**RotK - Sam (Sean Astin)**

[Estelyn Telcontar]

What do you think of Sam's role and Astin's acting in the third movie?

[Birdland]

What? I beat Samwise to the punch? Sean Astin was and always will be the perfect Samwise. P.J. never did a better day's work than when he cast Mr. Astin for that role.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I thought Sam was tremendous. I didn't really like the part where he punched Gollum in the face, seemed a little off-character to me (although someone may well refute that with a quote from the book! )<P>Overall, good. I am glad they got the line in about carrying Mr. Frodo. And his wedding was really nice!

[Iris Alantiel]

*standing ovation* Well done!!! Bravo!!!<P>I think for me, the one thing they could have really done that would have ruined everything is if they had screwed up Sam Gamgee. He's always been my favourite character and I think if they had cast someone who didn't do a good job, I would have cried. Fortunately, they cast Sean Astin, who was an absolutely fabulous Sam and has earned my eternal love and respect.<P>I thought the way they portrayed him was excellent. I felt awful for him when Gollum betrayed him and Frodo told him to go home. Poor Sam! I've read posts that say it's unrealistic that Sam lasted so long against Shelob or uncharacteristic of him to punch Gollum in the face (although I'm not a violent type of person, and God knows I wanted to!), and that might be true, but I prefer to think of it as a symptom of Sam's unwavering loyalty - he finds his courage and acts in ways that are counter to his normal hobbitlike behaviour because he's so loyal to Frodo. After the ring was destroyed, when he gave that little speech about Rose Cotton dancing with ribbons in her hair and how if he'd ever got married, it would be to her, it pretty much broke my heart, it was so sweet! And at the end, when he ends up happily married to Rosie (and his daughter looks just like my cousin!) I was smiling so hard my face hurt. I think it's so great, and so hard to pull off, when a performance makes you identify entirely with a character and really feel for him. <P>So once again, a standing ovation for a great portrayal of a great character.

[Enorëiel]

Sam was awesome! P. Jackson really did the best thing possible by casting Sean Astin as Sam; he portrays him so well! I liked Sam before but never really felt a deep liking to him. This movie has changed that! I would have to say that Sam is now one of my favorite characters. I'm still in awe!

[Arathiriel]

Oh, I couldn't have asked for a better portrayal of Sam in this movie even if I tried! <P>Sean Astin was <B>perfect</B> and I know see why JRD has been campaigning for him to get the Oscar! He absolutely broke my heart more than once during this movie and when Sam cried after Frodo told him to go home - well let's just say I wanted nothing more than to hug my favorite Hobbit!<P>I was so happy to see they ended it the movie with <I>"Well, I'm back..."</I>!

[Orual]

I cried more during Sam's scenes than I did during anyone else's. Carrying Frodo up the mountain, the line after the destruction of the Ring about marrying Rosie, his facial expressions at the Grey Havens, and, of course, "Well, I'm back." Actually, I think I cried more when he said that--"Well, I'm back"--than I cried at anything else. I was so happy that they kept that line.<P>Sam was my favorite character in the books, and I was terribly afraid that they wouldn't get him right, but as soon as I saw Sean Astin in <I>Fellowship</I> I knew we had a first-rate Samwise Gamgee on our hands. He hasn't let me down. Way to go, Sean.

[Lalaith]

I actually preferred Sean Astin in RotK to book Sam! *gasp*<BR>I always found book Sam a bit cloying, I don't know why. But in this film, Astin gave him a great deal of dignity, much more so than in the first two films.

[Luinalatawen]

I loved Sam, his character was perfect. Hopefully the movie fans who see him as "the fat gay hobbit" (I do know a few who think that, unfortunately) will shed that opinion of him after they see this movie. Sam was a friend in the truest, purest sense and gave the impression that he not only stood by his promise to Gandalf to never leave Frodo's side, but also stood by his heart. And yes, seeing his wedding was a very nice thing- we at least got to see one of the weddings!

