Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adventure, violence in intense LOTR anime prequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
What's the Story?
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM is set, as the opening narration by Miranda Otto (Eowyn in the LOTR series The Rings of Power) explains, nearly 200 years before the One Ring found its way to Bilbo Baggins. It tells the story of brave princess Hera (voiced by Gaia Wise), the daughter of Rohan's legendary King Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox). When Hera and her father refuse to consider the idea that she marry Wulf (Luke Pasqualino)—her former childhood playmate and the son of ambitious Lord Freca (Shaun Dooley)—they set in motion a series of events that ultimately leads to war ... and tragedy.
Is It Any Good?
As serious and battle heavy as its live-action predecessors, this high-fantasy prequel to director Peter Jackson's epic LOTR films isn't quite as emotionally engaging as it is visually ambitious. Considering all of the tragic things that happen in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, it all feels a bit cold (though perhaps that's fitting, given the many scenes set during the long winter siege of the impenetrable Hornburg keep). But Hera is an admirable main character; the movie's message about the importance of looking beyond tradition—especially when it comes to gender roles—is valuable; and director Kenji Kamiyama's artistic vision is strong. This isn't the first LOTR story to be told via animation (who can forget the somewhat infamous 1977 take on The Hobbit?), but it's probably the most epic and sweeping, and this anime version of Middle-earth should appeal to the many fans of Tolkien's enduring world populated by wizards, orcs, giant eagles, and humans who defy the odds in their pursuit of honor and duty.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. How does it compare to what you might see in a live-action fantasy movie? Which has more impact on you?
Have you seen other Lord of the Rings movies? How does this one compare? What does it have in common with those films? How does it differ?
Hera is a strong female character. How does she compare to other women in movies and shows set in Middle-earth? How does she demonstrate courage?
Why do you think Tolkien's stories have lasted so long and so well? Why do people keep wanting to hear more? What do you think people like about fantasy?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 13, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : December 27, 2024
- Cast : Gaia Wise , Brian Cox , Luke Pasqualino , Miranda Otto
- Director : Kenji Kamiyama
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Japanese Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 172 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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