RETURN OF THE KING (2003) BREAKDOWN: Lord of the Rings Trilogy Analysis | The Deep Dive
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) full movie analysis & deep dive by Erik Voss! Good things come in big packages at MeUndies. Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping, at MeUndies.com/deepdive
It’s time for an extended deep-dive into LOTR Return of the King, part 3 of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Erik Voss goes fully in-depth to explore the themes, the music, the filmmaking, and the connections to the lore of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, and Silmarillion.
Welcome to The Deep Dive, a channel in the New Rockstars Digital Network. Hosted by Erik Voss, The Deep Dive is the destination for more pointed media investigations. From full seasons of Marvel streaming shows to cult classic films, Erik will dig to the roots of the hidden agendas beneath every title.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:39 - Sméagol's Birthday
07:07 - Saruman's Fall
09:07 - Return to Edoras
09:56 - Sméagol Foreshadowing
10:34 - Dreams & Visions
14:46 - Splendid Tombs
18:11 - Sam's Hope
19:18 - Designing The Witch-king & Minas Morgul
21:13 - Hidden Orc Detail Revealed!
22:16 - Tricking the Viewers
24:34 - Faramir and Denethor
25:49 - Shot Years Apart
26:56 - Merry & Pippin
27:21 - Creating Dramatic Tension
29:24 - Denethor's Lunch
34:50 - The Paths of the Dead
38:27 - The Siege Begins
41:31 - Shelob
46:14 - Ride for Ruin
48:33 - Elephants and Horses
50:21 - The Danger of Prophecy
52:24 - Lost Stories
56:50 - But What About the Eagles Erik!!!?
57:41 - The Black Gate Opens
01:00:33 - True Friendship
01:03:14 - Embracing Failure
01:07:55 - Exhaustion
01:10:30 - The Return of the King
01:13:14 - The True Hero
01:15:18 - Where I Can't Follow
01:17:07 - There and Back Again...
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VIDEO CREDITS:
Written and Produced by Erik Voss
Lead Editor: Joshua Hurd
Editors: Eric Gorday, Devin Cleary, Georden West, Aaron Carrion
Executive Producer: Erik Voss
Good things come in big packages at MeUndies. Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping, at MeUndies.com/deepdive
Dude keep it up, I love your deep dives more than you will ever know. I hope you can do one on Joker since the second movie is coming up soon! Thank you.
Yeah they do, big boi. Who needs motion in the ocean when you need an excavator to lay that pipe
Cirdan wore Narya not Gil-Galad, Gil-Galad wore Vilnya which he passed to Elrond
thank you so much for keeping the **There and Back Again** segment in your video. it. hit. me. Hard. thank you, erik. that you for reminding me of that.
Everyones job is hard3
"My friends, you bow to no one," gets me bawling like a child every time.
EVERY. TIME! 😢
Literally the only thing that made me cry in that whole series
Oh man me to.
Same
Me too, everytime and I love it.
These videos are a huge undertaking. Between being a new dad and everything else Voss is trying to do, I’m just glad he didn’t completely abandon it. Nothing wrong about taking some time and reassessing goals. I’d much rather have one awesome deep dive a month than Eric get to the point where he hates doing what he does.
I really appreciate this. I think the best time I had making one of these was the analysis of Mad Mad Fury Road. Not that that was my best video, I don't really know, maybe it was, but it was the first one in a while where I really had to slow down and take time with it, and I ended up just loving the explorative places I could go with my analysis. That's how I want to approach all of these. I want to live with one great film per month and put everything I have into it.
@@DeepDiveNR There's more and more video analysis content farms out here every day and I'm so grateful that the DD turned out to be the opposite, rather than a second channel to increase content. I cried when you cried about not being ashamed to care so much about movies. Horse boysssss
Same, to all
When Return of the King won every Oscar, that was the most fun watching the Academy Awards. Not only because I loved all three movies, but because I had watched all the extended DVD extras and felt like I knew all the crew.
Best commentary in all of film history❤
@@Pixelkip Absolutely 🙂
1.15.34 "oh. pity.." It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand...
I was fully immersed in the lord of the rings fandom by that point along with my mom and sister, and the energy of that Oscars night with them winning it all was legitimately like the Super Bowl for us.
I still remember the moment Return of the King won its last Oscar. Steven Spielberg opened the envelope and said “It’s clean sweep.”