[Knight of Gondor]

I think Sean Astin delivered the best performance of them all, frankly. Yes, the plot and action and everything made everyone lovable and awesome. But Sean Astin captured the perfect spirit of Sam, devoted, loyal, indomitable. His lines, the way he delivered them, especially "I can't carry It for you, but I can carry you!" Absolutely amazing. He should win Best Supporting Actor.

[Tar-Alcarin]

two words: this was sams movie. OK that was 4 but its all good. He showed so much couargae in every scene he did. They did everything right when they cast him as Sam. Without Sean, sam would have sucked. I know that is kindof harsh. But at the fields of Cormallen, when everyone is seeing Frodo and there is Sam. There is like an unspoken bond between them. He just smiles. Eventhough i am a guy, a teenage on at that, I almost cried at that scene. He deserves that Oscar. LEt me rephrase that. He <B>needs</B> that oscar.<p>[ 11:13 PM December 17, 2003: Message edited by: Tar-Alcarin ]

[Dininziliel]

Orual writes: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Carrying Frodo up the mountain, the line after the destruction of the Ring about marrying Rosie, his facial expressions at the Grey Havens, and, of course, "Well, I'm back." Actually, I think I cried more when he said that--"Well, I'm back"--than I cried at anything else. I was so happy that they kept that line. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> That pretty much says it all for me, too. I've been reading LotR again to prepare for the movie today, and Sam has become my new favorite character. Sean Astin was best performance in TT, and I think he captured Sam's character from the book as well or better than anyone else did theirs, although there are two or three contenders (Saruman/Lee, Merry & Pippin/Monaghan & Boyd, and, of course, Gollum/Serkis/renderers).<P>I thank him, and, I thank Jackson, Walsh, & Boyens for allowing Sam to come through so well. He is essential to the heart and meaning of the story. I just can't see anyone else in the part, and I treasure Astin's gift of Sam to me.<p>[ 12:21 AM December 18, 2003: Message edited by: dininziliel ]

[Gorwingel]

Sam was wonderful! I felt so sorry for the poor guy when he was told to go home. That was one of the most emotional parts of the movie for me. Just that look on his face, and the tears. It was like a child who was told by their parent that they are not loved anymore. But of course he could not go home, he has to stay with Mr. Frodo. Continued excellence by Mr. Astin I say! <P>Oh, and I absolutely loved his clothing at the end of the movie, so refined

[Diamond18]

I just about cheered when he talked about Rosie "dancing with ribbons in her hair". Frodo's reaction to it was so sweet. *sob* This was great. All the hobbits were great. Sam was awesome, Sean Astin is amazing, I'm so glad they cast an actor who understands Sam's role so well, to the point of contesting PJ's Bashkish inclinations (as interviews and such have documented). This movie could almost be called:<P><B>The Lord of the Rings: The Courage of Master Samwise</B><P> <P>The one thing I didn't like was that Sam actually went all that way down the stairs before deciding to hell with what Mr. Frodo <I>said</I>.

[Veritas]

Sean Astin was just Sam in this movie. He really was him, not an actor playing the role. nope. Just Sam. He is the hero of RotK.

[Arathiriel]

I couldn't hardly sleep last night thinking of RoTK - this movie was <B>wonderful</B> and I am still amazed at Sean Astin in this movie! <P>Oh he deserves to be nominated for the Academy Award in the best way!<P>One of the parts I keep thinking of is when Frodo told Sam to go home - I tell you I had no doubts that Sam's heart had been broken right then and there he cried so pitifully!<P><I>*sighs*</I><P>I wish I had some fellow Ringers in my house to discuss the movie with - but alas I don't as I am the only fan in this house!

[BeeBombadil]

I didn't cry at any of the parts that I thought would get me (Grey Havens, crowning the King) but Sam's reaction to being told to "go home" broke my heart. Sean Astin did that scene so beautifully...made me cry like a baby.

