Theoden's army charges through a huge orc army while Minas Tirith lays besieged. Full HD 1080p. This is from the extended edition. (subtitles available)
"Form ranks you maggots! Pikes in front, archers behind" There was more strategy in this one command than the entire plan for the Battle of Winterfell.
The entire setup of the Battle of Winterfell was so backwards I’m surprised a group of guys from the battle of Agincourt or Hastings didn’t come back to life and take D&Ds heads for their lack of knowledge
@@somebody700 if they had the Dothraki somehow try to attack the undead flanks (which seems impossible considering they were a literal wall of bodies when attacking the unsullied) that would have made more sense. The Unsullied, well you really can’t do much with spearman other than what they did do. However, my BIGGEST gripe is the catapults, you must be special to put the outside the damn walls. The archers were good on the wall. As an overall battle it could have been much better
IKR? I dunno why people get so angry when they are told that Endgame Portals scene is the closest thing to this masterpiece in terms of epicness, music, sense of heroism and thirst of war, geez we should acknowledge it :c
Tacticalsquad 5 I personally love the Endgame scene because it’s beings from all over the universe coming together to take out the biggest villain they have faced. I love this scene because I’m just a sucker for epic charges into battle. Also, I’ve never seen a single army literally trample over an opposing army. This is just my preference, but I prefer charge scenes where both armies clash with each other, like GOT’s Battle of the Bastards, The Lion the With and the Wardrobe, and ultimately, Endgame. I love both scenes, but I would prefer Endgame’s one. I had literal chills during that while the Rohirrim charge didn’t give me chills. Like I’ve said, personal preference.
Alexander G.M. Endgame didn’t really have the same feeling of epicness Tbh Also, the music in Lotr is far better than any soundtrack in avengers or in the mcu. With all respect, but ride of rohirrim scene is better than endgame as a movie itself. I did love endgame tho.
Rest in peace, Bernard Hill. You were one of many actors who made my childhood, but you and King Theoden showed me what masculinity, leadership and the power of words truly is. Ride forth good SIr.
Tell the truth. This wasn't in your recommended. You searched this, and so did I. Feel proud, and enjoy your second breakfast, because 20 years later, it’s still, the greatest cinematic scene of all time.
“Courage Merry, courage for our friends.” I love that line so much. It’s simple but holds so much meaning up to this point in the trilogy. What do they have left BUT the courage they keep for those they love? And standing certain death right in the face, this is a line that holds so much power.
Part of LOTR tolkien style. Even little folk or what you'd call a regular person. Is capable of facing great odds with honor, integrity, and strength...that was what the Hobbits represented, normal people in extraordinary experiences.
@@michaelmcmurphy3397 great lines about that are of course; Gandalf "my dear Frodo, Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month and yet even after a hundred years they can still surprise you." Balin "it never ceases to amaze me, the courage of Hobbits."
The Ride of the Rohirrim is so emotional because it's such a meaningful culmination of so many character's arcs: Merry, who feared being left behind arrives, Eowyn who had despaired has found purpose, Eomer who had been fighting Orcs against orders now doing so in the biggest battle of their time, Theoden who once cowered away from death now charging into death without fear, Gandalf's gamble that stopping to save Rohan first from Saruman would enable them to come to the aid of Gondor in time, and Pippin risking himself to get the signal out starting the whole thing. The music with the fully matured and powerful King of the Golden Hall theme ties it back together.
What i love about the Ride of Rohirim in the 3rd movie compared to the 2nd at Helms deep was that at Helms deep it was more portrayed that the help of Gandaulf and the Light that saved the day whereas in the 3rd film Gandaulf has been beaten and it was humanity who needed to step up and save the day. It abandons all mysticysism and Wizardy thats theoughout the film to show the audience that its the sheer will of men that makes the most diffference in this world.
@adolfryan1930 it's also just added storyline that peter Jackson decided to make up instead of sticking to the original story, so it has little/ nothing to do with the culmination of story development and more just cause peter couldn't be fkd adding the proper content, also did you forget that it was the undead ghosts that ended up saving everyones ass or what?😂
@@cooncheez5547 How about just letting people enjoy things? Peter Jackson's script deviated from the books in some places, but the movies were still amazing, even if they were different
Lore-wise, chanting "death" had a double meaning. Yes, they were charging towards certain death. But also in the Tolkien universe, death is actually a good thing. You go to a place of eternal happiness and bliss and even the elves don't know what happens to you. Morgoth and Sauron both worked to corrupt death's meaning however and make men fear it. This is actually how Sauron destroyed Numenor, making men fear death. So when Theodan and company chant "DEATH!" at the top of their lungs, they're actually defying Sauron/Morgoth and demonstrating faith to Eä. So it is a war chant, but it's also supposed to be symbolic of mankind's defiance of evil.
Suddenly at winterfell the night king is about to kill bran, the walls are shattered, and suddenly a horn sounds in the distance. Theoden has joined the game.
Well only a complete moron would have the dothraki charge like that, so either every battle planner in winterfell is an idiot, or the screenwriters abadoned logic for a cool scene, I wonder which it is
The book version of this pointing out how Theoden rode so hard and with so much fury that no one could catch him is epic. A king being the first into battle is about as badass as it gets
Fun fact the writer solved that by saying the past ancestors rose the king to inhuman abilities, like shouting loud enough that even gondor could hear him
Actually I am pretty sure that's precisely what the experience of a cavalryman in the back would have been. Getting your orders to your troops was always a tricky part of battle. Led to a lot of spectacular failures.
That little detail of King Theoden outpacing the whole cavalry charge at 5:19 keeping with the details written by Tolkien himself in the book is one of the many reasons this film, and the trilogy as a whole, could be considered a triumph of cinema staying faithful to the source material whilst simultaneously delivering an iconic scene worth watching again and again.
It wasn’t really that faithful to the source material though. It was probably more faithful than most adaptations, but it did change a fair bit. I think the worst offender was actually the rest of this battle. What was a fairly normal but epic battle in the books gets turned into an action sequence of Legolas stunts and a giant army of unkillable ghost soldiers.
@imperialinquisition6006 It was about as faithful as a movie could be. Ghost army cleaning up and saving Minas Tirith was probably what got under my skin the most. Hated that bit. But all in all, best trilogy in cinema.
What makes this scene so epic is that King Théoden didn't just bring an army of men. He also brought the dawn. They charge the forces of darkness with the Sun rising behind them.
@@bhoxified8932This line and its magnificent delivery ignited something so existential it has literally brought me to tears. I mean, he’s giving orders to his leads and like a true King injects such poignant inspiration afterwards. I mean WOW: “Forth, and fear no darkness!” After hearing that, how could you not carry out what was just told to you. When you are in the presence of true leadership there is not even a desire to second-guess. His lines throughout all of this scene is the greatest embodiment of leadership I’ve seen displayed, and I will take that command to heart for the rest of my life when I befall darker times. Thanks King Bernard Hill/Theoden, Tolkien, Peter Jackson, and all that made this possible.
@Human Cancerbag funny enough, this old ass movie still has better scenes than Got lol. I never got on the hype train for that show, because I was spoiled by This beauty of a trilogy ;)
@Human Cancerbag Preach. The whining in the comments is just off the charts. Game of thrones is awesome and I loved the battle of Winterfell. This is just meh. I fell asleep seeing lotr movies.Who even wants to watch a damn movie more than 3 hours
@vaderglenn It's basically The LotR's fault that I'm unable to enjoy GoT. The show just feels like a longer, less epic version of these movies. That's at least how I feel.
But when you consider Return of the King's cinema run in 2003, there really was no better film to watch on the big screen. For the sheer magnitude of an epic fantastical adventure, and the amalgamation of feelings it presented to the audience, Return of the King is disputably the greatest cinematic experience ever created. No matter how hyperbolic that may sound, it feels very true.
I don't deny any of that but what I'm saying is, it'll still be as good for people in the future, just like today we can still appreciate masterpieces like Citizen Kane or Mozart's music.