Well I held it together until the family photo at the end. Thank you Erik, for being our Samwise. So much of your own personal time is spent giving us entertainment, knowledge, and wisdom; and not a second of it is unappreciated. Thank you for every video you do Erik!!
Same same. Bawled at the end
It's an interesting perspective that Frodo dives at Gollum, as an act of heroism. I always thought he was just pissed off that Gollum now had his ring and that's why he attacked him.
Voss casually dropping excellent Gollum impressions
And a decent snippet of singing.
Erick Voss flexing the pipes on a lord of the rings deep dive, life is good ain't it ❤
I’ve been waiting 30 YEARS FOR THIS VIDEO!!!
Here we are, at the end of all things
But the first film only came out 23 years ago?
@@Brandon.Reactsmaybe he read the books as a kid
Voss, I'm gonna try to sneak in that quote in my wedding vows "there is nothing more scary or more rewarding than marriage."
A legendary breakdown of a legendary trilogy. Fantastic work Erik, thanks a bunch.
1:12:23 and remember, the Numenorean line is Elrond’s line too. The kingdom of Numenor comes from Elros, the twin brother of Elrond who chose, like Arwen, to give up immortality and live as a mortal man. In seeing Aragorn crowned Elessar, Elrond is also seeing the redemption of his brothers House and Line, a brother he has not seen in ~6,000 years. With Isildur, Elrond saw his brothers line fail and break. And you can see Elrond’s despair that “the line of Kings is broken.” Which means so much more to him. But in Elessar, Elrond sees his brothers House healed. The line of Kings is redeemed.
What a jaw dropping ending to a video. It almost felt like the whole thing culminated and the true story was Voss’s journey of deep diving all along. Well done my guy. Beautiful family and beautiful conclusion to a fantastic series.
Here at last, on the shores of the sea... comes the end of the greatest breakdown to ever exist. Thank you so much, Erik!
I feel the gray rain curtain pulling back
If I had to make a list of my top 10 favorite movies, Return of the King is easily in that top 10. An absolute masterpiece. Keep up with the incredible work Erik.
Thank you!
@@DeepDiveNRand thanks for breaking down amazing films for entertainment.
Take your time with these because these are some of the best KZhead videos I’ve ever watched.
I've been looking forward to the return of deep dives thanks everyone!
Thank you for hanging in there. I needed to finish this quest, but I'll be better about these going forward.
There should never be pressure for things that are only supposed to bring enjoyment so take your time!
“You can only come to morning through shadows”. Kudos Erik in completing this hefty task of breakdowns. I appreciate your hard work and dedication, no matter how long it takes, as well as your honesty with failure and how it shapes us all. Very well said in your closing… and congratulations on “being back”!
I'm not one to normally post, but I feel like I need to today. ERIK VOSS, I would just like to express to you my admiration and appreciation for all the work that you do. The care and detail of every single INVOSSTIGATION you do astounds me. You truly love what you do, and it shows. That love transcends through your work and continues on to every one of your viewers. Whenever I get to watch one of your videos, I consider it a highlight of my day. You and the whole New Rockstars team have been a source of joy on days when it was hard to find. I appreciate you taking your time. Keep doing what you’re doing. Whenever you feel burned out or overworked, take some time for yourself and your beautiful family. You deserve it. All of you do.
There are many moments in the trilogy that make my hair stand on end, but the one I think of most often is perhaps Theoden's speech and the Charge of the Rohirim. The footage, the editing and the music are like a triple whammy of soul food. Just sublime.
1:06:45 I haven't seen anyone online mention this, but I always enjoyed the scene where Sam saves Frodo and Frodo reaches out to grab Sam's hand BEFORE the ring is destroyed. It's another moment of redemption where I imagine that the ring still influences Frodo, but somehow, through sheer willpower, he can fight past it and defeat its influence by saving himself.
Let’s gooo! Just rewatched the Two Towers Deep Dive last week. This is perfect timing, Voss & team! Ty 🙏🏽
Well, "perfect" would have been four months ago, haha! But I appreciate it nonetheless!
@@DeepDiveNR family comes first!
The way this movie was the last, and yet at the end we thought Frido would've just kept the ring and all of that journey would've been for nothing was what made this could. It exceeded the expectations I had, and showed so much gore as well. Great movie.
It's so good!
Eric, as a new father myself. I absolutely love your new found love and emotional connection to your content. I appreciate EVERYTHING you do. Thank you
Aaaand I’m crying at the end of this video. Thanks for your hard work, Voss!
