friendship challenges

[mark12_30]

Hi all,

One of the things I like best about Fellowship Of The Ring is that it has made me think through the concepts of friendship, loyalty, dedication; but mostly, friendship. So I wanted to ask: what part of the movie, depicting friendship or loyalty or dedication to somebody else, did you find most challenging, or most inspiring?

I think Merry and Pippin jumping in front of the Orcs and waving their arms is one good example. "It's working." I know it's working, RUN!"

Another example is Sam plowing into the Anduin river after Frodo, knowing that he'll go under but he keeps going anyway.

What's your favorite?

[Rosa Underhill]

Heh, you just said my two favorites! <P>I love Sam's loyalty and Merry and Pippin's bravery. All three hobbits were willing to make some great sacrifices for their friend, Frodo.<P>Merry and Pippin knew they'd likely get caught or worse and they were willing to do it anyway. Sam nearly drowned for his virtures; he knows what's coming after they get to Mordor will be terrible, but he also knows that Frodo won't be able to make it on his own. That's true friendship; risking, or even losing, life and/or limb for the sake of your friends. (Jesus did the same for us, even before we were His "friends".)

[Birdland]

Gandalf's friendship with the hobbits, in particular Bilbo and Frodo. Here's this mighty servant of the Valar, who appreciates and admires the qualities of a simple people that the world has mostly forgotten. <P>Of course, you could argue that the friendship was "destined to be" considering the role that the hobbits would later play, but still, I like to think he liked them for themselves, too. <P>Good ol' Gandalf...

[goldwine]

Sam's legendary love of Frodo would have to be high on the list. Gandalf going into a battle with the Balrog that he knew he might not win is another act of sacrife and deep love not only for his friends but really the whole of Middle Earth - the ring had to continue on it's quest.

i liked Gandalf's friendship with the hobbits and the hobbits' friednship with each other a lot. but what about Strider's loyalty and friendship with Frodo? whenever Frodo's in trouble Strider is the first one he calls for for help. and Strider always does anything and everything in his power to get to Frodo despite everything else that may be trying to hack his head off.<P>and what about Boromir's new found loyalty to Strider at the Anduin? and his friendship with Merry and Pippin? it may not have been all that obvious in the film but if you look hard enough, Boromir always stuck with those two or was most concerned for those two until he eventually died to save them. that's loyalty and friendship if i've ever seen it.

[Elrian]

Adding to the good ones already posted, another is when Frodo was speared by the cave Troll in Moria, Merry and Pippin jumped on the back of it and tried to stab it. (I could swear that when they were luring the orcs away so Frodo could make his escape that Merry flipped the bird at the orcs!) <P>Frodo's resolving to go on by himself, so the ring could not lure the rest of the fellowship, as it had Boromir. <P>And when Legolas pulls Gimli up by the beard and gets him onto the other part of the stairs. It will be interseting to see that friendship develop in TTT.

hey Elrian, what did you mean by 'he flipped the bird at the orcs'?<BR>and lets hope that we actually get to see the Legolas/Gimli friendship period. we were supposed to know already that they were really good friends since, what, Lothlorien? and all we saw was the beard thing you mentioned and that they were in the same boat. but i really hope we get to see their friendship grow in TTT

[Elendur]

I have always liked Gimili and Legolas's freindship. Legolas was willing to travel into caves for Gimili, and Gimili was willing to travel in the forest for Legolas. And Gimili (Maybe, Im not sure) even sailed with Legolas. <P>Keeping it vague for people who has yet to see what happens in the movies or to read whats in the books.

[Elrian]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rayne:<BR><STRONG>hey Elrian, what did you mean by 'he flipped the bird at the orcs'?<BR>and lets hope that we actually get to see the Legolas/Gimli friendship period. we were supposed to know already that they were really good friends since, what, Lothlorien? and all we saw was the beard thing you mentioned and that they were in the same boat. but i really hope we get to see their friendship grow in TTT</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Since this was posted in the movie forum and the posts were on parts in the movie, I stayed with the movie theme, those of us who have read the books already know the friendship between Legolas and Gimli begins in Lothlorien. <P>Flipping the bird is a finger sign using the center finger!

[mark12_30]

Good point about this being the movie section of the forum...maybe I should re-post the topic in the books section, anybody else think I should?