[Lily Bracegirdle]

Sean Astin did a great job in the first two movies, but in this one he pulled out all the stops and went for it. His raw emotion was just out there for everyone to see. What a courageous performance; he held nothing back. He definitely deserves an oscar nomination.<P>-Lily

[Shy Hobbit]

The thing I was probably looking foward to most in this film was Sean Astin's performance, and he did not disappoint! Every line he delivered from the book was exactly as I'd imagined it, and as I thought, my tears were heavy when he asked Mr. Frodo not to go where he couldn't follow. All my patience was rewarded in that one scene alone. I can't say enough about his performance, Sam truly is the hero of this film. My Mom's been a Samwise fan ever since the first film, and she's sold out now That from her being pretty much a non-fan, too! <P>Thank you Sean

[Knight of Gondor]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I wish I had some fellow Ringers in my house to discuss the movie with - but alas I don't as I am the only fan in this house!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>What do you think you have us for?!

[Finwe]

Sean Astin was so good in just "being" Sam, that I felt the same emotions that he was feeling. I was angry along with Sam, I wept along with Sam, and I was happy along with Sam. I'll never be able to look at Sean Astin again, without thinking, "There is Samwise Gamgee, Hobbit of the Shire."

[Jjudvven]

Sean Astin did a GREAT job as Samwise Gamgee. I thought he was the best done hobbit of them all. I really felt for him throughout the movie.

[Arathiriel]

You know I seriously wish I knew a way to influence the folks at the Academy Awards as I really want to see Sean Astin get nominated/win for his performance in RoTK - to say nothing about wanting to see RoTK get nominated/win for Best Picture, PJ nominated/win for Best Director!<P>It has been two days since I saw RoTK and it is still heavily on my mind! I just can't get over how <B>GREAT</B> this movie turned out to be!

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

Alright, so I agree with everything everyone's said. How could I not? I love Sam, and Sean, his performance was just so great. He almost made me cry at least twice, and then I did cry at the end. I started tearing up when they returned to the Shire, and then at the Grey Havens, and by the time it was "Well, I'm back", I was full-fledged crying! He did that line (and all of his lines) so well. And just for the record, ROTK is the first movie I've ever cried in. I think I can rightly say I owe it to Sean. I read in an interview that the best work he's ever done in his life is in ROTK- he's right. I enjoyed all of the Sam-Frodo scenes because of this. <P>I truly hope Sean Astin wins Best Supporting Actor, or even Best Actor- he deserves it. But I doubt he will, seeing as the Academy's biased and all that. But even a nomination would be nice.<P>Lily's right, he gave an extremely courageous performance. I don't think any other LOTR actor became their character so well.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Perfect, just perfect.<BR>Sean Astin just went to such emotional places that are extremely difficult for actors to reach. Not a single tear shed seemed forced... he was so true to the character and the moment that it just breaks your heart to watch him suffer, and it makes you cheer when he steps up to save the day.<BR>I am so grateful for the casting in the role of Samwise... I can't imagine anyone else taking it to such an honest place.

[Lyta_Underhill]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>The one thing I didn't like was that Sam actually went all that way down the stairs before deciding to hell with what Mr. Frodo said. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>This was my thought as well, <B>Diamond</B>! I alternated between being mad at Sam for actually going to being mad at Frodo for being so blind to forgiving Sam when I saw what Frodo's words did to him and then forgiving Frodo when I saw the horror he had to face in Shelob's Lair and his keen awareness that he was ALL ALONE and so was Sam beneath him on the Stairs...a wrenching passage indeed! It did not make me cry, but it did evoke some real polar responses!<P>There is absolutely no doubt in my mind (as if there ever was!) that Sean Astin IS Samwise Gamgee. If they were ever separate, they've merged forever now! And although I don't give a fig for awards, they could do a lot worse than giving the laurels to Sam, uh, I mean Sean! <P>Cheers!<BR>Lyta

[Oroaranion]

Sean Astin was the best possible actor for Sam Gamgee in the trilogy. When he and Frodo are near teh cracks of Doom, you can see the emotion in his eyes. He brought Sam to life, and it was the only thing good thing that P.J. did in the whole trilogy!

[Elfchick7]

Three cheers for Samwise Gamgee! Hurah! Hurah! Hurah! Three cheers for Sean Astin! Hurah! Hurah! Hurah! I especially loved this line- "Wake up Mr. Frodo. Don't go where I can't follow." *Snif*

[Kalimac]

He was fantastic. That's all I have to say. Note-perfect.<P>Diamond and Lyta - well, yes, he shouldn't have left. But he didn't go down *all* those stairs exactly voluntarily . (Was I the only one who thought it was suicidally rash to be walking DOWN those stairs upright. Turning around and crawling down feet-first would seem a lot more instinctual to me).

