The War of the Rohirrim Released

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an anime prequel set 183 years before the events of the original trilogy, has been released to mixed reviews. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama and produced by Peter Jackson, the film focuses on Helm Hammerhand, the legendary king of Rohan, and features a new character, Hèra, designed to address historical female erasure in Tolkien's narratives. Critics have praised its artistic ambition and battle sequences while noting that the film struggles to establish its own identity apart from The Two Towers. Some reviews describe it as lacking depth and failing to resonate as a standalone story, with comparisons to Jackson's epic trilogy drawing mixed reactions. Despite its shortcomings, the film is recognized for its stunning animation and engaging storytelling elements. Overall, it marks a significant return of Middle-earth to cinemas after a decade-long absence.