedding a slightly more favorable light on its contributions to the franchise.

2 Pacing Problems Afflict the Film

“You’ll be bored of these ‘Rings’.”- Scott Mendelson, The Outside Scoop (Substack)

The pacing of The War of the Rohirrim has also been met with criticism. The film’s runtime of 134 minutes has led several reviewers to describe it as drawn out or sluggish. Particularly, critics noted that this lengthy duration contributes to a lack of narrative momentum, resulting in viewers losing interest as the film stretches the lore of Rohan too thin.

1 Rich with Tolkien’s Legacy

“The War of the Rohirrim mostly thrills as an anime chapter that will delight the Tolkien faithful.”- Julian Roman, MovieWeb

Despite the critical divide regarding its execution, The War of the Rohirrim features abundant connections and Easter eggs for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien. Reviewers consistently highlight the film’s rich references to Tolkien’s work, showcasing various elements such as locations, character designs, and thematic nods to the lore of Middle-earth. This aspect stands out as one of the film’s universally appreciated traits, ensuring that fans find joy in their return to this mythical landscape.

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