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> (Was I the only one who thought it was suicidally rash to be walking DOWN those stairs upright. Turning around and crawling down feet-first would seem a lot more instinctual to me).<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Me too. I think that was more than a little dangerous. But as to being suicidally rash... it's not unlikely, indeed it's rather likely. Perhaps not so likely as after Shelob's Lair, but still. Like in the Choices of Master Samwise (one of my favorite chapters).... you most likely know the part I'm talking about. I hope they expand on that in the EE, but somehow I doubt it.<P>As much as Sean <B>is</B> Sam (to the point that I basically see him as my Sam, the one in my version of LOTR that I see when I read the books, and I'm perfectly fine with that, especially since he looks so much like Sam anyway), do you think he feels like it? Would he have absorbed the character to the extent that he just walks around feeling Samwise-y? It seems like it, but maybe he was sort of that way already.

[MYyyPreciousSS]

Well who would I be if I were to break the trend...I agree Sean Astin did an awesome job with Sam. Everything he says is just so believable. It's so easy to get lost in the story when Sean is in the scene. Like many before me said, the scene when Frodo tells Sam to go home is just heartbreaking. And when Sam talks about Rosie, I can't help but lose it. I'm so glad Peter put in "Well, I'm back." Sean did a great good; with him I never stop and think how he's acting, I just believe it. He IS Sam.

[Finwe]

The way he acted in that movie made the audience themselves <I>feel</I> every emotion that he felt. I loved the part at the end, where he kisses Rosie, and then turns and smiles radiantly at all the people at the wedding. After witnessing all his travails in the beginning, I nearly shed tears of joy when I saw that. His eyes dancing and sparkling with 100% happiness, and the fact that all of his wishes finally came true really really touched me. I could feel a glow start up inside me when I looked into his glowing eyes. It was just so amazing!

[The Saucepan Man]

Sean Astin's performance in this film was undoubtedly an incredible tour-de-force. He has been great in both of the preceeding films, but he really turned it up a notch in this one.<P>One moment that I don't think has so far been mentioned so far is when Frodo is asking him to give the Ring back in the Tower of Cirith Ungol. Sean Astin's face, as Frodo insistently demands the return of the Ring, speaks volumes. He manages to combine being upset at Frodo's harsh tone and sense of desperation with (for me) a genuine sense of hesitation, portraying vividly the hold that the Ring takes over its bearer.<P>Tolkien's view that Sam is the true hero of the story shines out in Astin's performance.

[Oddwen]

While not quite my view of Samwise, Sean Astin was perfect for Sam. My thanks to PJ and all involved in casting this wonderful actor.

[Arathiriel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Perfect, just perfect.<BR>Sean Astin just went to such emotional places that are extremely difficult for actors to reach. Not a single tear shed seemed forced... he was so true to the character and the moment that it just breaks your heart to watch him suffer, and it makes you cheer when he steps up to save the day.<BR>I am so grateful for the casting in the role of Samwise... I can't imagine anyone else taking it to such an honest place.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>ITA - I saw RoTK again tonight and <B>blast</B> if I did not cry again at all those parts where I cried before! I cannot say this enough - Sean <B>really really REALLY</B> touched me with his performance in RoTK! <P>As so many on this thread have said already Sean <B>IS</B> Samwise Gamgee as none of the things Sam said or did felt forced and with his performance in this movie you <I>live</I>and <I>feel</I> everything Sam does!<P>No, PJ could not have found anyone better to play Sam because truly while watching this movie I <I>knew</I> I was watching the Samwise Gamgee I have read about and have loved from the books!<P>Bravo to Sean!<p>[ 2:32 AM December 22, 2003: Message edited by: Arathiriel ]

[Theron Bugtussle]

With all the above, yes, agreed. Astin WAS Sam. <P>Movie Sam WAS Tolkien's Sam. Jackson was at his best in portraying what Tolkien already portrayed best.