[Gayalondiel]

it works in either section, you could put it in both and see how the responses differ <P>For me the film really showed Merry and Pippin's friendship, they did everything together. The same could be said of Frodo and Sam, but it brought it home when Gandalf fell into shadow, Merry was holding Pippin while the others tended to single off. Even when they showed their love for others, it was together.

[Rose Cotton]

All the parts you named I like espesially Sam, Pippin, and Merry's sacrifices for Frodo. I also like when Frodo is with Bilbo in Rivendell. Thats very touching after Bilbo is tempted by the ring.

[Rosa Underhill]

I'm getting all teary-eyed over here! (Seriously, I am! These scenes all made me nearly cry in the theatre and I'm close to doing so now...)<P>I didn't know Merry and Pippin were holding each other after Gandalf fell. I thought that was Frodo and Sam...Eh, my mistake (it happens when you can't see people's faces). If anyone could find a picture of that, I would be very grateful.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> that Merry flipped the bird at the orcs!) <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Well, the "impudent finger" has at least been around since the days of Rome... I guess it's older than we thought...

I'm a long time reader first time poster and this question actually made want to register in order to reply. The part of the movie that most stood out was when Boromir was teaching Pippin and Merry swordsmanship. As much as my memory serves me, that was the first time that Boromir was given a chance to appear "good". I feel that I am a minority with my liking towards Boromir. Of course that's another thread all its own. Lets see what else did I like? Not really much I can add, since you people have alraedy brought it up.

[Glenethor]

Yeah. I'd echo most of what has been said here. I am not terribly fond of Boromir in the book, but Sean Bean brought him to life.<P>The friendship and sacrifice theme is one of the dominant ones in both the movie and the book, for sure.<P>In the scene after Gandalf falls, Pippin is being held by Merry; Gimli is being held by Boromir; Aragorn, Legolas are alone, as is Frodo, who has walked off away from everyone.

[Starbreeze]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by mark12_30:<BR><STRONG><BR>Another example is Sam plowing into the Anduin river after Frodo, knowing that he'll go under but he keeps going anyway. <P></STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>That bit almost made me cry coz of sam's determination to help his friend

[Birdland]

What got to me was when Gandalf fell, Aragorn grabs Frodo up, as Frodo is reaching back, calling for Gandalf and trying to go to him. <P>Me and sister both crying, brother giving us "the look".

[Rosa Underhill]

Oh, I'd forgotten about that! (Frodo's screaming always got to me.) First time I saw the film, my jaw dropped and I was struggling not to cry because I didn't want to cry in front of the guy that went with me.<P>The other thing that got me was Merry and Pippin yelling and running at the Uruk-hai after Boromir was felled. I was talking to a friend over the phone about the end of the movie and I actually said something to the effect of: "And those poor hobbits! Did you hear them screaming?..." It so made me want to cry.<P>When the movie ended, I said to my friend: "I wanna cry now!"

[Glenethor]

Did your friend do this?<P> <P> <P>I've had tears streaming down my face numerous times watching this movie, and I am a great big 41 year old man. If anyone ever called me a wuss, I'd put their lights out... <P><BR>Yeah, Merry and Pip getting carried off by the Uruk-Hai, with Boromir on his knees with those 3 big black arrows in him. Interesting thing is, they are almost screaming in harmony.

[Rosa Underhill]

Yark and forsooth, Glenethor! Welcome to the 'Downs!<P>He probably did do that, but I can't even see facial expressions in broad daylight, let alone at midnight in a dark-ish movie theatre.<P>I wanna see it again! NOW!!!

[Joy]

What was the most overwhelming friendship scene?? <P>In my mind, the death of Boorimir stood out the most. I could tell that he loved Pippin and Merry. He was with them the most. He gave his life for theirs. Even though he was played as a bad character most of the film, he was not. I loved his character in the movie and throughout the book. <P>The other scenes that were mentioned here also stand out. I could tell that Frodo really loved Gandalf, probably more than the others in the Fellowship. I feel that if Aragorn hadn't held him back, Frodo would have jumped after him in hopes of saving him somehow.

