The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim – director Kenji Kamiyama on expanding Tolkien’s world

Focusing on a tale set 183 years before the events of The Hobbit, this new iteration delves into the saga of Helm Hammerhand, the formidable King of Rohan, and his courageous daughter, Héra.

Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the story begins with Freca, a Dunlending lord, arriving at King Helm’s hall with his son, Wulf. Intending to force a marriage between Wulf and Héra, Freca’s real goal is to seize control of Rohan’s throne. However, Héra, who embodies the spirit of a shield-maiden, is uninterested in such an alliance. 

A confrontation ensues, leading to Helm unintentionally killing Freca with a single powerful blow, earning him the moniker “Hammerhand”. This act sets off a chain of events marked by vengeance, betrayal, and war.

Devastated by his father’s death, Wulf vows revenge, returning years later as the High Lord of the Dunlendings. He launches an invasion against Rohan, leading to intense battles and a prolonged siege of the Hornburg fortress. 

During this turmoil, Héra emerges as a brave leader, orchestrating the evacuation of Edoras to the Hornburg and confronting numerous challenges, including personal betrayals and formidable enemies. Throughout her heroic journey, she demonstrates unwavering determination to protect her people.

Succession’s Brian Cox - who voices Helm Hammerhand - highlights the film’s allegorical critique of patriarchy, demonstrating how those traditional systems can be limiting and destructive.

But with Héra (voiced by Emma Thompson’s daughter, Gaia Wise) stepping up to lead and defend her kingdom in the face of adversity, the story brings a fresh perspective to Middle-earth lore, emphasising themes of equality and resilience.

While reprising her role as Eowyn, Miranda Otto also serves as the film’s narrator, her familiar voice providing a nostalgic link to the original trilogy.

The ensemble voice cast, including Luke Pasqualino and Lorraine Ashbourne, breathe life into the characters, making their struggles and triumphs resonate.

The film’s animation style has been a topic of debate among audiences and critics alike. Some viewers appreciate the hand-drawn Japanese animation, noting that it adds a tactile charm to the depiction of Middle-earth, while others feel that the animation lacks the grandeur and depth associated with previous adaptations.

Despite these critiques, the storytelling earnestly aims to capture the epic and tragic essence of the books.

When STACK spoke with Kamiyama, he was quick to give thanks for the support he received from the original producing team behind The Lord of the Rings, in particular producer Philippa Boyens.

“We were able to visually create a consistency between the trilogy of films and this anime because of the generosity of Philippa and, actually, everybody in New Zealand who shared all the details of the world that was created for the trilogy. 

“In that way, we shared a common thread in terms of visual design and the look, such as what Rohan would have looked like, or the landscape, or how would the armour look like and many other things,” says the director.  

“And I think it’s been a true collaboration in helping us stay in that world and be consistent because that needed to be carried over to the anime film.  

“So, working with Philippa and the team made sure that we weren’t getting out of our lane but, at the same time, staying true to what we do best which is to make anime,” he adds.