Never forget that in the books, Theoden blew his horn so hard that it "burst asunder". This guy was so badass and hyped up that he shattered a war horn by blowing too hard. What a legend
@John Smith given that your ex had such a talent I'm sure you had a good reason for demoting her to ex.... "I need a girlfriend you're it until you're dead or till I find somebody better"
Now silently the host of Rohan moved forward into the field of Gondor, pouring in slowly but steadily.... After a while the king led his men away somewhat eastward, to come between the fires of the siege and the outer fields. Still they were unchallenged, and still Théoden gave no signal.... A smell of burning was in the air and a very shadow of death. The horses were uneasy. But the king sat upon Snowmane, motionless, gazing upon the agony of Minas Tirith, as if stricken suddenly by anguish, or by dread. He seemed to shrink down, cowed by age. Merry himself felt as if a great weight of horror and doubt had settled on him.... They were too late! Too late was worse than never!.... Then suddenly Merry felt it at last, beyond doubt: a change. Wind was in his face! Light was glimmering.... But at that same moment there was a flash, as if lightning had sprung from the earth beneath the City. For a searing second it stood dazzling far off in black and white, its topmost tower like a glittering needle: and then as the darkness closed again there came rolling over the fields a great boom. At that sound the bent shape of the king sprang suddenly erect. Tall and proud he seemed again; and rising in his stirrups he cried in a loud voice, more clear than any there had ever heard a mortal man achieve before: Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! With that he seized a great horn from Guthláf his banner-bearer, and he blew such a blast upon it that it burst asunder. And straightway all the horns in the host were lifted up in music, and the blowing of the horns of Rohan in that hour was like a storm upon the plain and a thunder in the mountains. Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. Éomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first éored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Théoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Oromë the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed. For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and the darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City.
It is December 27, 2023 and I have rewatched the entire trilogy and came here to see others reaction even after 20 years. And nothing has changed just like how I was standing in awe when King Théoden gave the speech just like the first time i watched it .
The World of Men is tiny, insignificant. Tolkein often reflects upon this in our grand cities, cultures, we are dwarfed by the magnitude of the world we foster. But Man is not meant to marvel at The World. Man is not meant to be encumbered by long life. Man embraces what he can obtain on this meagre rock; and so fortuitously found company with the Halfling, who will give aplenty.
Ive always loved the fact that it was a rule that only people that had read the books and could quote it had a camera moment. ''Ride to RUIN! AND THE RED DAWN!'' Rest in Peace Bernard Hill. Im sure im not the only one here t remind myself of this.
Whenever I talk about this scene I bring up how unnerving this would be SPECIFICALLY for the orc army. A force that has met no challenge because of fear. A force that strategizes around striking crippling fear in the hearts of its enemies, and the riders of Rohan stand unafraid.
@@patrickhughes9304 That's the problem with the orc's strategy, a cornered animal is the most fearsome beast, you take down your enemy with a swift move and don't let them regroup in a corner with no scape, if there's no other option then your men will always march foward.
@@patrickhughes9304 remember that in the lore orcs are supposed to be bread without the emotion of fear but the Riders of Rohan we're still able to strike it into their putrid Blackhearts with their righteous Fury
Because so much of this isn't CG they made more than 6000 suits of armour and more than 10,000 swords. They put so so so much effort in all the props and it just works beautifully.
Arise, arise Riders of Theoden! Fell deeds awake; fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered! A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Rise now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! RIP, KING THEODEN
battle of the bastards was good action hell yeah. but the plotline, any reader of the book was disgusted by the writing, the writing of season 6 was drivel from hollywood. LOTR written decades ago, Sansa riding in like gandalf at fucking battle of helms deep. its too easy to guess what happens next, such shit, (talking about game of thrones season 6*)
If you really want to sob, do Theoden “how did it come to this?” Then Gandalf rescuing the retreating forces from Osgiliath, then Helm’s Deep Forth Eorlingas, then Theoden on the symbeline on the graves, then Minas Tirith Rohirrim, and then finish with Gandalf's advice to Frodo in Moria. It’s made me, a grown ass man, weep.
You know, something I really do love about this scene (and the later ones with the elephants) is that they touch on something about pre-modern warfare that isn't made explicit. The importance of morale -- on both sides no less! It starts with Gondorian soldiers visibly wilting under the pressure with the Nazgul above, trolls smashing them out of the way, their neighbors getting slaughtered etc after already suffering the sight of their former comrades' decapitated heads raining down on them. Then when the Rohirrim arrive, Eowyn and Merry struggling to master their fear at how big the Witch King's army is; Theoden's keenly understanding he needs to lead by example to get his men to commit to the charge; the orcs losing their nerve at the sight of cavalry approaching with their armor shining in the sun, standing meters tall screaming "DEATH" at them etc.
Recently rewatched the whole series and I must say, Theoden just has been given all the best lines. My favorite character by far scriptwise, makes me cry every time
Theoden absolutely has the hardest lines of any character in any of Jackson’s movies. Bernard Hill should’ve retired after this, because there’s no way he could ever reach for a loftier goal.
Arise, arise, Riders of Theoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! The other part of the speech is from when Eomer discovers his sister, gravely wounded on the field. He goes back into the battle shouting: ‘Death!Ride, ride to ruin and the world’s ending!’
18 years since this came out and still, there hasnt been a scene or movie that comes close to the epic grandeur of this movie. Truly one of if not the greatest movie ever made
The goat trilogy easy.. all three movies are up there in the greatest of all time list too. Jackson and the cast and new line all owe major thanks for delivering these movies. Truly great.
Rest in piece, Bernard Hill. The King of Rohan has passed. Long live the King. "Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? Where is the helm and the hauberk, And the bright hair flowing?"
@@JW-jd6sn i can understand that but people didn’t literally go insane. Best movie scene for me since ever, but I won’t buy hypnotism. I won’t abandon reason.
***** I'm not sure. I can't really decide... I just think that saying this scene is the greatest in cinema history is ignoring hundreds of millions of movies that came before and after this movie, and I'm just saying that it is implausible. I'm sorry if you were genuinely curious about what I think is the best scene, because I really can't produce a top 5 list (so many movies are so good). However, if you are asking this question because you believe that this is the best scene, I have one thing to say: *start watching more movies*. Every masterpiece and classic you watch will make it feel like THAT was the best movie/scene ever, until you watch another classic, and you'll think that this movie was the best, then on and on. The (fun) ride never ends. Saying that this scene is possibly the best ever is extremely self-limiting and close minded. I never said that it's a bad scene; It's definitely a great scene, but cmon, the *best* ever? Well, everyone has his/her favorites and opinions, so it's all good.
I’m so glad to see GoT the show getting hate now. I’m a big fan of the books for a long time and I’m so disappointed they decided to continue with the show instead of finishing the damn books first. Looks like it bit them in the ass and I couldn’t be happier.
@@mandalorian1994 I get chills every damn time. Nothing can top it, and partly I think it is because from their perspective, it's hopeless but that doesn't mean they give up. They know that Frodo and Sam need every minute of distraction they can give them.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy achieved the highest standard for filmography, special effects, and dialogue. It hasn’t been surpassed , nor over taken after all these years.
Bro, I would kill to see a reaction of the people in theatres back in 2003 when they witnessed this moment for the first time.. it must have been insane
Check your local theaters, this year is de 20th anniversary for Fellowship of the Ring and here in Mexico they are putting all three movies back to the theaters just for a couple days
One of the reasons this scene works so well is the use of leitmotif. When we first heard Shore's "Rohan" theme in The Two Towers, it was a heartbroken lament for lost glory in a country that had lost its way and was effectively leaderless. Here the theme returns, but it has been repurposed as an anthem of rediscovered strength, pride, duty and confidence. This is about a people remembering who they once were and doing what they do best, and the score supports the moment magnificently.
@@minizimi3790 Was watching Fellowship tonight with the wife. I noticed that there is a somber, but hopeful version of the Gondor theme played when Boromir speaks of the white city. It's so good.
This is by far the best scene of the Trilogy for me. Theoden is so well written in the movies that this scene means everything. In exemple, Helm's Deeps is great but the Gandalf's coming with defying gravity charge and the sun, and killing an enormous army feels epic but not connected. Here you have Gandalf starting to believe he failed, Theoden witnessing he is gonna send his men and women and halfmen to death upon an army 10x bigger than his. He gives the exact book speach that is the perfect to have at this instant because "Men didnt failed". They will die for their convictions and honor. The music is a masterpiece, the charge is one of the best in history for a movie shot around 2000-2003, the fear in the Mordor army eyes, the brutality of the horses smashing their bodies, the sacrifice for the greater good. EVERYTHING is here. This is the definition of courage, loyalty and be true to yourself.
@@animeman8203 I missed cinema releases for all three LOTR. But I saw the 1st Hobbit film in the cinema, also my 1st 3D exp. The film was good, but I didn't really like the 3D aspect. I thought it kind of got in the way of the film, if that makes sense, so the rest I just watched normally!
