"Born of Hope" -- ????

[Andorinha]

Apparently there is a new Tolkien movie/ video/ computer cast story being worked up that details the birth, life of Aragorn, featuring Arathorn and Gilraen. Not sure how they got this past the Tolkien Industries Guardian net...

Photos look interesting, also have some video bits for those with the right kinds of computers:

www.bornofhope.com

and www.bornofhope.com/Photos.html

[Stormrider]

Very nice website and pictures. It looks like it will be out in 2009 sometime according to the end of the 2008 Teaser Trailer video.

Born of Hope is a non-commercial production being created for free internet download for film fans worldwide. It is being made purely for entertainment purposes and to keep the storytelling history of Middle Earth alive.

I don't know about getting the Tolkien Estate approval, but it doesn't look like they are making any money on this venture.

You are right--there is a disclaimer:

DISCLAIMER
This Fan Film is for entertainment purposes only and is in no way sponsored or approved by Tolkien Enterprises, the Tolkien Estate, Peter Jackson, New Line or any affiliates. The content is for the exclusive use of the downloader and should not be sold, rented, or used for any commercial enterprise in any way, shape, or form. We make no claim to any characters, storylines, prop designs, names, logos, situations that are trademarked, copyrighted or otherwise protected by federal, state or other intellectual property law. New Line, Peter Jackson, Weta, Tolkien Enterprises, the Tolkien Estate or any of their respective affiliates or licensees hold rights to some intellectual property herein used by this work. This work is produced solely for the personal, uncompensated enjoyment of ourselves and other Tolkien fans. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Here are video links of the project so far:
www.bornofhope.com/Videos.html#Born%20of%20Hope%20Trailer
The music in the 2006 test shoot trailer sounds rather Howard Shore-ish and LOTR movie-ish despite the disclaimer of no affiliation. The 2008 Teaser Trailer doesn't sound Howard Shore-ish so they must have found another composer but I didn't notice anywhere on the website as to who it was.

So will this be in the Theaters or will there be a download link for us to retrieve?

I went to the Q&A section of the website and it will be ready in Summer 2009. The film will be a free download off the website! It looks like they hope to show it at some of the major conventions around the world, too.

[Andorinha]

Ah, this movie-video thing is now available for viewing, apparently has had some success with several hundred thousand "viewings" online. Of course my ancient computer cannot load even the short segment versions, let alone play the full movie, curses. If anyone gets a chance to check out this video, I'd appreciate a critique, is it worth viewing? LOL, gonna have to add half the weekly candy-bar money to the computer fund, tired of missing out on the internet fun... Still want a goat too.

www.dailymotion.com/video/xbc5ut_born-of-hope-full-movie_shortfilms

There is also a second Tolkien-fan video out on the net that has also received a couple of hundred thousand viewers, don't know much about it -- "The Hunt for Gollum" -- supposed to detail Aragorn's search for/ capture of Gollum. It is also listed on the same page with the download for "Born of Hope." Ooo, says HfG has had over 2 million viewings!

[Fredeghar Wayfarer]

I have seen both. "Born of Hope" is very good. The story was well done. They built off of scant details in the Appendices to show us what life was like for the Dunedain in the former lands of Arnor, the love affair of Arathorn and Gilraen, the death of Arador (Aragorn's grandfather) in battle with a troll, and a sub-plot about a love-sick female Ranger. The costumes, sets, locales, and special effects look very similar to the Jackson films. The filmmakers did a nice job with it.

About my only criticism was when the Orcs referred directly to Sauron. Didn't the Dark Lord forbid his minions from using his name? Hence, "the Great Eye" and his various other titles?

"The Hunt for Gollum" was enjoyable but not nearly as good. The special effects were not on the same level. Gollum spends most of the film in a burlap sack or hidden in shadow since the filmmakers couldn't reproduce the movie version of him. You finally see him at the end and you can tell why they shied away from showing him. He looked kind of fake. The actors playing Aragorn and Gandalf did a good job though.

Both movies are on YouTube as well. Not sure if you'd have better luck loading them there.

[Andorinha]

Thanks, Freddie!

Sounds like both movies would be quite worth the time for "up-loading." Tried "U-Tube," just grinds away for a bit and stops the computer, has to be re-booted, LOL. Wife looks at spanish-language novelas on her machine, I'll try to beg some viewing time from her: promise to "double-weed" the gravel yards, wash the car, the dishes, maybe even dust my study...

Yep, I think somewhere in the chase to recover Pippin and Merry, Aragorn tells Gimli and Legolas that the "S" on the Orc helmets must refer to Saruman, as Sauron does not permit his "proper" name to be used. That's not much of a gaffe, as you mention, so it does sound good.

Found a bit more about "The Hunt for Gollum:"

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunt_for_Gollum

Thanks Again, Fredegarh!

[Stormrider]

I forgot about this video and didn't know about the Hunt for Gollum. I am going to have to find some time to sit down and watch these.

Freddie: Thanks for your take on these videos.

Andorinha: You better start putting the candy money into the computer coffee can fund now!