The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King2003

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

This film is essentially a masterclass in non-woke storytelling. It upholds traditional virtues, avoids forced identity politics, and lets its characters shine based on actions, not checklists. A refreshing relic from a pre-woke Hollywood.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

The film strongly prioritizes classic storytelling over modern identity themes, with character arcs and development rooted in merit, sacrifice, and camaraderie. No evidence of forced representation or characters designed primarily to tick diversity boxes.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

Traditional values like friendship, family, and masculinity are celebrated. Heroic male figures aren't undermined and women (notably Éowyn) are empowered without heavy-handed revisionism. Morality, duty, and tradition are shown as virtues, not relics.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

Alternative viewpoints are represented thoughtfully (e.g., Boromir, Gollum). There’s little evidence of caricatures of traditional values. The film presents pluralism through various cultures and moral dilemmas without shoehorning modern ideology.

User Reviews

No user reviews received yet.

Please leave a review and let the world know what you think.
Your review will be kept completely anonymous.

Your Review

Comments

Users Also Viewed

Movie poster for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Movie poster for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

17%

15%

88%

12%

The Making of 'Spawn'

Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.