I was 11 years old seeing this opening weekend in the cold December of 2003. The theater was packed and we were at the third bottom center row at the top of the theater. This scene is one of the top 5 greatest moments I ever experienced in the cinema. The sound was like an earthquake that next door auditoriums could feel the vibration. The audience was in awe and cheered louder than a game at the superbowl. That was the moment my balls dropped and I saw the power and strength of what real men (and women) could do. It was that awesome! I remember one person shouted when it cut back to Denathor "THAT WAS SO FUCKIN COOL!"
This is such a powerful, heartfelt, inspiring scene. It’s enough to make a grown man cry. I physically cannot get through this without chills or sobbing or both. Incredible. Easily the most epic scene in all of cinema. A scene like this could never ever be replicated. Not in our dark times. Peter Jackson did gods work in making such a perfect film trilogy and movies nowadays could never be as good as this film trilogy.
I encourage you to read Throne of Glass if you’re a reader. Make it to Kingdom of Ash. It’s the only series that has ever made me feel like this again.
King Theoden to me had the best character development of all. His lost a son, got possessed by Saruman and got his people cornered and almost wiped out. But helped turned the tide in the pivotal moment in the war of the ring.
It's not even close to certain death. Without the elephants showing up later on it would have been a decisive, crushing and overwhelming victory. The battle of Vienna has showed how effective an unexpected mass cavalry charge is against infantry focussed on besieging and attacking a walled city. Even if outnumbered greatly you can still score a decisive victory.
This scene is a cultural touchstone, the absolute pinnacle of raw emotion, artistry, and narrative power. It leaves an indelible mark on the soul. The air itself seems charged with electricity, and every second feels like a countdown to death. Into this heavy tension rides King Théoden, his face heavy with the burdens of leadership and the weight of impending doom. With him, 6,000 Rohirrim, their efforts a physical manifestation of their courage and their love for their land. As Théoden's voice cuts through the air, transforming fear into a fiery resolve, you feel it in your bones. It's not just a speech; it's a war cry, a lament, and a eulogy all in one. And then, as the music swells, a symphony of trumpets and strings that seems to carry the very cries of the Rohirrim, they charge. It's a moment that evokes emotions so potent they feel like they're carved into your very being.
I doubt Tokin would have really appreciated this scene, he was not really a fan of "heroic war" from his experience with World War 1, and it was a very traumatic experience for him.
@@USERZ123XD I respectfully disagree, I am of the belief that Tolkien himself would likely have appreciated Jackson's cinematic interpretation of this scene. Firstly, while Tolkien's works were deeply rooted in his written words, he was not dismissive of adaptations or visual representations of his work. In fact, he was open to the idea of film adaptations, provided they were done with respect for the source material. Peter Jackson's film series, although not without some creative liberties, largely stayed faithful to the spirit and themes of Tolkien's writings (unlike Amazon's RoP). The portrayal of the Rohirrim's heroic charge in the films captures the essence of Tolkien's epic storytelling and his admiration for heroic deeds. Additionally, Tolkien was a philologist and a scholar of ancient languages and mythologies. He had a keen appreciation for visual art, and he himself created illustrations for his works. The cinematic depiction of the Rohirrim's charge, with its grandeur and epic scale, is absolutely in harmony with Tolkien's appreciation for artistic and visual representation. It brings to life the imagery and emotion that he sought to convey in his writing. Furthermore, Tolkien was known for his love of storytelling and the power of narrative. Jackson's portrayal of the Rohirrim's charge effectively demonstrates one of the strengths in storytelling using cinematic medium. It serves as a powerful and evocative representation of heroism, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil, which were central themes in Tolkien's own work.
@@gicousinjoe6199 Tokin would be fine with the visual spectacle of LOTR films, but I definitely feel he wouldn't appreciate how some of these specials are framed, something more like all quiet in the Western front(2022) would be much more appreciated by Tokin with his view towards war, what peter jackson did here is run contrary to what tokin believe, a big epic battle of "glory and honor", Tokin liked the story to focus on the little guys, the small scale of things, this is why he made the Hobbits, the weakest of all characters the central protagonists of the LORT story. he didn't make Aragon the MC he didn't write an epic assault by the armies of Middle Earth against Mordor in the final epic battle, instead, he chose the climax of the story to be Frodo throwing the ring into the volcano.
@@USERZ123XD Respectfully, I wish to respond by clarifying a few points regarding my opinion re: J.R.R. Tolkien's views and his approach to storytelling. Firstly, let’s try to spell Tolkien's name correctly. It's not 'Tokin.' I know spelling mistakes are easy to make, and they don't diminish the value of your opinion, but such a simple mistake, made repeatedly, can undermine the credibility of your argument, by raising questions regarding your familiarity with the subject-matter. Secondly, while it's true that Tolkien emphasized the importance of smaller, everyday characters like Hobbits and their world/life in his works, it is a misinterpretation to claim that he exclusively focused on small-scale stories. Tolkien's legendarium is vast and encompasses both the grand and the intimate. He created a world with a rich history that includes epic battles and heroic deeds. The presence of these grand events does not negate his appreciation for the smaller folk. Tolkien clearly believed in a holistic narrative that explored various aspects of his fictional world, from the ordinary to the epic. While you are correct in that Tolkien chose Frodo's journey to Mount Doom as the climax of the story, it does not diminish the significance of the larger battles and heroic deeds that occur throughout the narrative. Tolkien's storytelling was layered, with multiple plotlines and character arcs. The climax with Frodo and the Ring is the culmination of positive deeds and sacrifices, large and small. This climax doesn't negate the importance of heroic struggles and epic conflicts in the overall narrative that Tolkien purposefully depicted. Lastly, regarding Tolkien's view of war, it's worth noting that his perspective was nuanced. While he experienced the horrors of World War I, he also recognized the historical significance of battles and the valor of soldiers, and the necessity of good's triumph over evil. His works reflect this complexity, as they explore both the destructive power of war and the heroism that can emerge from it. The Battle of Helm's Deep and the charge of the Rohirrim in 'The Lord of the Rings' are examples of Tolkien's portrayal of epic battles within a broader context of sacrifice and courage. That is why I have no doubt he would have enjoyed Jackson’s scene immensely.
Fuuun fact: for the filming of this, Peter Jackson offered people who had a horse and could ride to play a part in this scene as one of the army. thats probably also why they were so enthusiastic
+The Arab Scientific todays war cant be compared with the past most of the times u dont see you enemy you dont know what is killing you you just take the smell of blood in the air mixed with explosives dust dirt and metal the smell of burned human flesh it is way more horrible and disgusting in modern war. In this middle age wars u die by force which u could compete to u have kind of an usefull armor u dont smell and witness burned and exploded corpses of your comrades
Gotta love how Théoden's whole speech is just them saying to the Orcs that they know they are outnumbered, they know that they may fail, and they know that they may all die but that they don't care, they don't fear death and that they will ride for their final time without fear.
Bruh they didn't just think that they may fail, they literally EXPECTED to fail, and that's what makes this truly awesome- that literally nothing is holding them back now, not even the fear of death.
"Gandalf did not move. And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the City, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of wizardry or war, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn. And as if in answer there came from far away another note. Horns, horns, horns. In dark Mindolluin's sides they dimly echoed. Great horns of the North wildly blowing. Rohan had come at last."
@@MD-md4th I love this part: "Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. Éomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first éored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Théoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Oromë the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed. For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and the darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City." In Polish and English both are epic. True poetry. Beauty.
![The Lord of the Rings (2003) - Haradrims vs Rohan army (The Mumakil) [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jl8TiA3RwIY/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Lord of the Rings (2003) - Haradrims vs Rohan army (The Mumakil) [4K]](/img/tr.png)
"I go now to the halls of my fathers. In whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed."
RIP Theoden King
Alas that these evil days should be mine
The Horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the deep, one last time
Hail Theoden King! Hail to the victorious dead!
RIP. 😢
"I would have you smile again."
"Form ranks you maggots! Pikes in front, archers behind"
There was more strategy in this one command than the entire plan for the Battle of Winterfell.
Particularly considering that Orcs aren’t exactly the most disciplined of fighters.
The entire setup of the Battle of Winterfell was so backwards I’m surprised a group of guys from the battle of Agincourt or Hastings didn’t come back to life and take D&Ds heads for their lack of knowledge
@@somebody700 if they had the Dothraki somehow try to attack the undead flanks (which seems impossible considering they were a literal wall of bodies when attacking the unsullied) that would have made more sense. The Unsullied, well you really can’t do much with spearman other than what they did do. However, my BIGGEST gripe is the catapults, you must be special to put the outside the damn walls. The archers were good on the wall. As an overall battle it could have been much better
@@somebody700 wasn’t the final season
@@somebody700 that was in season 7 no?
