The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is an animated film set 183 years prior to the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s main trilogy. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the movie delves into the history of Rohan, focusing on King Helm Hammerhand and his daughter, Héra. The narrative explores themes of honor, vengeance, and resilience within the kingdom.

The plot centers on a sudden assault led by Wulf, a cunning and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking retribution for his father’s death. This attack forces King Helm and the Rohirrim to seek refuge in the ancient fortress of the Hornburg, later renowned as Helm’s Deep. Amidst the siege, Héra emerges as a pivotal character, demonstrating valor and leadership in the face of adversity.

The film features voice performances by Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand and Miranda Otto reprising her role as Éowyn, who serves as the narrator. The animation style pays homage to the aesthetic of Peter Jackson’s live-action adaptations, aiming to evoke a sense of nostalgia among fans.

Critical reception has been mixed. Some reviewers commend the film for capturing the grandeur of Middle-earth and delivering thrilling battle sequences. However, others criticize it for lacking depth in character development and not achieving the epic scale of its predecessors.

The War of the Rohirrim expands the lore of Middle-earth by shedding light on the storied past of Rohan and the origins of Helm’s Deep. While it strives to honor the legacy of Tolkien’s work, the film’s execution has garnered both praise and critique, reflecting its ambitious endeavor to enrich the beloved fantasy universe.