[Lathriel]

I think Sean astin's acting was very strong in ROTK. I truly love the fact the they used the line "Well, I'm back" because that somehow made the movie complete. Or at least the theatrical version. LOTR is not finished till the EE comes out!<BR>Sean Astin really put it together well. When he carries Frodo it looks so desperate like it truly is. Because at the end Frodo and Sam are desperate to get rid of the ring although it is only frodo who is carrying it.

[Teleri]

Hi everyone I'm new and I thought I'd start here because Sam's been one of my favorite fictional characters since I was eight. <BR>I think what is so great about Sean Astin's performance is that, where the script allows it, watcing him feels like reading the book. When you read about Sam in the the books (especially ROTK) the last boundries between reality and Middle Earth are broken, and you ARE the character. I think watching Sean Astin is kind of like that. It seems like he really believes he is Sam. <BR>My only complaint is that they don't stress the fact that Sam was a ring bearer, that the ring did tempt him, and he overcame. I think PJ wanted to surprise us, but I would have rather seen the crumbling of the Watchers. I'm willing to forgive, though, since they kept "Well, I'm back". The one line in any book or movie that has managed to make me cry.

[Lyta_Underhill]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I think watching Sean Astin is kind of like that. It seems like he really believes he is Sam. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Welcome, <B>Teleri</B>! And I have no doubt that Sean and Sam are one in this realm! There is no doubt in my mind that Sean <I>became</I> Sam and, now that he has finished playing the role, it is part of him forever. Sean will <I>always</I> be Sam in this way to me. I, like you, would have liked to see the Watchers sequence and also to see Sam struggling with the Ring, rather than having it as a big surprise when Frodo tells him "they took the Ring!" To me, the handling of this issue weakened both Sam's fight against the Ring's power and Frodo's deep despair at the loss of it (although there was a nod to this, but not as much as I internalized it when reading, but that's probably just me--I fall into Frodo's point of view a lot). <P>One other thing I wanted to mention after this, my third viewing of the film, was an obtrusive part that finally made me realize <I>why</I> I found it obtrusive. Right after Frodo's "naked in the dark" speech, Sam tells Frodo he can't carry the Ring for him, but he can carry <I>him</I>. At this moment, the music swells so much that it becomes intrusive and this simple moment where Sam really shines becomes what I like to call an "obvious Oscar moment." It is like PJ is saying, "look at Sean Astin in his finest moment!" at that instant. It detracts from the experience and becomes a moment from "The Player," where one steps outside the story and realizes it is a film again and that it is a device in use to create a "moment." And this right after one of the most revealing looks into Frodo's soul in the entire series, one that put me squarely into the mind of Samwise, catching a glimpse of the depth of Frodo's struggle. I don't know if this is just an instance of the moment striking me oddly or if this is an experience anyone else shares. I just wanted to throw it out there, though. Sean shines through in the scene, but I think the music was overdone and it somehow takes away from Sam's effect here for me.<P>And now I say goodnight! <BR>Cheers,<BR>Lyta

[Reg Pither]

Hmmm.... yes and no, for me.<P>Sam's always been my favourite character in LotR as he is the real hero of the book. I was disappointed with PJ's version of him in the movies, but then, I feel all the film characters are mere shadows of Tolkien's originals. Having said that, yes, Sam in RotK finally starts to become the Sam of the book, and one of the best portrayals in the films. I even had to wipe away a tear when he was facing Shelob and then again when he carried Frodo. But I don't think that Sean Astin was particularly amazing - given the source material, how could anyone possibly have done a bad job? In fact, I would think that a more accomplished actor sticking closer to the original could have been even better.<P>Sorry to be the fly in the ointment here, but it's just my humble opinion, for what it's worth...