RIP Bernard Hill, thanks for the amazing memories. Like Gandalf used to say: "Death is just another path, one that we all must take"
RIP Bernard Hill (Theoden King)
The man who lead the greatest cavalry charge of all time
Hail the Victorious Dead
Forth Eorlingas!
HAIL, THEODEN KING!
DEEEAAATTH!!!
its good but the "greatest" lol no
@@jrzy_Gamernothing matches this cinema
Endgame: The portals scene is the best charge scene in cinema
Return of the King: Hold my second breakfast
imo ROTK is still number 1 but damm Endgame was hella epic 2
As soon as I saw the portals the first thing that came to mind was this scene.
IKR? I dunno why people get so angry when they are told that Endgame Portals scene is the closest thing to this masterpiece in terms of epicness, music, sense of heroism and thirst of war, geez we should acknowledge it :c
Tacticalsquad 5 I personally love the Endgame scene because it’s beings from all over the universe coming together to take out the biggest villain they have faced.
I love this scene because I’m just a sucker for epic charges into battle. Also, I’ve never seen a single army literally trample over an opposing army.
This is just my preference, but I prefer charge scenes where both armies clash with each other, like GOT’s Battle of the Bastards, The Lion the With and the Wardrobe, and ultimately, Endgame.
I love both scenes, but I would prefer Endgame’s one. I had literal chills during that while the Rohirrim charge didn’t give me chills. Like I’ve said, personal preference.
Alexander G.M. Endgame didn’t really have the same feeling of epicness Tbh
Also, the music in Lotr is far better than any soundtrack in avengers or in the mcu.
With all respect, but ride of rohirrim scene is better than endgame as a movie itself.
I did love endgame tho.
Just a reminder that the ride of the rohirrim was so epic that even the Witch King didnt want to miss it
Straight facts hes like ph shit imma miss it
@@Vergil_6 don't say ph, you remind me of that thing T_T
"hey man, Gandalf, time out dude, time out, I gotta see this, man, this is gonna be good"
Brilliant comment
True, he let Gandalf go just to watch it 😂
Rest in peace, Bernard Hill. You were one of many actors who made my childhood, but you and King Theoden showed me what masculinity, leadership and the power of words truly is. Ride forth good SIr.
RIP Bernard Hill. "Forth, and fear no darkness!"
He was a great marine
Tell the truth.
This wasn't in your recommended.
You searched this, and so did I.
Feel proud, and enjoy your second breakfast, because 20 years later, it’s still, the greatest cinematic scene of all time.
Smart one.
I actually have two breakfasts for real.
What about elevenses?
@@satiroglu44 How bout luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? You know about those don't you?
@@omegamysterio3701 Still working on them mate. Afternoon tea or supper once in a day. Having em' together, overload alerts my system lol.
LOTR2: What about a great Rohirrim entrance?
Rest of movies: You already had it...
LOTR3: We had one yes, what about a second great Rohirrim entrance?
I understood that reference.
@@mohamedayoubneggaz1581 And I understood your reference.
Fits right in with a second breakfast
@@Coorniable and I am ironman
This is the best comment I've seen 😂
“Courage Merry, courage for our friends.”
I love that line so much. It’s simple but holds so much meaning up to this point in the trilogy. What do they have left BUT the courage they keep for those they love? And standing certain death right in the face, this is a line that holds so much power.
Courage that even if they die they die knowing they will give their friends and loved ones a chance to live
Part of LOTR tolkien style. Even little folk or what you'd call a regular person. Is capable of facing great odds with honor, integrity, and strength...that was what the Hobbits represented, normal people in extraordinary experiences.
@@michaelmcmurphy3397 great lines about that are of course; Gandalf "my dear Frodo, Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month and yet even after a hundred years they can still surprise you." Balin "it never ceases to amaze me, the courage of Hobbits."
I love it too. Its like she knows they're both scared but they have to be brave regardless because the ones they love are in trouble.
Makes me tear up every damn time
The Grim Reaper: "I wonder whose soul I'll claim today..."
Bernard Hill, on horseback and dashing towards Grim: "DEEEEAAAAAAAAAATH" 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
Screaming "DEATH" three times before charging an army that size does not get any more badass.
i think ur wrong.. That makes them fight without the fear of death anymore
Sir. We are surrounded and outnumbered.
Well that's a pity. For them.
actually they were screaming death during the entire charge.
What about screaming it four times though?
Conquer your Fear,and I promise you you'll conquere Death.
Admit it this speech make you feel patriotic toward a county that even dont exist
Yep
That is so accurate
Since it's based on segments of the Anglo Saxon peom the Wanderer, you could say it would make An English person proud.
Yes
With a speech like that, you'd be hard pressed not to follow a king like that: a true leader, one who runs out ahead for the rest to come after.
The Ride of the Rohirrim is so emotional because it's such a meaningful culmination of so many character's arcs: Merry, who feared being left behind arrives, Eowyn who had despaired has found purpose, Eomer who had been fighting Orcs against orders now doing so in the biggest battle of their time, Theoden who once cowered away from death now charging into death without fear, Gandalf's gamble that stopping to save Rohan first from Saruman would enable them to come to the aid of Gondor in time, and Pippin risking himself to get the signal out starting the whole thing. The music with the fully matured and powerful King of the Golden Hall theme ties it back together.
What i love about the Ride of Rohirim in the 3rd movie compared to the 2nd at Helms deep was that at Helms deep it was more portrayed that the help of Gandaulf and the Light that saved the day whereas in the 3rd film Gandaulf has been beaten and it was humanity who needed to step up and save the day. It abandons all mysticysism and Wizardy thats theoughout the film to show the audience that its the sheer will of men that makes the most diffference in this world.
@adolfryan1930 it's also just added storyline that peter Jackson decided to make up instead of sticking to the original story, so it has little/ nothing to do with the culmination of story development and more just cause peter couldn't be fkd adding the proper content, also did you forget that it was the undead ghosts that ended up saving everyones ass or what?😂
@@cooncheez5547 How about just letting people enjoy things? Peter Jackson's script deviated from the books in some places, but the movies were still amazing, even if they were different
It’s all about hope. Aragorn leading the men of the west to the Black Gate, not knowing if Frodo and Sam are even alive is another example
"Ride now! Ride for ruin and the world's ending!" Rest in peace Bernard Hill, you will be forever remembered.
Lore-wise, chanting "death" had a double meaning. Yes, they were charging towards certain death. But also in the Tolkien universe, death is actually a good thing. You go to a place of eternal happiness and bliss and even the elves don't know what happens to you. Morgoth and Sauron both worked to corrupt death's meaning however and make men fear it. This is actually how Sauron destroyed Numenor, making men fear death. So when Theodan and company chant "DEATH!" at the top of their lungs, they're actually defying Sauron/Morgoth and demonstrating faith to Eä. So it is a war chant, but it's also supposed to be symbolic of mankind's defiance of evil.
Dude i love you so fucking much for this comment
I got chills reading this comment. You a writer or something?
Thanks for the insight, that just added so much more depth into what was already a really meaningful scene.
DEAAAAAAAAAAAAAATH!!!!!!
In the Tolkien universe, Death was referred to as the “Gift of Men”, and seen as a blessing by the elves and the higher beings, not a curse.
At least the Rohirrim didn't get pointlessly slaughtered
Unlike the dothraki when they charged.
Because rohirrim didnt ride pointlessly
Suddenly at winterfell the night king is about to kill bran, the walls are shattered, and suddenly a horn sounds in the distance. Theoden has joined the game.
How to use a cavalry charge
GOT:...
Peter Jackson: watch closely, scrub.
They actually broke ranks! Hahaha
Well only a complete moron would have the dothraki charge like that, so either every battle planner in winterfell is an idiot, or the screenwriters abadoned logic for a cool scene, I wonder which it is
If there ever was a man to follow into battle without question, King Theoden is that man.
Rest well Bernard Hill, your memory shall live on.
The book version of this pointing out how Theoden rode so hard and with so much fury that no one could catch him is epic. A king being the first into battle is about as badass as it gets
At 5:17 there is a moment where we see that scene the kings horse just takes off in a second an is a head of the calvary
I just imagine some dude in the back like “wtf did the king say? What’s going on I can’t see anything....oh shit we’re moving”
The epicness has magnified his voice so everyone of the rohirim could hear him.
