Cast
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Nicholas Hoult
as J.R.R. Tolkien
Lily Collins
as Edith Bratt
Colm Meaney
as Father Francis Morgan
Derek Jacobi
as Professor Joseph Wright
Harry Gilby
as Young J.R.R. Tolkien
Mimi Keene
as Young Edith Bratt
Anthony Boyle
as Geoffrey Bache Smith
Adam Bregman
as Young Geoffrey Bache Smith
Patrick Gibson
as Robert Q. Gilson
Albie Marber
as Young Robert Q. Gilson
Tom Glynn-Carney
as Christopher Wiseman
Ty Tennant
as Young Christopher Wiseman
Craig Roberts
as Private Sam Hodges
Pam Ferris
as Mrs. Faulkner
James MacCallum
as Hilary Tolkien
Crew
Director
- Dome Karukoski
Producer
- Peter Chernin
- Jenno Topping
- David Ready
- Kris Thykier
Reviews
SWITCH.
For the literary fans of JRR Tolkien, this film will serve as a very exciting chapter of your fandom; when you get to see a character called Sam you'll be sure to gasp with glee - and let me assure you they really emphasise his name, along with a myriad of other moments just like it. You can’t miss them. They know who this movie is for, because it sure as hell won't be appealing to anyone else.
- Jess Fenton
Read Jess' full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-tolkien-lord-of-the-rings-and-hobbit-fans-this-ones-for-you
Jun 4, 2019
Gimly
I'll admit I had some interest when I heard that a Tolkien biopic was in the works, but now that I've actually seen it, I'm very unsure about who was supposed to want this movie? It's just an unbearably clichéd biopic that makes sure it ticks all the boxes a biopic for some reason must. I don't understand how this formula gets forced in to the real-life story of every person who has ever lived a time that was put to screenplay. It's so boring, and it's so **done**. Who was crying out for a movie that examined famed author J. R. R. Tolkien when he... went from mildly unpopular at fancy pants school, to mildly popular at fancy pants school? Not when he was writing the most famous fantasy series of all time. Not when he was at war (or at least not more than about a cumulative 6 minutes of flashforwards at war). Not his relationship with C. S. Lewis. Not even about going to codebreaking school. Nope, a young Tolkien whose not very likeable and rather lofty for someone who supposedly comes from such a poor background. It does touch on some references to his future writing, adding a little bit of a fantastical element, but it's **so** afraid of this, its best element, that really only seems to imply that old mate Jirt wouldn't have come up with a single idea for Lord of the Rings unless some sort of external stimulus for it fell in his lap. Another biopic cliché.
_Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
Dec 30, 2019
CinemaSerf
This is a well-written, gentle telling of the early life of JRR Tolkien; his relationships, studies and terrifying experiences in the First World War. Nicholas Hoult plays the role sensitively and convincingly. Colm Meaney, Sir Derek Jacobi and Lily Collins all support ably. The subtle detailing of the scenes from the war are told using light and sound rather than blood and gore - and prove surprisingly effective. Insofar as there are any attempts to draw comparisons between his life and any of the Middle Earth concepts; this doesn't really address any of that and that can leave the narrative a little lacking but it's a good looking piece of cinema.
May 29, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Tolkien examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Dome Karukoski brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Tolkien took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 171 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2298 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Tolkien shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike American Beauty, which focuses more on action than character development, Tolkien subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Daly City and The Point Men explore similar territory, Tolkien stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 3, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $8,654,322
Where to Watch