This is such a good series, keep up the great work Eric & New Rockstars!
It's the most challenging film analysis series I've ever done.
Thank you Eric and The Deep Dive/New Rockstars team for always give me a new reason to rewatched some of my favorite movies.
Enjoy!
1:14:53 I've been in a relationship with my husband for nearly 12 years. We've had a lot of hard times but finally were able to get married last month. This line made me cry because even though we weren't officially married, I've felt this for a long time! Love this.
I cried at the end of this video. I’m sure some others found it corny, but as a Tolkien super-fan and relatively new dad-this hit me so hard. I am so happy to see you and your beautiful little family happy. We love you, but your family loves and needs you even more. Than you for opening up and sharing this with us, with the world.
I appreciate that you did not half ass this deep dive trilogy. You did not fail us Erik!!
damn man, Pippin really said that they don't have songs for great halls or dark times, then sang a song that fit both! i love these movies
That outro was so emotional, I am so happy you took your time with this, it was absolutely beautiful. You bow to no one Erik
From the bottom of my heart. Thanks for pouring yourself into this. It’s been a great series of breakdowns. Man what an amazing run!
To try, is not to fail. But, fail to try, is to fail completely. Thank you for these deep dives into the books and films in what is (and I speak from experience having two children myself) an overwhelming time in your life.
A lovely breakdown, thank you so much for taking your time to do this, the wait was absolutely worth it!
Becoming a parent truly is an act of courage. It’s the hardest job you’ll ever have. But the moment to moment joys and reflection along the way will balance that difficulty. I wish you, Eric, and your family all blessings in the years to come. From a parent near the end of the journey, to one who is just setting out.
Eric, you deserve a standing ovation for these breakdowns! Thank you foendoing this and giving us all an eye opening and different perspective to these and every movie you break down. You, sir, are an inspiration. Thank you and to the staff.
You are doing amazing Eric! Thank you so much for breaking down these awesome movies. They are one of my first fandoms and hold a special place in my heart. So to hear you talk so lovingly and respectfully about the source material, cast and crew, and the films themselves makes my nerdy heart full of joy.
Theodens speech is a get and fight moment for me. Brings me to tears any time i see it
It's definitely the best speech in the series
Well earned awards to everyone that worked on this series. This has been an epic journey for the Lord of the rings and I don't think I have felt the emotions hit as hard remembering these great moments. Thank you Deep Dive crew for bringing us back to middle earth on a great cinematic journey but also letting us connect better with what truly was conveyed for us so long ago. 😊🙏😭
Such a wonderful job, Erik! Thank you for taking the time you did to do these.
We appreciate everything you do for this channel and the others!!!
I have been waiting for this video! Worth the wait! I appreciate the time taken to get it right! Love your work!
Thank you for the content! Love this stuff, and happy whenever there’s an update, be it monthly or what ever is right.
@1h mark...This is why IbLove Erik Voss Soooooooo Much!! That was soooo well said! Having struggled with major depression/personality disorders since my early teens & substance abuse for about 10+ years, the "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you" always hit me hard, and made me appreciate ALL my family & friends that never gave up on me! This has been wonderful! Love the Deep Dives sooo much! Thanks to Everyone that helps make these videos happen!
Eric you did a great job with this film breakdown. I just finished watching the two towers and return of the King breakdown. I forgot how great those movies were and how many emotions you could feel. Thank you so much for doing these breakdowns. As a father myself, I can’t wait to share these movies and books with my children. I feel this channel is here for those are a wanting a deeper understanding of film theology. Do not burn yourself out because those who wanna watch the channel will always be here to watch it.
You’re awesome. This was great. I appreciate the time and energy you put into this and all the other material . You do not fail nor do you disappoint!
This 3 video series is probably my favorite on KZhead i loved them , thank you very very much for finishing this !!!!!
Big respect to you for wrapping this video up and getting it out
Congratulations on finishing these! You did an incredible job.
Eric Voss, you Sir have shown your quality: the very highest!
Nice! I’ve really been looking forward to this video!
Thanks for your patience!
Eric you take a day off ya deserve it brotha. I was looking forward to this for a while. Big ups bruv.
Great video, take all the time you need I can’t wait for what’s in store. Waiting patiently 😊
Love these deep dives! and your input on the reads of these films. Thanks! Keep up the great work Erik!
Eric, you are a master at your craft. Waiting for this was very much worth it, and it was very cool to have you end on such a humble note. Congrats to the Deep, congrats to your family. Very excited to join you in the future.