You are naughty~~~
Fun fact the writer solved that by saying the past ancestors rose the king to inhuman abilities, like shouting loud enough that even gondor could hear him
Actually I am pretty sure that's precisely what the experience of a cavalryman in the back would have been.
Getting your orders to your troops was always a tricky part of battle. Led to a lot of spectacular failures.
Thats why they use horns
“You have failed. The world of men will fall.”
- horn of Rohan sounds-
Just perfect.
And a woman comes to save them.
I loved that Ian McKellan chose to portray despair. Even the great Mithrandir had a momentary lapse of confidence and hope.
@@kbanghart There are times when men should just move out of the way and let the women deal with it. Eomer could never.
@@roddo1955
Lol stfu
Hope had never been expressed by such warm sound.
That little detail of King Theoden outpacing the whole cavalry charge at 5:19 keeping with the details written by Tolkien himself in the book is one of the many reasons this film, and the trilogy as a whole, could be considered a triumph of cinema staying faithful to the source material whilst simultaneously delivering an iconic scene worth watching again and again.
It wasn’t really that faithful to the source material though. It was probably more faithful than most adaptations, but it did change a fair bit. I think the worst offender was actually the rest of this battle. What was a fairly normal but epic battle in the books gets turned into an action sequence of Legolas stunts and a giant army of unkillable ghost soldiers.
Like Oromë of old. THEODEN KING
"He could not be overtaken"
@imperialinquisition6006 It was about as faithful as a movie could be. Ghost army cleaning up and saving Minas Tirith was probably what got under my skin the most. Hated that bit. But all in all, best trilogy in cinema.
"I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed."
Rest In Peace, Theoden King
Rest In Peace, Bernard Hill
Lord of the Rings: Pikes in front, archers behind.
Game of Thrones: Catapults in front, infantry behind.
Catapults in front, infantry behind and wall behind
Even Orcs know basic tactics.
That is.......sad to think about.
Even Orcs are smarter my god
Most of those orcs is 'Gundabad Orc' and Uruk-Hai tho. And sure they know about strategy and tactics.
The orcs' faces when they realized the army wasn't stopping is always priceless.
Ik right
It was at that moment, they knew, THEY FUCKED UP!
@@gorillone86 yeh, die horses, oh shit..
@@gorillone86 love
*suprised pikachu face
What makes this scene so epic is that King Théoden didn't just bring an army of men. He also brought the dawn. They charge the forces of darkness with the Sun rising behind them.
Forth, and fear no darkness!
@@bhoxified8932 that short sentece makes the speech fr me. There is a turning in the cadence that breaks me deep down inside!
@@josemanuelcaballero1162 sets my soul on fire too bro!
@@bhoxified8932This line and its magnificent delivery ignited something so existential it has literally brought me to tears. I mean, he’s giving orders to his leads and like a true King injects such poignant inspiration afterwards. I mean WOW: “Forth, and fear no darkness!” After hearing that, how could you not carry out what was just told to you. When you are in the presence of true leadership there is not even a desire to second-guess. His lines throughout all of this scene is the greatest embodiment of leadership I’ve seen displayed, and I will take that command to heart for the rest of my life when I befall darker times. Thanks King Bernard Hill/Theoden, Tolkien, Peter Jackson, and all that made this possible.
Which is important, because Orcs, unlike Uruk-hai, are unable to "walk under the sun", so they NEED the shadow of Mordor to go around and fight.
Rest in peace Bernard hill, forever remembered for this incredible scene and trilogy
" The world of men will fall. "
*Rohan horn*
Instant goosebumps
The World of Men arrives to make the Witchking of Angmar eat those fell words.
Gandalf’s facial expression when the horn blew says it all.
Not without a fight
“The world of men will fall”
The world of men about to not fall:
Rohan: Hold my horn.
Every man has a medieval dream. Nothing in sci-fi or modern warfare would make your blood boil like this, not even close.
it makes you angry? which is what boiling blood implies
@@jordanlimantara1814 The term can also be used to describe an intense passion.
Absolutely brother
I think your wrong
@@jasonskeans3327 I think you are a liberal
The Rohirrim charge still gives me goosebumps . RIP Bernard
RIP Bernard Hill greatest speech in cinematic history.
This was a battle.
Winterfell was a joke
@Human Cancerbag even the orcs here have better strategy than those winterfell slugs, form ranks maggots
You mean you didn't like the awesome cinematography of a black screen with some flecks on it?
@Human Cancerbag funny enough, this old ass movie still has better scenes than Got lol. I never got on the hype train for that show, because I was spoiled by This beauty of a trilogy ;)
@Human Cancerbag Preach. The whining in the comments is just off the charts. Game of thrones is awesome and I loved the battle of Winterfell. This is just meh. I fell asleep seeing lotr movies.Who even wants to watch a damn movie more than 3 hours
@vaderglenn It's basically The LotR's fault that I'm unable to enjoy GoT. The show just feels like a longer, less epic version of these movies. That's at least how I feel.
Born too late to explore the earth and too early to explore the galaxy but just the right time to see this masterpiece.
Haha well put my man
Well said
I mean.... I appreciate your intention and all... but people from the future will get to see this masterpiece AND explore the galaxy.
But when you consider Return of the King's cinema run in 2003, there really was no better film to watch on the big screen. For the sheer magnitude of an epic fantastical adventure, and the amalgamation of feelings it presented to the audience, Return of the King is disputably the greatest cinematic experience ever created. No matter how hyperbolic that may sound, it feels very true.
I don't deny any of that but what I'm saying is, it'll still be as good for people in the future, just like today we can still appreciate masterpieces like Citizen Kane or Mozart's music.
Shout out to the orchestra for continuing to play in the middle of a dangerous battle without fleeing.
Dont forget about the camera man charging with the riders
Is it fine if I can put a million laughing emojis?
Reminds me of Titanic.
@@danielshaw4783 It's the same orchestra. They are TRULY dedicated to their craft.
Bernard Hill you will be remembered forever I still get chills from this speech after all those years
Never forget that in the books, Theoden blew his horn so hard that it "burst asunder". This guy was so badass and hyped up that he shattered a war horn by blowing too hard. What a legend
Good point! Think that might also have been a sly call-back by Tolkien to the Song of Roland - similar stuff with a horn (tho no orcs).
I'm sure he can suck a golf-ball through a garden hose
@John Smith given that your ex had such a talent I'm sure you had a good reason for demoting her to ex....
"I need a girlfriend you're it until you're dead or till I find somebody better"
@@highlander723
Lol, nice Starship Troopers reference!
Now silently the host of Rohan moved forward into the field of Gondor, pouring in slowly but steadily....
After a while the king led his men away somewhat eastward, to come between the fires of the siege and the outer fields. Still they were unchallenged, and still Théoden gave no signal.... A smell of burning was in the air and a very shadow of death. The horses were uneasy. But the king sat upon Snowmane, motionless, gazing upon the agony of Minas Tirith, as if stricken suddenly by anguish, or by dread. He seemed to shrink down, cowed by age. Merry himself felt as if a great weight of horror and doubt had settled on him.... They were too late! Too late was worse than never!....
Then suddenly Merry felt it at last, beyond doubt: a change. Wind was in his face! Light was glimmering....
But at that same moment there was a flash, as if lightning had sprung from the earth beneath the City. For a searing second it stood dazzling far off in black and white, its topmost tower like a glittering needle: and then as the darkness closed again there came rolling over the fields a great boom.
At that sound the bent shape of the king sprang suddenly erect. Tall and proud he seemed again; and rising in his stirrups he cried in a loud voice, more clear than any there had ever heard a mortal man achieve before:
Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden!
Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter!
spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered,
a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
With that he seized a great horn from Guthláf his banner-bearer, and he blew such a blast upon it that it burst asunder. And straightway all the horns in the host were lifted up in music, and the blowing of the horns of Rohan in that hour was like a storm upon the plain and a thunder in the mountains.
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. Éomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first éored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Théoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Oromë the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed. For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and the darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City.
Almost forgot to watch this today
😍😍
How dare you....
Its our duty.
Shame on you
I did not
You fool!
It’s April 16, 2023, and this is still the best ever. Years of never failing to giving us goosebumps.
Absolute Masterpiece
It is December 27, 2023 and I have rewatched the entire trilogy and came here to see others reaction even after 20 years. And nothing has changed just like how I was standing in awe when King Théoden gave the speech just like the first time i watched it .
The World of Men is tiny, insignificant. Tolkein often reflects upon this in our grand cities, cultures, we are dwarfed by the magnitude of the world we foster. But Man is not meant to marvel at The World. Man is not meant to be encumbered by long life. Man embraces what he can obtain on this meagre rock; and so fortuitously found company with the Halfling, who will give aplenty.