[Rosa Underhill]

On Frodo and Gandalf: I thin Gandalf was a big sense of security for Frodo. When the wizard was around, he felt safe. So when Gandalf fell, it was very hard for Frodo because he lost both a dear friend and the one person he was truely secure with. Gandalf was a pillar of strength to the little guy. *sniffle*

[the_master_of_puppets]

hey, this is a topic i was talking to my friend about the other day actually, so its appropriote that its here 2 comment on now! lol. thank u mark. <P>anyway, i find the friendship of frodo and sam the most inspiring. And the reason for this is that i think the ideal friend would be Sam. Someone who would risk absoloutely everything they had for you: their families, friends- their Lives for you. I think its one of the most touching sides of the book, and i would give anything to have sam for my friend!! However, since he is fiction then i hope i am as good as I can be at being a sam MYSELF. <P>and that was my new years resoultion: be a sam. :-) anyone else feel the same?

[the_master_of_puppets]

oh, and forgot to say. Rosa i felt the same: however at the end of the film i WAS crying. it made so emotional seeing merry and pip trying to do what they could 4 their friend. and i cant remember who said it, but it is true and Boromir; they made him seem more sinister than he really was. I got tears in my eyes when he came running up to help them, and i was crying even as the film ended after seeing his dying scene. It was so touching how he called Aragorn his brother/leader/kind....<P>people have me funny looks on the way out the cinema because my mascara was all smeared down my face! luckily my mum had a tissue and it was dark walking home!!

[Rosa Underhill]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>anyone else feel the same? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Heh, see my signature. <P>And I have to share this pic. Sure, everyone may think the RotK cartoon stunk, but everytime I see this it just makes me want to cry.<P><BR>

[Rosa Underhill]

Hey! Stupid machine! *looks at hammer wistfully* It didn't put up the pic! Sorry, I'm going to try it once more, then if it doesn't work and your curious, just private message or e-mail me.<P>

[the_master_of_puppets]

there was a cartoon of return of the king? lol that hobbit picture is so funny!

[Rosa Underhill]

Yep! It's by Rankin/Bass (of "The Hobbit" and "The Last Unicorn" fame). I have offically decided that, though everyone declares that Rankin/Bass stink, I love their work! (I was attacked by nostalgia last night.)

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I would have to say that some of my favorite courage/friendship scenes are as follows...<BR>1.) When the Orcs come to Weathertop & Sam yells, "Back you devils"<BR>2.) When Frodo is, yet again, stabbed in Moria, & Pippin & Merry jump on the Troll in revenge.<BR>3.) When Legolas saves both Boromir and Gimli from falling in Moria.<BR>4.) When Boromir gives his life to try to save Merry and Pippin<BR>5.) When Sam nearly drowns to join Frodo (tear jerker - can't wait to see how much I'll want to cry in the second and third ones)<BR>PS<BR>I hope my sig pictures comes out!

[Rosa Underhill]

(My heartfelt wail of "Oh!" when I saw that pic brought my dog over to the computer.)<P>Where did you get that pic, Tigerlily?! Oh, I loved that scene! *wipes tear from eye*

[mark12_30]

It's an oldie, but I thought I'd "bump" this thread and add the second and third movies for discussion.

TTT: "Leave him alone, Laddie. Let him be."

TTT: Legolas' silent return of Arwen's necklace to Aragorn. Nice touch.

ROTK: Sam's refusal to be sent home, though non-canonical, was still a good expression of stubborn loyalty.

RotK: "Courage, Merry. Courage for our friends."

RotK: "Have you learned nothing of the stubbornness of dwarves?" Nice line, nice segue.

[Lhunardawen]

Good ones, Helen.

Boromir's swordsfighting tutorials for the hobbits has been already mentioned. So was his death, with Merry and Pippin screaming in vain. But who could have forgotten his final conversation with Aragorn, right before he died? The words he uttered were not only for a comrade, a brother, a captain, or a king...but also for a friend.

TTT:

Legolas looking over the cliff after Aragorn fell, and the bewildered look in his eyes when Theoden said, "Leave the dead."

"Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?"
"Hehehe."

RotK:

"I never imagined fighting alongside an Elf."
"How about fighting alongside a friend?"

*scattered sniffles*

Now that I look at it, the friendship between Gimli and Legolas stood out the most for me. After all, this one is out of the ordinary. Such can be expected from the hobbits, but not from two individuals whose races had a longstanding disagreement. It's amazing how adversities can change people.

[ninlaith]

Love, love, love, bum bum bum. It's easy. I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes. This love is all around me and so the feeling grows....oh sorry..little show stopper there.

FOTR:

Frodo: "Sam we're still in the shire what could possibly happen?"
(POW)
Pippin:" Oh Frodo! Merry, it's Frodo Baggins!"
Merry: "Hello Frodo!" (so happy to see each other)

Sam: "Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee! And I don't mean to...I don't mean to."

