Designing Emotion

“One Film to Rule Them All”: A (Mostly Serious) Tale About Storytelling in The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition)

In an age before TikTok, before streaming scrolls of infinite distraction, there came a film a long one with hairy feet, cursed jewelry, and a wizard who could start a rave with his staff if he wanted to. I speak, of course, of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition). And yes, I watched the extended version because I am not some half-measure hobbit.

Though I had journeyed through this film before, I returned to it anew not as a fan, but as a scholar, well, a scholar with snacks. And what I found is this: the story isn’t great because of its swords and scenery (though those help). It’s great because of its storytelling deep, layered, emotional storytelling that hits harder than a cave troll with bad aim.

It Begins with Shadow and Flame (And Galadriel’s Voice)

The opening monologue, told by Lady Galadriel herself, sets the tone like an ancient lullaby warning of doom. Her voice could probably make taxes sound epic. Through her, we are swept into a world of elves, rings, betrayal, and the kind of wars that make your history teacher weep with joy. It’s poetic. It's powerful. It's like the Old Testament of Middle earth.

The Shire: A Place Worth Saving (and Eating In)

Then, boom — we’re in the Shire. Frodo is reading in a field like a peaceful nerd, and Gandalf shows up for fireworks and vibes. Everything is green and happy, but if you look closely at Gandalf’s face, you can already tell he’s carrying more stress than a group project leader. It’s the calm before the orc-storm, and it works perfectly.

The Ring Is Found and So Is Trouble

Gandalf goes off to read ancient scrolls because even wizards need to do research. When he returns, he knows the truth: this ring is not just shiny it’s evil with a capital E. His refusal to take it from Frodo is more than wise it’s powerful. Even Gandalf the Grey (a chill, peace-loving version of himself before he gets promoted to White Wizard CEO) is afraid to touch that cursed bling.

The Riders in Black and the Hobbits Who Hide

The Nazgûl arrive, looking like death itself rode in on horseback. The scene where they sniff out Frodo under a tree root is still one of the best tension-builders in cinema. Frodo almost puts on the Ring just to shut it up and that’s storytelling: temptation, fear, and creepy sniffing.

Enter: Strider the Mysterious, Arwen the Goddess

At the Prancing Pony, Aragorn shows up in the shadows like a ranger who’s been through every DLC and side quest. The hobbits trust him kind of, but it’s when Arwen arrives that we all feel chills. Her voice in Elvish could freeze time. She outruns Ringwraiths like she’s playing Need for Speed: Rivendell Drift and shows us that beauty, bravery, and big elf energy can coexist.

The Council of Confusion

Elves argue with dwarves. Men argue with themselves. Hobbits are just trying not to panic. But then Frodo the smallest, squishiest one steps up and says, “I will take the Ring.” No epic music, just heart. That moment says more than 10,000 swords ever could. The Fellowship is born, and it’s the weirdest group project in history.

Into the Mines (A.K.A. The Worst Airbnb Ever)

After getting snowed off a mountain (thanks, nature), they enter Moria and boy, does it go downhill fast. Balin’s tomb sets the mood: quiet, dusty, and clearly not a place you want to leave a Yelp review for. The journal is creepy. The cave troll is not house-trained. But it’s the chaos of the battle that shows us: they don’t fight together yet. They survive out of sheer will and panic.

You Shall Not Pass Emotionally Unscarred

Then it happens: Gandalf vs. the Balrog. Possibly the most iconic “boss battle” ever, but what hits hardest isn’t the line it’s the fall. He knew. And we knew. And still, it hurts. The Fellowship is shattered in that moment, and so are we. If you didn’t cry, check your elvish soul.

The Mirror of Regret and Sparkly Temptation

In Lothlórien, everyone gets a moment to look inward. Galadriel shows Frodo his possible future, and when the Ring tempts her, she transforms into something horrifying. That scene proves that even the best can fall and it’s not power that makes a leader, it’s refusing it.

The Breaking of the Fellowship

Boromir’s fall is tragic. He wanted to save his people, not rule the world but the Ring doesn’t care. When he tries to take it, you feel the heartbreak coming. When he immediately regrets it, you understand him. It’s real. Human. Powerful.

His redemption in battle protecting Merry and Pippin until his last breath is where his story ends, but his honor returns.

Samwise the Brave (and Slightly Drowny)

The final moment, Frodo trying to leave alone, and Sam charging into the river like he’s made of bricks and willpower that’s love. That’s loyalty. That’s friendship stronger than fate. Frodo and Sam walk off toward Mordor, not as warriors, but as two stubborn hobbits ready to carry a world’s worth of weight.

In Conclusion, My Precious

This movie isn’t just about rings and monsters. It’s about the heart inside the hero, the cost of power, and the strength of unlikely friendships. It’s about choosing to do what’s right, even when you’re small, scared, or soggy.

Great storytelling isn’t always about explosions. Sometimes, it’s a quiet “I’m going with you,” or a whispered “You shall not pass.” And sometimes it’s about a little hobbit and a big journey, and how they made even the most serious wizard smile.

So yes, The Fellowship of the Ring rules and not just because it’s long, beautiful, and full of memes. It rules because the story never lets you forget even the smallest person can change the course of the future.