"Faithful servant yet master’s bane,
Lightfoot’s foal, swift Snowmane."
Rest in Peace, King.
Bernard Hill: 17.12.1944 - 05.05.2024
"Imagine a king who fights his own battles."
"Wouldn't that be a sight"
...and it was.
Agamemnon hates this trick
Better than that.. A King with a pair to ride in the front line next to you, a simple soldier.
@@sirzechsazazel1150 I knew that was coming
The man wants to die.. 😐
Dothraki: "Wish we had a director like you"
Well to be fair, the Dothraki were never supposed to be as disciplined and trained as the Rohirrim.
Light cavalry aren't heavy cavalry.
Cascade Lord of the rings has the heaviest horse charge in history
Itachi21x tell that the heavy European infantry that slaughtered by the mongol light cavalry
@@scottwhitley3392 Dothraki are less armored and diverse than Mongol formations were.
R.I.P. Bernard Hil - Your bravery will not be forgotten
Ive always loved the fact that it was a rule that only people that had read the books and could quote it had a camera moment. ''Ride to RUIN! AND THE RED DAWN!'' Rest in Peace Bernard Hill. Im sure im not the only one here t remind myself of this.
No force is scarier than one that has already resolved itself for death
Whenever I talk about this scene I bring up how unnerving this would be SPECIFICALLY for the orc army. A force that has met no challenge because of fear. A force that strategizes around striking crippling fear in the hearts of its enemies, and the riders of Rohan stand unafraid.
@@patrickhughes9304 Bravery is not the absence of fear, it's doing what you need to do in spite of it so don't call Rohan unafraid.
@@patrickhughes9304 That's the problem with the orc's strategy, a cornered animal is the most fearsome beast, you take down your enemy with a swift move and don't let them regroup in a corner with no scape, if there's no other option then your men will always march foward.
@@patrickhughes9304 remember that in the lore orcs are supposed to be bread without the emotion of fear but the Riders of Rohan we're still able to strike it into their putrid Blackhearts with their righteous Fury
@@jaredflynn3750 the lore was always unclear about that. After all orcs had a large fear of their masters.
This was filmed almost 20 years ago. Just let that sink in.
And its still the greatest movie ever
CGI is somehow getting worse now lol
Because so much of this isn't CG they made more than 6000 suits of armour and more than 10,000 swords. They put so so so much effort in all the props and it just works beautifully.
It makes me cry to know that my favorite movie is almost 20 years old, and still stood the test of time!
Hmmm im old :D
Arise, arise Riders of Theoden!
Fell deeds awake; fire and slaughter!
Spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered!
A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Rise now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
RIP, KING THEODEN
Go to the Halls of your fathers Mr Hill. Know that you left us with the greatest cavalry charge in cinematic history.
If I ever see a movie moment greater than this than I will be a happy dude. Its been 13 years and nothing has come close...
Caldor3 well to be fair most films these days are garbage
Caldor3 the second one is superior :c
Caldor3 GOT battle of bastards almost as epic as this scene is
battle of the bastards was good action hell yeah. but the plotline, any reader of the book was disgusted by the writing, the writing of season 6 was drivel from hollywood. LOTR written decades ago, Sansa riding in like gandalf at fucking battle of helms deep. its too easy to guess what happens next, such shit, (talking about game of thrones season 6*)
The Darth Vader scene in Rogue One actually comes pretty close.
EDIT: And now we have the Avengers Assemble scene from Endgame.
This scene literally brings tears to my eyes.
Same!!!! Every time!
I start crying here and don't stop until it's over. Every time.
Every goddamn time I hear that violin
If you really want to sob, do Theoden “how did it come to this?” Then Gandalf rescuing the retreating forces from Osgiliath, then Helm’s Deep Forth Eorlingas, then Theoden on the symbeline on the graves, then Minas Tirith Rohirrim, and then finish with Gandalf's advice to Frodo in Moria. It’s made me, a grown ass man, weep.
Yes, Tirion Fordring is a skilled paladin my friend
Still gives me goosebumps.
RIP Theoden, King!
This scene means so much more now that Bernard hill has passed, he will forever be immortalized in this scene
Me watching this with my parents: "This scene is great!"
Me watching this with my friends: "DEAAAATH! DEAAAAAAAAAAATH!!!"
Haha nicee
Dude I'm crying! It's so overwhelming
DEATH! DEATH!! DEAATHHH!!! FORTH EORLINGAS!!!!
Fucking same bro
Me and my dad finally convinced my mum to watch them with us... Wish me good luck!
D&D: Game of Thrones will have battle scenes that surpass anything that has come before.
LOTR: Exists.
GoT: Battle of Winterfell will be the best battle
LoTR: I’m about to end this man’s whole career
D&D: We kinda forgot how cavalry works
LOTR ended their career 16 years prior 😂
LOTR: Hold my ale
@@logi4840 Read what you just typed. Slowly. Letter by letter.
RIP Bernard Hill, a cinematic legend through and through
Achilles was right, what a beautiful sight! RIP Bernard Hill! King of Rohan, Theoden
Seeing a king lead his army mustve been a great morale boost and a nice buff +10% melee damage
Try 100% lol
+20 damage
Also plus 30% haste
If you played Battle for middlearth 2, it actually gave the Rohirrim 90% Damage reduction. Lol
+15% trample damage
Thirteen years later and I still get goosebumps at Theoden's speech.
Same here.
Dylan L true
Dylan L me too.
Dylan L saw this movie three times when it was in theaters.
DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!
You know, something I really do love about this scene (and the later ones with the elephants) is that they touch on something about pre-modern warfare that isn't made explicit. The importance of morale -- on both sides no less! It starts with Gondorian soldiers visibly wilting under the pressure with the Nazgul above, trolls smashing them out of the way, their neighbors getting slaughtered etc after already suffering the sight of their former comrades' decapitated heads raining down on them. Then when the Rohirrim arrive, Eowyn and Merry struggling to master their fear at how big the Witch King's army is; Theoden's keenly understanding he needs to lead by example to get his men to commit to the charge; the orcs losing their nerve at the sight of cavalry approaching with their armor shining in the sun, standing meters tall screaming "DEATH" at them etc.
100% right.
Recently rewatched the whole series and I must say, Theoden just has been given all the best lines. My favorite character by far scriptwise, makes me cry every time
Theoden absolutely has the hardest lines of any character in any of Jackson’s movies. Bernard Hill should’ve retired after this, because there’s no way he could ever reach for a loftier goal.
"Ride for ruin, and the worlds ending"
What a line, gives me goosebumps every time.
Theoden's speech stands up against any pre-battle speech ever filmed. And that touching of his sword to lances was a perfect touch.
I straight up cried watching this again
DEATH
same
Arise, arise, Riders of Theoden!
Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter!
spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered,
a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
The other part of the speech is from when Eomer discovers his sister, gravely wounded on the field. He goes back into the battle shouting:
‘Death!Ride, ride to ruin and the world’s ending!’
It's more emotional when you realize that because of this charge, Theoden became the king he never thought he could be.
'Lesser son of greater sires'
My ass he is.
His finest hour.
Especially the description in the book, where he is described to be like a god charging down the field. None could match him in his final hour.
rohan army no slackers
He died happy, he fund himself. I respect that in a man, fact or fiction.
RIP Bernard Hill.....you will always be my King.
RIP THEODEN KING! LIFE IS BUT A DREAM.AND WHAT A DREAM IT WAS. Rip Bernard Hill
18 years since this came out and still, there hasnt been a scene or movie that comes close to the epic grandeur of this movie. Truly one of if not the greatest movie ever made
Can only imagine with today’s technology the added detail. But for its time nothing has come close, not even in the slightest.
The goat trilogy easy.. all three movies are up there in the greatest of all time list too. Jackson and the cast and new line all owe major thanks for delivering these movies. Truly great.
I watch this every few months. So every few months, manly tears stream down my cheeks.
The only thing that comes close are some of the battle scenes in the show Vikings.
@@Hearshotkid_2113 no, they really don’t at all.
My oldest brother saw this in theaters the day it came out, and he told me he still hasn't heard a theater that cheered so loud.
Shit, people cheer in theaters over there?
Lucky bastard
i saw this shit in theaters also 3 times :D was my junior year. Best movies to see in theaters was lord of the rings hands down!
@@CoffeeD_1 I like silence in the theatre not some idiots wooping at every little but, fuck that.