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> But I don't think that Sean Astin was particularly amazing - given the source material, how could anyone possibly have done a bad job? In fact, I would think that a more accomplished actor sticking closer to the original could have been even better.<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>As to the "how could anyone possibly do a bad job?" part, have you seen the Ralph Bashki cartoon LOTR? Sam is by far the scariest character. He's absolutely disturbing. Which is a sad thing for me to say about my Sam, but it's true. If you truly believe that since LOTR is a great book, anyone can make a great movie out of it, watching the cartoon should cure you of it (that said, though, don't watch the cartoon if you don't want to be saddened and perturbed at its awfulness). <P>Secondly, if you don't mind my asking, what do you mean by "sticking closer to the original", and who do you view as a "more accomplished actor" who could have played the role better? Where do you see changes in Sam's character? Because I didn't notice any that I can think of, and certainly not in ROTK. <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Tolkien's view that Sam is the true hero of the story shines out in Astin's performance. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Ah, that it does. Which brings up an interesting point: It has been said by the various people involved in LOTR that they tried to make FOTR and TTT Frodo-centric. Which is all well and good. But I had expected them to make ROTK more Sam-centric, especially because of the shift of focus in the books. I don't really feel that they did, though. We really got to see Sam shine in ROTK, but the focus still seemed to remain on Frodo, at least more than I thought it would. Do you all agree, or is it just me?<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I loved the part at the end, where he kisses Rosie, and then turns and smiles radiantly at all the people at the wedding. After witnessing all his travails in the beginning, I nearly shed tears of joy when I saw that. His eyes dancing and sparkling with 100% happiness, and the fact that all of his wishes finally came true really really touched me. I could feel a glow start up inside me when I looked into his glowing eyes. It was just so amazing! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I have to totally agree with that. Sam and Rosie's wedding is amazing. They're so cute together.

[Reg Pither]

I have indeed seen the cartoon, and would respectfully suggest that it doesn't count as an actor's performance.

[Lathriel]

AGREED!!!!!<BR>The cartoon is a sad version of LOTR.

[Teleri]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> "I would think that a more accomplished actor sticking closer to the original could have been even better."<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I don't really know what you mean by that. A bad, or even average, actor could easily make Sam laughable. <BR>As for sticking to the origional, that wasn't Sean Astin's fault, was it?

[Arathiriel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>But I don't think that Sean Astin was particularly amazing - given the source material, how could anyone possibly have done a bad job? In fact, I would think that a more accomplished actor sticking closer to the original could have been even better.<BR><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Um I am sorry but I honestly don't see how another actor could have given us a better portrayal of Sam! <P>I found Sean Astin's performance to be the most touching, most <B>real</B> performance of the entire movie - I mean he just <B>shines</B> in RoTK and I don't think I will ever say otherwise!

[Kalimac]

Reg - to be honest, I think that that may be the best indicator yet that Astin's performance was excellent - the fact that it's possible to look at it and say "Well, of course he would be good - what other way would it have been possible for him to act?" He got into Sam's skin so well that it seemed like he was being carried along for the ride as much as the audience was, but that wasn't the case. <P>This was a very good acting job, especially considering the occasional awkwardness of the script, where lines like "I thought I'd lost you" and "Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee," or that Osgiliath speech (grr!) if not dreadful in themselves, could easily be made into very bad laughs by an actor who hammed it up or tried to play up the Sam the Simpleton aspect of the thing too much. Sam spends a lot of time, even in the books, as a sort of understated comic relief; his heroic and intelligent aspects don't really start blazing out until the end of TTT, but they are there in FOTR, just easy to miss at first glance because they're often so funny at the same time. If Astin had decided to go for pure bumbling laughs at the beginning, Sam's transformation post-Fellowship-breakup would have been very hard to believe, or worse yet it may never have happened (imagine a comic pratfall on Sauron's Road. Yes, it could have been that bad). <P>Just my $0.02 - hope it makes sense.