Arwen: "I would rather spend one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone."

The part where boromir is about to fall from the arrows of the Uruk-hai and Pippin and merry stand there in astonishment then let out these mournful cries for their friend and head straight into the running Uruk-hai.

I've got more. Many more....

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Pippen searching for hours amidst the dead and dying for Merry after the Battle in RotK.

"I knew you'd find me."

*sniff*

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

Originally Posted by Feanor of the Peredhil

Pippen searching for hours amidst the dead and dying for Merry after the Battle in RotK.

"I knew you'd find me."

*sniff*

I was just about to say the same thing! I was watching RotK and that very same scene today and for the first time I realized how horrible it must have been for Pippin. Imagine that your best friend is somewhere there probably lying dead. You wish to find his body but there are tens of thousands horribly mangled orcs and men in the battlefield. Imagine all the smell and gore *shudders*

Another one is Aragorn's line: "For Frodo." A man who's about to become a king and marry a girl he loves rushes against an orc army head over heels. Not maybe the best tactic to attack but I'm imprssed.

[Dimturiel]

One of the most impresives scenes, as far as friendship and loyality are concerned, is the one when Aragorn says: "For Frodo." and the first to follow him are Merry and Pippin. It is so sweet! Also, I like the scene from the inn from ROTK when the four Hobbits are sitting together. It always brings tears to my eyes.

[Evisse the Blue]

I agree about the Legolas-Gimli relationship being depicted well.
Also, the scene with the hobbits in the bar at the end of ROTK- that is such a well done scene in my opinion! It shows the hobbits a bit apart from the rest of the people in the bar, which by contrast, underlines their friendship with each other. Only they know what they went through, and this knowledge brings them together. But at the same time, they're still the kind of friends they were before they set out, ready to rejoice in drinking an ale (compare with scene in FOTR in the bar).
Also another friendship that stood out for me is (don't laugh) Boromir and Aragorn. This mostly works because of Aragorn's brilliant skills in dealing with people. His modesty as a character in the movie really pays off when it comes to this relationship. Meaning, Aragorn from the book and Boromir from the book didn't get along so well together, they were always a bit cold and at a constant disagreement. Of course, Boromir from the movie was far more good natured that Boromir in the book. There are scenes like the one in Lothorien, when they talk together, or when they just sit together, talking and smoking, in Moria, waiting for Gandalf that tells you they're good friends; so it doesn't come as far fetched to see Aragorn cry when Boromir dies.

[Elrian]

When Sam tells Frodo: I can't carry the Ring but I can carry you.

[Folwren]

Cool topic, but from a fairly old start. I'm glad it was resurected, because I wasn't around when most people posted.

Since all three movies are out, I guess no one will mind if I pull from all three.

The part that really affects me the most is atually in the FotR...it was mentioned a lot already in this thread, but it's an awesome part in the movie - when Sam goes out to Frodo in the Anduin. And it when he did it, it wasn't 'I can try to go, or I can actually stay here and do as he says, but, no, I ought to go', it was more like 'I've got to get to Frodo...he can't go without me. He'd die!' I don't believe there was a thought of himself in that act. No choice, in his mind.

In the RotK when he comes back through Shelob's Lair and fights Shelob for him. It was pretty much the same mind set, I think.

And again in the RotK, after the ring was destroyed and they were on a rock. Sam finally thinks of himself and starts crying because he loved Rosie, and Frodo crawls over to him and puts an arm about his shoulders. That part is so sweet. Frodo's himself again, and he's close to Sam once more.

I would be more eloquent on this matter, I'm sure, but it's too late to do something like that.

-Folwren

[sassyfriend]

Boromir and Aragorn: you can tell that as time goes on these two start respecting each other more and more even when they don't agree about the ring. It is Aragorn that Boromir confides in about his failing home and you can see he's been crying about it but he dosen't try to hide the fact from Aragorn. You can tell Aragorn is deeply concerned for him but isn't sure what to say or do. Same with the time they end up in an arument over the fact that Aragorn dosen't trust humans which the older man takes as Boromir wanting the ring again which is not what the younger man is saying at all. You can tell by the look on Boromir's face he wants to kill him cause he's so frustrated with his friend. Lastly Boromir's death scene you can see their friendship has come full circle they both fully understand each other now. Very touching and moving.