Especially when it came to the last stand at the black gate everyone was cheering out loud it was awesome
Rest in piece, Bernard Hill. The King of Rohan has passed. Long live the King.
"Where now the horse and the rider?
Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk,
And the bright hair flowing?"
Rest in peace Bernard Hill! Thanks for the memories
Fun fact: Bernard Hill did the speech so good that the stunt men are so hyped they "really thought they were doing it"
Oh please
@@Gnossiene369 Honestly I can see it and that's a good thing. Shows how much you're into it.
@@Gnossiene369 its in the behind footage, as ridiculous as it sounds, he got everyone pumped up.
@@Gnossiene369 th-cam.com/video/Qz-k4g87ff4/w-d-xo.html
@@JW-jd6sn i can understand that but people didn’t literally go insane. Best movie scene for me since ever, but I won’t buy hypnotism. I won’t abandon reason.
Quite possible the greatest scene in movie history....
definitely not
+Eric Haber '' My friends. You bow to no one. ''
*****
I'm not sure. I can't really decide...
I just think that saying this scene is the greatest in cinema history is ignoring hundreds of millions of movies that came before and after this movie, and I'm just saying that it is implausible.
I'm sorry if you were genuinely curious about what I think is the best scene, because I really can't produce a top 5 list (so many movies are so good).
However, if you are asking this question because you believe that this is the best scene, I have one thing to say: *start watching more movies*. Every masterpiece and classic you watch will make it feel like THAT was the best movie/scene ever, until you watch another classic, and you'll think that this movie was the best, then on and on. The (fun) ride never ends.
Saying that this scene is possibly the best ever is extremely self-limiting and close minded.
I never said that it's a bad scene; It's definitely a great scene, but cmon, the *best* ever?
Well, everyone has his/her favorites and opinions, so it's all good.
*****
I'm not going to lie... it's a great #1 pick. Only time will tell.
+Eric Haber it is the greatest
May Bernard Hill’s words echo into eternity through the films we have all grown to love. RIP Theoden.
What every man wants to hear:
Follow the king’s banner down the centre
I adore the amount of game of thrones hate in this comment section
EDIT: "6000 likes..... less than half of what i hoped for"
Boi, just you watch any helm's deep clip
Legit, every Lord of the Rings clip you see on YT now has a ton of comments hating on the trash that was GoT Season 8.
_And I love every bit of it._
We need a middle earth tv show
@@guilledeleon3547 Isn't that exactly what Amazon is doing?
I’m so glad to see GoT the show getting hate now. I’m a big fan of the books for a long time and I’m so disappointed they decided to continue with the show instead of finishing the damn books first. Looks like it bit them in the ass and I couldn’t be happier.
If Theoden’s speech doesn’t get you pumped I don’t know what will!
Only speech better, was Aragorn’s speech at the end! “I BID YOU STAND, MEN OF THE WEST!”
DEATH!!!
@@mandalorian1994 I get chills every damn time. Nothing can top it, and partly I think it is because from their perspective, it's hopeless but that doesn't mean they give up. They know that Frodo and Sam need every minute of distraction they can give them.
Everytime when I see that scene I get pumped like shiii I wanna join get a armor car with machine gun turret let's go!!
I will follow him to the pits of hades itself
RIP Great King, you go to the halls of your forefathers.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy achieved the highest standard for filmography, special effects, and dialogue. It hasn’t been surpassed , nor over taken after all these years.
Bro, I would kill to see a reaction of the people in theatres back in 2003 when they witnessed this moment for the first time.. it must have been insane
It was. I was fortunate enough to see this in the theater. Greatest movie experience of my life.
Check your local theaters, this year is de 20th anniversary for Fellowship of the Ring and here in Mexico they are putting all three movies back to the theaters just for a couple days
It was insane! It was like we were standing on that field, and we felt every second of it!
It was just released back in imax a couple months ago, I was in tears with this scene. The violin solo is everything.
It was just released back in imax a couple months ago, I was in tears with this scene. The violin solo is everything.
One of the reasons this scene works so well is the use of leitmotif. When we first heard Shore's "Rohan" theme in The Two Towers, it was a heartbroken lament for lost glory in a country that had lost its way and was effectively leaderless. Here the theme returns, but it has been repurposed as an anthem of rediscovered strength, pride, duty and confidence. This is about a people remembering who they once were and doing what they do best, and the score supports the moment magnificently.
Yes! That theme playing at the charge of the Rohirrim brings tears to my eyes every time for that exact reason.
Gondor has similar changes as well during certain scenes. Incredible score.
True
@@minizimi3790 Was watching Fellowship tonight with the wife. I noticed that there is a somber, but hopeful version of the Gondor theme played when Boromir speaks of the white city. It's so good.
Music is incredibly important and many "modern" composers don't seem to realize this sadly.
Rest in Peace Bernard Hill ❤
This is by far the best scene of the Trilogy for me. Theoden is so well written in the movies that this scene means everything. In exemple, Helm's Deeps is great but the Gandalf's coming with defying gravity charge and the sun, and killing an enormous army feels epic but not connected. Here you have Gandalf starting to believe he failed, Theoden witnessing he is gonna send his men and women and halfmen to death upon an army 10x bigger than his. He gives the exact book speach that is the perfect to have at this instant because "Men didnt failed". They will die for their convictions and honor. The music is a masterpiece, the charge is one of the best in history for a movie shot around 2000-2003, the fear in the Mordor army eyes, the brutality of the horses smashing their bodies, the sacrifice for the greater good. EVERYTHING is here. This is the definition of courage, loyalty and be true to yourself.
The charge is one of the best in history *full stop*. It has not yet been surpassed, and I'm unsure if it ever will.
"Imagine a king, leading his own men. Wouldn't that be a sight"
Achilles
"Imagine a king who fights his own battles" is the line I think
King Richard the lion heart and Saladin.
Almost all of them did up to the 16th century (or around so)
@@lupinthethird7059 not really
@@lupinthethird7059 Many did sure, but not nearly all.
I envy people who can still see this movie for the first time
give me amnesia, or give me death. I can never see it again "for the first time" :(
That's why I've been watching '1st time react videos'. Whoah that's epic!! You're still in the 1st film, just you wait!! :D
I was one of them. As a kid I saw this in theaters.
@@animeman8203 I missed cinema releases for all three LOTR. But I saw the 1st Hobbit film in the cinema, also my 1st 3D exp. The film was good, but I didn't really like the 3D aspect. I thought it kind of got in the way of the film, if that makes sense, so the rest I just watched normally!
I was 11 years old seeing this opening weekend in the cold December of 2003. The theater was packed and we were at the third bottom center row at the top of the theater. This scene is one of the top 5 greatest moments I ever experienced in the cinema. The sound was like an earthquake that next door auditoriums could feel the vibration. The audience was in awe and cheered louder than a game at the superbowl. That was the moment my balls dropped and I saw the power and strength of what real men (and women) could do. It was that awesome! I remember one person shouted when it cut back to Denathor "THAT WAS SO FUCKIN COOL!"
This is such a powerful, heartfelt, inspiring scene. It’s enough to make a grown man cry. I physically cannot get through this without chills or sobbing or both. Incredible. Easily the most epic scene in all of cinema. A scene like this could never ever be replicated. Not in our dark times. Peter Jackson did gods work in making such a perfect film trilogy and movies nowadays could never be as good as this film trilogy.
Agreed. This timeless and epic even nearly 20 years later.
I encourage you to read Throne of Glass if you’re a reader. Make it to Kingdom of Ash. It’s the only series that has ever made me feel like this again.
Rest in peace Bernard hill. FORTH EORLINGAS!
King Theoden to me had the best character development of all. His lost a son, got possessed by Saruman and got his people cornered and almost wiped out. But helped turned the tide in the pivotal moment in the war of the ring.
yes👏
:'(
luckily he had aragorn showing him they way. And to be fair he knows it was Aragorn
@@conrado333 Except in the books who say "Ride with me" on Helms Deep is Theoden not Aragorn
And ended honourably, worthy of a place beside his ancestors. And left an equally respectful legacy through eowyn and eomer.
What makes this scene so emotional? Duty, courage and certain death. The final push against darkness with their brave king leading the charge.
"Certainty of death, small chance of success, what are we waiting for?" - Gimli, son of Gloin
SaltyPotato lmfao
Nah, it's the score. I do love me some Howard Shore
Also the fact thats the first time the humans attack, up until this point they were always in the defense.
