Already in the first scenes of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” it becomes clear that the series is not satisfied with being “just” the most expensive series of all time. With an estimated budget of around $1 billion, the production shows from the outset the reverence for the work of JRR Tolkien that inspired it.
At least for the first two episodes the same ones made available to the press which premiere this Thursday (1st) at 10 p.m. on the Prime Video streaming platform. The other six chapters of the season will be released weekly on Fridays.
The cinematic technical quality of the dazzling opening sequences should make the most ardent fans gasp when they realize they can’t follow the story in cinemas but the sadness soon gives way to deep contentment.
Watch the first trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The feeling is generated largely by the script, which pays tribute to the British author’s universe and language, and by an excellent cast of unknowns, led by Welsh actress Morfydd Clark (“His Dark Materials”).
All of this allows “The Rings of Power” to overcome the difficult hurdle of comparison with the early 2000s trilogy directed by Peter Jackson and win a total of 17 awards at the Oscars.
Also because it’s an earlier story and very different than the one portrayed in the films.
2 of 11 Valinor in The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure
Valinor in The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure
A warrior for the enemy to find
The action of The Rings of Power is also set in the fictional world of Middleearth, but takes place thousands of years before the movies.
As the title suggests, the series explores the time when the great villain Sauron is developing the powerful gems to gain control over elves, humans and dwarves (the spelling is odd but it respects the way that Tolkien was referring to the race of small and large size resilience).
In it, the noble warrior Galadriel (Clark) searches for the old foe, while other characters, spread across different regions, find various signs that the threat might still resist after an apparent defeat.
3 of 11 Robert Aramayo and Morfydd Clark in The Rings of Power — Photo: Ben Rothstein/Prime Video
Robert Aramayo and Morfydd Clark in The Rings of Power — Photo: Ben Rothstein/Prime Video
A division to confuse them
“The Rings of Power” is divided into different narrative focuses over the course of the first two episodes which inevitably conjures up comparisons with “Game of Thrones”, another film adaptation of a fantastic work of literature.
The need to present as many kingdoms, peoples and cultures as possible, with myriad comings and goings, presents a major obstacle to the public especially to those unfamiliar with Tolkien’s work and dramatic and farfetched dialogue.
However, fans of the Briton will recognize the author’s typical language on screen and will be pleased, even if the lines are not directly from his work.
While the comings and goings take their toll on the general pace, it serves to build the vibrant and rich world of Middleearth something that over time will conquer even those who have never read any of his books or seen an adaptation. .
4 of 11 The Orcs in The Rings of Power — Photo: Ben Rothstein/Prime Video
THE ORCHES IN ‘The Rings of Power’ — Photo: Ben Rothstein/Prime Video
A cast that inspires everyone
Between gorgeous visual effects, richly detailed scenarios like the dwarves’ dining room, and dialogue worthy of Tolkien, it’s the talented cast that really makes it all work.
By playing one of the few characters in the trilogy originally played by none other than Cate Blanchett, Clark demonstrates the show’s creators’ success in banking on lesserknown actors but who could do the trick.
The 33yearold Welsh actress delivers a powerful, selfdoubting Galadriel worthy of a character who will direct the events of the show over its planned five seasons.
5 of 11 Megan Richards and Markella Kavenagh in The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure/Prime Video
Megan Richards and Markella Kavenagh in The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure/Prime Video
Next to her, Markella Kavenagh can be highlighted in particular. Best known for productions from her country of Australia, the young actress is not intimidated when supporting the story of the hairy feet, the ancestors of the hobbits.
With no major fights or action sequences, its narrative focus could feel more silly or monotonous though it does hold a big secret thanks to the arrival of a mysterious man who fell from the sky (Daniel Weyman).
Meanwhile, Robert Aramayo (“Game of Thrones”) overcomes the initial challenge of playing the other most wellknown character the elf Elrond was played by Hugo Weaving in the films thanks in part to his remarkable chemistry with Owain Arthur (“The Great Ivan”), distinguished and unrecognizable as Dwarf Prince Dúrin IV.
But Puerto Rican Ismael Cruz Cordova, who is also expected to provide the basis for another narrative focus, suffers from a weaker role bogged down in a shallow, drab love interest.
6 of 11 Nazanin Boniadi and Ismael Cruz Cordova in a scene from The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure/Prime Video
Nazanin Boniadi and Ismael Cruz Cordova in a scene from The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure/Prime Video
Of course with two episodes it’s hard to gauge the development of so many characters, and their elf soldier seems like a big bet for the series, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that his character deserved more than the passionate Edward at this early stage . Style looks bestowed on him: “Twilight” (2008).
And in ‘The Rings of Power’ we lock ourselves in
Yes indeed. It’s very difficult to judge the value and potential of a series, especially one with the ambitions of adapting the world of The Lord of the Rings in just two episodes.
But after years of fear and agony at the promise of expanding Tolkien’s work, fans should breathe a sigh of relief.
7 of 11 Owain Arthur in a scene from The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure / Prime Video
Owain Arthur in a scene from The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure / Prime Video
It’s off to an auspicious start, delivering the care and passion needed for something worthy of some of the most important literary works of the 20th century.
With a rich world, thoughtprovoking characters, and a technical quality almost unheard of for a series, The Rings of Power can warm the most passionate hearts while attracting new audiences.
With six more episodes to wrap up the first of five promised seasons, the series begins with a solid foundation for a Middleearth that has everything it needs to grow and provide many stories for years to come.
8 of 11 Trystan Gravelle, center, in a scene from The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure/Prime Video
Trystan Gravelle, center, in a scene from The Rings of Power Photo: Disclosure / Prime Video
9 of 11 Morfydd Clark and Fabian McCallum in a scene from The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure/Prime Video
Morfydd Clark and Fabian McCallum in a scene from The Rings of Power Photo: Disclosure / Prime Video
10 of 11 Robert Aramayo in a scene from The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure/Prime Video
Robert Aramayo in a scene from The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure/Prime Video
11 of 11 Morfydd Clark and Benjamin Walker, center, in a scene from The Rings of Power — Photo: Disclosure/Prime Video
Morfydd Clark and Benjamin Walker, center, in a scene from The Rings of Power Photo: Disclosure / Prime Video