[Lyta_Underhill]

Just a quick note before I must dash off to bed:<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>But I had expected them to make ROTK more Sam-centric, especially because of the shift of focus in the books. I don't really feel that they did, though. We really got to see Sam shine in ROTK, but the focus still seemed to remain on Frodo, at least more than I thought it would. Do you all agree, or is it just me?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I would suggest that ROTK gave me more of an idea of what it would be like to be Sam, simply because of the focus on Frodo; it is just as Sam's focus would have been, excepting the redone parts that separated them in Shelob's Lair. I found myself understanding Sam better when I saw the effects of the long journey and burden on Frodo. I can say this for the movies; it was a new door to open; I stepped closer to both Frodo AND Sam in those last parts in Mordor. To see Frodo telling Sam about this basically untellable state he is in and to watch Sam gather his last strength in response resonated deeply and I found myself understanding the "hardness" that Sam developed near the end of the Quest and how he could not perhaps deal mentally with the implications of that fact that Frodo is falling apart before his eyes and he MUST do something physically--that leads to his "I can carry you" lines. This scene really brings home the blind hopeless state of things and I can feel the bond between Frodo and Sam intensely here. I cannot say it is a Sean Astin triumph or an Elijah Wood triumph of acting skill; here they blend so well as to transcend any polarity in such comparison. Thus, you cannot have Frodo without Sam, nor Sam without Frodo. Who knows how it would have gone with different actors? I can only be glad that Sean and Elijah were so well matched for this fine moment!<P>Cheers!<BR>Lyta

[Arathiriel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Who knows how it would have gone with different actors? I can only be glad that Sean and Elijah were so well matched for this fine moment! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Yes, <B>ITA</B>!<P>When I saw FOTR, especially the end, I knew PJ and company did a good job when they casted Elijah and Sean in their respectives roles - that feeling grew with TTT - and by ROTK I honestly cannot see any other 2 actors playing out those scenes as well as they did!<P>Through the entire movie I waited for the Mt. Doom scenes to say nothing of the Grey Havens seen and I was <B>not</B> disappointed as the acting from both end got me to crying, especially Sean's!<P>Oh yes, I will continue to say it: No other could have done such a find job of portraying my Sam as Sean Astin and I only hope he will get the recognition he deserves by the Academy Awards!<p>[ 4:00 AM December 31, 2003: Message edited by: Arathiriel ]

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I found Sean Astin's performance to be the most touching, most real performance of the entire movie - I mean he just shines in RoTK and I don't think I will ever say otherwise!<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Agreed.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I stepped closer to both Frodo AND Sam in those last parts in Mordor. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Good point. I can very easily say that they are the characters I understand most and like best, in fact, I might venture to say that in an indirect way many aspects of my experiences and character are closest to theirs. Looking at it that way, I suppose it's best that they did it the way they did- actually closer to the book way than I realized at first- seeing Frodo through Sam's eyes, and thus gaining a better understanding of them both. <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Thus, you cannot have Frodo without Sam, nor Sam without Frodo. Who knows how it would have gone with different actors? I can only be glad that Sean and Elijah were so well matched for this fine moment! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P> I can't imagine anyone different, either. It just doesn't work. At all. I think the combination of Sean and Elijah is the best in the movie, and all of their ROTK scenes are superb, indeed, the highlights of the film for me. <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Through the entire movie I waited for the Mt. Doom scenes to say nothing of the Grey Havens seen and I was not disappointed as the acting from both end got me to crying, especially Sean's!<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I agree once again (that's just about all I do on this thread ). These parts are my favorites in both the book and the movie. <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> No other could have done such a find job of portraying my Sam as Sean Astin and I only hope he will get the recognition he deserves by the Academy Awards!<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I hope so, too, and have for a long while. I think there's the chance of a nomination for Best Supporting Actor (although I think he might qualify as just plain Actor, but Supporting fits). I doubt he'll win, though. Maybe I'm just being pessimistic (which is highly likely). But in the past the Academy has passed over lots of excellent films and performances for ones that they like better, and somehow I think they don't like LOTR all that much. Even a nomination would be an honor, though, and not winning fits the role of Sam for me, though, because for most of the journey (and, even, debatably, at the end) he was somewhat of an unsung hero. But that's just my romantic ideals coming forward again, I think.