It's not even close to certain death. Without the elephants showing up later on it would have been a decisive, crushing and overwhelming victory. The battle of Vienna has showed how effective an unexpected mass cavalry charge is against infantry focussed on besieging and attacking a walled city. Even if outnumbered greatly you can still score a decisive victory.
King Theoden: Ride to ruin and the world's ending (Rest in peace Bernard Hill)
This scene is a cultural touchstone, the absolute pinnacle of raw emotion, artistry, and narrative power. It leaves an indelible mark on the soul. The air itself seems charged with electricity, and every second feels like a countdown to death. Into this heavy tension rides King Théoden, his face heavy with the burdens of leadership and the weight of impending doom. With him, 6,000 Rohirrim, their efforts a physical manifestation of their courage and their love for their land.
As Théoden's voice cuts through the air, transforming fear into a fiery resolve, you feel it in your bones. It's not just a speech; it's a war cry, a lament, and a eulogy all in one. And then, as the music swells, a symphony of trumpets and strings that seems to carry the very cries of the Rohirrim, they charge. It's a moment that evokes emotions so potent they feel like they're carved into your very being.
The cavalry charge of an entire people, there to deny the orcish apocalypse now, and for ever.
I doubt Tokin would have really appreciated this scene, he was not really a fan of "heroic war" from his experience with World War 1, and it was a very traumatic experience for him.
@@USERZ123XD I respectfully disagree, I am of the belief that Tolkien himself would likely have appreciated Jackson's cinematic interpretation of this scene.
Firstly, while Tolkien's works were deeply rooted in his written words, he was not dismissive of adaptations or visual representations of his work. In fact, he was open to the idea of film adaptations, provided they were done with respect for the source material. Peter Jackson's film series, although not without some creative liberties, largely stayed faithful to the spirit and themes of Tolkien's writings (unlike Amazon's RoP). The portrayal of the Rohirrim's heroic charge in the films captures the essence of Tolkien's epic storytelling and his admiration for heroic deeds.
Additionally, Tolkien was a philologist and a scholar of ancient languages and mythologies. He had a keen appreciation for visual art, and he himself created illustrations for his works. The cinematic depiction of the Rohirrim's charge, with its grandeur and epic scale, is absolutely in harmony with Tolkien's appreciation for artistic and visual representation. It brings to life the imagery and emotion that he sought to convey in his writing.
Furthermore, Tolkien was known for his love of storytelling and the power of narrative. Jackson's portrayal of the Rohirrim's charge effectively demonstrates one of the strengths in storytelling using cinematic medium. It serves as a powerful and evocative representation of heroism, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil, which were central themes in Tolkien's own work.
@@gicousinjoe6199 Tokin would be fine with the visual spectacle of LOTR films, but I definitely feel he wouldn't appreciate how some of these specials are framed, something more like all quiet in the Western front(2022) would be much more appreciated by Tokin with his view towards war, what peter jackson did here is run contrary to what tokin believe, a big epic battle of "glory and honor", Tokin liked the story to focus on the little guys, the small scale of things, this is why he made the Hobbits, the weakest of all characters the central protagonists of the LORT story. he didn't make Aragon the MC he didn't write an epic assault by the armies of Middle Earth against Mordor in the final epic battle, instead, he chose the climax of the story to be Frodo throwing the ring into the volcano.
@@USERZ123XD Respectfully, I wish to respond by clarifying a few points regarding my opinion re: J.R.R. Tolkien's views and his approach to storytelling.
Firstly, let’s try to spell Tolkien's name correctly. It's not 'Tokin.' I know spelling mistakes are easy to make, and they don't diminish the value of your opinion, but such a simple mistake, made repeatedly, can undermine the credibility of your argument, by raising questions regarding your familiarity with the subject-matter.
Secondly, while it's true that Tolkien emphasized the importance of smaller, everyday characters like Hobbits and their world/life in his works, it is a misinterpretation to claim that he exclusively focused on small-scale stories. Tolkien's legendarium is vast and encompasses both the grand and the intimate. He created a world with a rich history that includes epic battles and heroic deeds. The presence of these grand events does not negate his appreciation for the smaller folk. Tolkien clearly believed in a holistic narrative that explored various aspects of his fictional world, from the ordinary to the epic.
While you are correct in that Tolkien chose Frodo's journey to Mount Doom as the climax of the story, it does not diminish the significance of the larger battles and heroic deeds that occur throughout the narrative. Tolkien's storytelling was layered, with multiple plotlines and character arcs. The climax with Frodo and the Ring is the culmination of positive deeds and sacrifices, large and small. This climax doesn't negate the importance of heroic struggles and epic conflicts in the overall narrative that Tolkien purposefully depicted.
Lastly, regarding Tolkien's view of war, it's worth noting that his perspective was nuanced. While he experienced the horrors of World War I, he also recognized the historical significance of battles and the valor of soldiers, and the necessity of good's triumph over evil. His works reflect this complexity, as they explore both the destructive power of war and the heroism that can emerge from it. The Battle of Helm's Deep and the charge of the Rohirrim in 'The Lord of the Rings' are examples of Tolkien's portrayal of epic battles within a broader context of sacrifice and courage. That is why I have no doubt he would have enjoyed Jackson’s scene immensely.
This is the only scene, out of the thousands of films I've seen, to make me shed some manly tears.
WeimTime I'm right with you there, bud.
What about the end of Gladiator
Brandon Luu wasn't really good
not even close
WeimTime agreed, even though I'm only 11 years old :3
Fuuun fact: for the filming of this, Peter Jackson offered people who had a horse and could ride to play a part in this scene as one of the army. thats probably also why they were so enthusiastic
Makes sense... Since it takes a lot of time for a horse to trust its rider...
yes, many of the riders were woman with beards
The bearded ladies of Rohan!
He put out a casting call to anyone in NZ who had a horse. The fields were full of trailers and haystacks for days
They say its the most scene with horses in it around 250k ?
Hail the Victorious Dead!
R.I.P Bernard Hill, Theoden King
I still can't believe he passed away. I was in shock when I first heard it :(. May you rest in peace, my king. Ride with your fathers now.
A warrior who embraces death is one of the most terrifying things you can encounter on the battlefield, I imagine.
+The Arab Scientific or most of our SOF guys
+The Arab Scientific todays war cant be compared with the past most of the times u dont see you enemy you dont know what is killing you you just take the smell of blood in the air mixed with explosives dust dirt and metal the smell of burned human flesh it is way more horrible and disgusting in modern war. In this middle age wars u die by force which u could compete to u have kind of an usefull armor u dont smell and witness burned and exploded corpses of your comrades
+The Arab Scientific those arent warriors, just mentally ill detonators
+The Arab Scientific Every soldier is prepared for death. That is what makes a soldier - a soldier.
+The Arab Scientific Jihadists during the crusades maybe. Today's Jihadists are nothing but mentally retarded fucks.
Gotta love how Théoden's whole speech is just them saying to the Orcs that they know they are outnumbered, they know that they may fail, and they know that they may all die but that they don't care, they don't fear death and that they will ride for their final time without fear.
Which would shake the confidence of ANY army. Maybe even moreso the orcs. The orc army’s ENTIRE STRATEGY hinged on fear and these men stood unafraid.
Bruh they didn't just think that they may fail, they literally EXPECTED to fail, and that's what makes this truly awesome- that literally nothing is holding them back now, not even the fear of death.
Rest in peace Bernard Hill. You will be missed.
R.I.P. my king 🥺
"Gandalf did not move. And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the City, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of wizardry or war, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn. And as if in answer there came from far away another note. Horns, horns, horns. In dark Mindolluin's sides they dimly echoed. Great horns of the North wildly blowing. Rohan had come at last."
My favorite from the entire trilogy, and that is saying something. The words give me goosebumps.
@@MD-md4th I love this part: "Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. Éomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first éored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Théoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Oromë the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed. For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and the darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City." In Polish and English both are epic. True poetry. Beauty.
Oh, that one too! So many great quotes.
@@marcintanski8549 was a bit disappointed after i read the Book that they didnt sang in the Movie while slaughtering Orcs lol
@@keizoxd5623 This is probably because books are more like a fairy-tale and movies are more naturalistic, realistic.
behold, the most epic cavalry charge in cinema's history
the charge of the last samurai was better
^this one is better, last samurai is epic but not as good as this
Battle of the Bastards was extremely well done as well. Much more brutal and intense
But a mmmuuuuuuuch smaller budget
+Teebz 1000 it was epic but the music couldve been better tho
Rest in peace, King Theoden, Lord of Rohan.
6:08 is my FAVORITE part.
Just the sheer tenacity of a soldier riding towards the battle of a lifetime.