Set centuries before Frodo’s fateful journey, The War of the Rohirrim sweeps us to the battle-scarred plains of Rohan, where King Helm Hammerhand fights to defend his people against the invading Dunlendings. It’s a tale of legacy, vengeance, and courage set against the iconic backdrop of Helm’s Deep. Hera, Helm’s daughter, rises to lead in her father’s stead, proving herself a force to be reckoned with. It’s a saga of family, sacrifice, and bloody, glorious war.
The voice cast gallops in like a cavalry charge. Gaia Wise as Hera balances a fierce warrior’s boldness with a leader’s compassion—dualities that she handles with remarkable finesse. Luca Pasqualino steals the show as Wulf, a character whose transformation from loyal son to vengeance-fueled antagonist is as gripping as it is tragic. His performance is electric, dripping with bitterness and raw emotion.
Brian Cox as King Helm? Absolute scene-stealer. He’s the embodiment of regal might, channeling Odin-esque gravitas to portray the iconic Tolkien legend. You feel the weight of Helm’s responsibilities, his towering strength, and his battle-born wisdom.
Rounding out the cast, familiar names like Miranda Otto, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan bring their own flair to this richly voiced tapestry.
Visually, the animation is a marvel—most of the time. Stunning, hyper-detailed landscapes feel ripped straight from Middle-earth’s map, blending realistic vistas with striking anime-style action. Some moments are so fluid and precise they feel mocapped, while others sadly don’t hold up, veering into stilted, jarring territory. Still, the swordplay and large-scale battles are a treat, delivering visceral thrills that Tolkien fans will relish.
I’ve been shouting this from the Misty Mountains for years: fantasy animation needs more love! If you can’t afford CGI dragons, go anime and tell your story. The War of the Rohirrim proves this approach works, and hopefully, it inspires others (cough GoT spinoffs cough) to follow suit.
The story is a grounded, intimate exploration of familial duty and cultural conflict, stitched seamlessly into Tolkien’s mythos. It’s rich and personal, drawing you in with well-developed characters and exhilarating action. Yet, the film’s Achilles’ heel is pacing—it drags like a cart through the Dead Marshes. Large chunks of filler between gripping drama and action feel unnecessary, making its nearly two-hour runtime a bit of a slog.
The film’s modernized narrative choices will undoubtedly spark debate. In the books, Helm’s son leads the charge posthumously, but here, Hera takes center stage as the heroic leader. It’s undeniably empowering, though some Tolkien purists may view it as a betrayal of the source material. While I applaud strong female leads, rewriting established lore can sometimes feel less like progress and more like pandering.
That said, the characters are so compelling you’ll mourn the fact this is a one-and-done prequel. Helm’s epic fight scenes are the stuff of legends, Wulf’s layered rage gives him antihero vibes, and big auntie Olwyn’s Captain America-esque shield action steals the spotlight in key moments.
Set against the iconic Helm’s Deep, this tale connects beautifully to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, echoing its themes of unity and resilience. With stellar voice acting, poignant storytelling, and epic battles, it’s a solid addition to Middle-earth’s cinematic legacy. However, its pacing issues and polarizing creative liberties may temper the experience for some.
Should you see it on the big screen? Maybe. But it’s equally enjoyable as a cozy couch watch with your fellowship of snacks. Grab your lembas bread and settle in for a fantasy journey worth taking—just prepare for a few bumps along the way.