[Eruwen]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I hope so, too, and have for a long while. I think there's the chance of a nomination for Best Supporting Actor (although I think he might qualify as just plain Actor, but Supporting fits). I doubt he'll win, though. Maybe I'm just being pessimistic (which is highly likely). But in the past the Academy has passed over lots of excellent films and performances for ones that they like better, and somehow I think they don't like LOTR all that much. Even a nomination would be an honor, though, and not winning fits the role of Sam for me, though, because for most of the journey (and, even, debatably, at the end) he was somewhat of an unsung hero. But that's just my romantic ideals coming forward again, I think.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Sad as it is, I have been watching out for any news on the oscars, and they have already given the names for the Golden Globes {which usually tell what will win in the Oscars}. No LOTR character has been nominated for actor or actress. I think Nicole Kidman will get actress and possibly Tom Cruise for actor but there are other possiblilities. I'm not sure about supporting roles, but I highly doubt that any LOTR actor or actress will get any personal award. You're right, Luthien. The stupid movie critics who chose these things surpass movies like LOTR just because it is a fantasy. Not to mention they choose the more popular person anyway. <BR>---------------------------------------------<P>About Sam's portrayal in the movie, though {to stay on topic}, I loved it. I saw the movie New Year's Day, and, I swear, it is the best movie I have ever seen in my entire life...and I've seen some greats. Sam made me cringe every time they showed a scene with him in it. The worst part was when Frodo told him to go home. I had to hold myself back from screaming out into the audience, since I was sitting second row. I think that part was good for PJ to put into the movie though for it showed Sam's loyalty and friendship even stronger. <P>Sam also had many defining moments throughout the movie that I could not stop talking about. And the dialogue!!! Wow, the writers sure did give Sean some strong dialogue. I was shaking practically the whole time because of it. <P>The end was great. I can't even describe it. The other Hobbits were good and all on there acting, but it wasn't until Frodo talked to Sam and Sam started to cry that I lost it. Everyone here always said to bring tissues because you would be crying. I didn't cry in either of the first two movies, and I didn't throughout the whole third movie. A tear did not fall, and I have witnesses to prove this, until Sam turns to Frodo, tears streaming down his own cheeks, and says:<P>"You don't mean that. You can't leave." <P>Ok, since I'm almost in tears again, I'm going to end this post. The strange thing is, I don't think I've seen Samwise on here yet. I wonder why....

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I didn't cry in either of the first two movies, and I didn't throughout the whole third movie. A tear did not fall, and I have witnesses to prove this, until Sam turns to Frodo, tears streaming down his own cheeks, and says:<P>"You don't mean that. You can't leave." <P>Ok, since I'm almost in tears again, I'm going to end this post. The strange thing is, I don't think I've seen Samwise on here yet. I wonder why....<P> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Same for me. Nothing. Ever. Until the Grey Havens, and Sam, and..... I lost it. Even though I started getting sad at the scene where Frodo's alone in Bag End.<P>I can't figure out why Samwise hasn't showed up, either. I guess I'll have to PM her and tell her to get over to this thread.<p>[ 6:19 AM January 05, 2004: Message edited by: Luthien_ Tinuviel ]

[Samwise]

Hm. Thank you for the PM, Miss Luthien, though I fear there is nothing more that I can say that hasn't already been said.<P>I was concerned, having "fallen in love" with the character of Sam Gamgee when I was 12 and first read the books, how Mr. Astin would portray him. I've said it more than once before, but as soon as I saw him in FOTR being "bummed out" about being to shy to go near Rose Cotton, I KNEW he would do my Sam proud. We watched him grow throughout the movies, and Mr. Astin did it gracefully.<P>As to punching Gollum in the face or trying to strangle him or whatever--I think that was a product of jealousy and heartbreak. Sam loved Frodo (no, I'm not talking the "g" word, because I think the idea of Sam and Frodo being that way is ludicrous), and he sensed from the beginning, or at least soon afterward, that Gollum was just "helping" to get the Ring for himself, and drive a wedge between Sam and Frodo so that that would be easier.<P>Yes, I was very happy to see some parts of the book sprinkled in ("PO-TA-TOES") or ("Well, I'm back.") but not being an expert on the books as some of you, I think Sean Astin would have made a positively wonderful Sam (as he was the Sam of my memory) regardless.<P>Oi... I grew up with the Rankin-Bass versions of the Hobbit and LOTR. The more I hear about the Bakashi version, the LESS and LESS I would want to see it!