Synopsis

The final chapter of the trilogy follows Frodo and Sam as they struggle across Mordor to destroy the One Ring, while Aragorn, Gandalf and their allies prepare for a last stand against Sauron's forces. As Middle-earth faces its greatest battle, the companions confront sacrifice, loyalty and the difficult cost of victory.

Factoids & Trivia

• The IMDb ID tt0167260 identifies the film as The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, released in 2003.

• Principal photography for the trilogy was carried out largely as one continuous production in New Zealand, rather than filming each installment separately. Additional photography for The Return of the King continued in 2003 and 2004.

• The production used more than six million feet of film, 19,000 costumes, 1,600 pairs of prosthetic Hobbit feet and approximately 2,400 crew members at its busiest point.

• The film won all 11 Academy Awards for which it was nominated at the 76th ceremony in 2004, including Best Picture. It remains one of the most successful Oscar sweeps in film history.

• The makeup required for Gimli caused John Rhys-Davies persistent skin irritation. During his final pickup work, the makeup team gave him the opportunity to burn the character's prosthetic mask.

• The trilogy's New Zealand locations became closely associated with Middle-earth and helped establish the country as a major destination for film tourism.