How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back? There are some things time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep, and take hold.

I used that quote last time I talked about this movie, but it's still the one that resonates with me the most...

It took me two nights to watch the four hour marathon that is The Return of the King Extended Edition - and it was so worth it. Overall I thought this extended edition had more rough patches then the first two, but it was still excellent.

In the first two extended editions I don't ever remember thinking "yeah, that scene was a good cut and didn't need to come back." But there were a couple scenes in this one where I had that reaction. Nothing two strong, nothing too terrible, just some places where the scene was a little clunky.

But the reason that quote keeps resonating with me is because there is such a strong theme in this movie that some events change us so much we can't go back to who we were. Aragon, Frodo, Gandalf, Faramir, Theoden, Eowyn, Arwen, Pippin and Merry all experience these major transformative changes - and most of those changes happen in the third movie (fleshing them all out is the primary contributor to it's length.)

You'll note I left a few major characters out of that list (and also that the list differs from who has transformative changes in the books - most notably with Faramir.) Legolas and Gimli aren't there because they really serve as supporting characters in the movies. Legolas is there for cool stunts (and to look pretty for the ladies) and Gimli serves as comic relief. They don't have much of an effect of the plot. Think about it, what did they ever do besides kill bad guys?

Gollum attempts to change. And is doing quite well through the middle of the series. But he can't break free, the change is too great and the evil that has taken over his life causes him to tragically revert at the end.

Sam is the more interesting case. I believe that Sam is important because he doesn't really go through a transformation like the other characters. Sam just continues with the courage and hardiness he started with, never giving up. Through sheer will and determination Sam helps Frodo destroy the ring. Then when Sam goes on with his life we get the sense that it's the same life he would have led had he not gone out on that adventure. Only Sam can retain who he is through the whole series of events.

For me that's what makes the Lord of the Rings so brilliant. There are lots of characters, but they all have meaning, and give eachother balance. The best science fiction and fantasy creates alternate worlds to explore humanity without the constraints of our world and time. Next time you watch this trillogy enjoy the action, the incredible costumes, the spectacular cinematography, but also look at the characters - see how they change and grow, and how you couldn't show those kinds of transformations without setting up your own world to play in.

Now I get to watch all the special features, which have been universally excellent in the past. I can't wait.

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