Changes that you weren't bothered by.

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

I mean I don't think Theoden ever met Theoden

Theoden had schitzophrenia too?!! Wow, that Wizard certainly had it in for him ...

[Orophin]

There are certainly many differences from the books. Some better choices than others. Did anyonr not like the differences in the new Rotk EE? I was surprised to find that I was quite ok with the death of Sauruman at Isengard. Pretty clever way to fit it in I thought.

[Essex]

re Boromir (and other people's simillar points):

The Nazgul saw Frodo had the ring in Osgiliath, so why the heck would Sauron all of a suddenly think a different hobbit had the Ring in Rohan?

Jackson himself says they borroweed this scene from the ROTK part where Frodo feels impelled to hand over the Ring to the Witch King near Minas Morgul.

A few reasons why Sauron (in the movie version) did not find out about the Ring at Osgiliath.

1/ Did the Witch King actually 'see' the Ring?

2/ Was it actually the Witch King anyway? (which leads me to my final point)

3/ If it wasn't, remember Faramir shot his Winged Beast, so we can surmise that the beast may have been dealt a fatal blow and the Nazgul was left without a ride, having to make it back to Mordor 'on foot' and been out of action as he was earlier on at the Fords of Bruinen.

[Linnahiril Tinnufinwen]

Most of the changes that I liked in the film were the ones that added a bit of lightheartedness to an otherwise dark story. There are too many to put down, but I speak of the ones between Merry and Pippen, Legolas and Gimli, Eowyn and Merry, Pippen and Faramir, and a few involving Gandalf.

Another change that not only did I not mind, but actually liked, was the coming of the Elves to Helm's Deep. I thought it was strange at first, but the more I thought about it, the more it grew on me. Constantly throughout the story, while I was reading the books, I expected the Elves to come and help the Men. I was rather disappointed that they didn’t, and felt that this portrayal of the Elves was rather a cold-hearted one. I understood later the whole thing about the fact that it was “Men’s turn” to take over, but I still felt that the Elves were being a bit selfish about the fact that, because they were leaving and the war did not concern them, they left Middle Earth to fend for itself. I was glad to see the Elves at Helm’s Deep, after I thought about it, because made them seem more compassionate.

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Linnahiril Tinnufinwen

I understood later the whole thing about the fact that it was “Men’s turn” to take over, but I still felt that the Elves were being a bit selfish about the fact that, because they were leaving and the war did not concern them, they left Middle Earth to fend for itself.

Actually, in the book, both Lothlorien and Thranduil's realm were attacked by Sauron's forces during the War of the Ring. So they were rather otherwise occupied.

But you are right in that, without showing such battles (which would have interfered with the main story), Jackson's only way of depicting the Elves' involvement in the war was to have them participating in one of the main battles. Without this, as you say, the Elves would have looked rather selfish in the films.

Most of the changes in the movies I really liked. The only ones I didn't like was in ROTK with the whole Gandalf/Witch-king thing. But now that I stop to think about it, there are probably a few little tiny things that may bother have bothered me throughout the movies. But what absolutely did not bother me at all, was at the end of ROTK where King Elessar bows before the four hobbits who helped save Middle-Earth from utter doom. At least I don't think that it's in the book. If it is, then my humblest appologies. The other scene that I was least bothered by (even though many other fans hated it) would be is the Elves at Helm's Deep.

[Guinevere]

Originally posted by Elessar907

... at the end of ROTK where King Elessar bows before the four hobbits who helped save Middle-Earth from utter doom. At least I don't think that it's in the book.

It is not at the coronation, but on the field of Cormallen, and only to Sam and Frodo

And then to Sam's surprise and utter confusion he bowed his knee before them; and taking them by the hand, Frodo upon his right and Sam upon his left, he led them to the throne

But I don't mind in the least that they have left that chapter out and have it happen in Minas Tirith at the coronation.

What bothers me most, are the changed characters (like Frodo, Faramir, Denethor and Gandalf! (This would also have grieved Tolkien most! see letter 210)

However I've been reconciled to a few changes : at first it bothered me that Aragorn was portreyed so full of doubts, and not wanting to become king (in FotR EEand TTT) But then I understood that they probably did this to make it quite clear that he had no desire for power, (and therefore he could resist the Ring) so I can accept that change.

[Assasin]

I liked how PJ changed Aragorn. He was much cooler in the movies. I also didn't mind the cutting out of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. It was a good part of the books, but would have added unnecessary length to the movies.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I'll put in a good word for the interactions between Grima and Eowyn. I thought they rounded out the character of Grima a little bit. When he had something of a motive it was easier to accept his betrayal of Rohan. Overall he's one of the characters I have the hardest time accepting as originally portrayed, and while I won't say I liked him better this way, I will say it didn't do him any harm.

I also liked seeing Eowyn's genuine grief and concern for Theodred when he was just brought in. There are several scenes that make the Rohirrim a lot more human than they might otherwise seem, and this is one of the best.