The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

When young hobbit Frodo Baggins inherits a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, he realizes the object carries a dangerous legacy and a dark power that could destroy his peaceful world. To keep the ring from falling into evil hands, Frodo leaves the Shire and sets out with loyal friends. Along the way a varied company is formed to guard him and to carry the ring toward the only place that can end it, a distant volcanic wasteland. The film follows their early travels, the alliances they form, and the growing strain the ring places on everyone involved, setting up a larger conflict without revealing how it ultimately resolves.

Released in 2001, the film was directed by Peter Jackson, with a screenplay by Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, adapted from J. R. R. Tolkien's novel. Its epic scale and practical effects marked a major cinematic adaptation of the source material.

The movie received extensive awards attention, including multiple Academy Award nominations and recognition from guilds and critics groups. It was honored particularly in technical and craft categories, reflecting its achievements in visual effects, makeup, and design among other areas.

Several scenes and lines have become part of popular culture, from the dramatic council meetings to the subterranean clash in ancient halls, and memorable lines like "You shall not pass" reached wide recognition. The film also helped push fantasy filmmaking into mainstream blockbuster territory and boosted international interest in New Zealand as a filming location and tourist destination.

Critics generally praised the picture for its ambition, scope, and fidelity to the novel, reflected in the high audience vote average of 8.427 out of 10. Major themes include friendship under strain, the corrupting lure of power, sacrifice, and the endurance of hope in dark times. Performances by the ensemble cast and the film's combination of practical effects with early digital techniques were commonly highlighted in reviews.