You did a wonderful job Eric, thank you for this video and all of your work.
Thoroughly enjoy your content, always. Take your time. You’re doing a great job!
Voss, this was SO worth the wait. These three videos are probably my favorite on all of KZhead. Thank you for putting this work in man, thank you thank you
Loved the end of the video. Congrats and thank you for all the work you put in!
I have enjoyed watching these deep dives so much. Thank you Eric! Your breakdowns are incredible. I will look forward to the Deep Dive of the month.
Eric and crew, you’re Rockstars! Thank you for all your hard work on all the Deep Dives. So excited for this video!
The longest video of mine I ever edited was about 45 minutes long and with constant layers, cutaways and special effects. It took weeks of painstaking work, so I admire your work on this, Erik.
I don't often give a thumbs up, or comment on videos. But you should know your videos are top tier. Well done!
Oh my god, even a video ABOUT these movies makes me cry like a baby. Thanks, Erik. Great work on these.
Thanks Eric for all the work and effort you put in to everything. Always have to take time for yourself and family, we'll always be here whenever You're ready to share with us what you want. Cheers.
Thank you Erik and The Deep Dive team. I love all the work in your videos and get so excited when a new one drops. Congrats on all the success. Return of the King is my favourite LOTR movie and this just made it so much better!
Thanks Erik for making these! Your videos are always what I need on a hard day and this one is one of your many masterpieces
Voss this was a beautiful analysis and yes I was waiting for a while but I also had to check myself and realize you have a lot on your plate but are doing your best . Your honesty and care in these videos will keep me as a subscriber. Thank you for all your work and everyone ❤!
Thank you so much Eric! I've been watching you for for years and always excited to see whenever you have a new video but the deep dive hits a little different. You take reviewing movies to a whole other level and I absolutely love it. You've gotten me through alot of hard times and I thank you for just being so awesome and so dedicated to what you do. Fan 4 Life!
Thank you Erik for your dedication!
I appreciate it!
Excellent video. You conveyed so much analytical info that resonated. Enjoy a rest from your labours😊
Thank you Voss, and everyone else for the mountain of hard work to get this series out! So pumped to see this one!
You are doing a great job. I am always excited to see these come out. It was funny that I started rewatching these right before you put the first one out. It was great to have them as I finished the movies. These are great. Keep up the great work.
Not me looking for this video yesterday!! Love these breakdowns! ❤
Been a fan since day one for both NR and DD. fantastic job and worth the wait! I love your analysis and thoughtfulness on deep dive videos and we're all behind you for all time. "Well I'm back" indeed.
Thank you for taking your time, Erik.
Yay!!!! I’ve been waiting FOREVER on this breakdown! Thanks broskie you’re amazing.
This was beautiful; thanks, Erik!
Incredible! Thank you, Erik!
Well done! what an incredible breakdown and loved the deep dive on the series!
Many thanks for your perseverance, Erik - we appreciate you! Awesome breakdown!!!
Dude, this was incredible!!! So very well done. Thanks man.
Great job. Congratulations. Thank you for sharing your labors of love.
Thanks for these! I’ve loved all of them and these movies so much
I really appreciate all the hard work you and your team put together. Stay awesome guys ❤
Thank you, Eric and team! I love you all. I really needed this today. Well done.
Im glad you are doing these deep dive videos
Thank you Erick. This was amazing.
Solid video as always good work man way to push through!!
Best Trilogy Deep Dive ever!!!!This was a lovely way to wrap this trilogy deep dive! Thank you for all you and your team does! ❤️
I’ve never been more excited for a KZhead video. Thank you for the work you put into this, No matter how long the dive takes, we will be here ready to dive on in❤
Amazing video congratulations on everything
Thanks so much for your hard work man you have no idea how much I love this videos appreciate it.
Dude, this was great. Thank you for all you do!
You brought tears to my eyes sir. Addiction is a weight no, one, can carry alone. I can hear/feel that you know something about this. No matter the side you've lived, you are a good man. A great human. Both sides hurt, but both sides can help heal the other.
I really appreciate these deep dives, Erik! Your passion shows and we love it!
Eric, love your deep dive videos! Take your time! I prefer good content to quick content
Amazing video Erik, I’ve been watching you for years. Great work, and now you rest.
What a good breakdown loved it. Wish I started with fellowship gonna watch the first 2 breakdowns next.