The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 2002

As Frodo Baggins emerges from a vivid dream where Gandalf (Ian McKellen) valiantly battles the Balrog in Moria, he finds himself, accompanied by his loyal companion Samwise Gamgee, lost in the treacherous Emyn Muil near the foreboding realm of Mordor. The duo soon discovers that they are being stalked by Gollum, a once-pitiful soul consumed by the corrupting influence of the One Ring. Taking pity on the wretched creature, Frodo decides to take Gollum into custody and allows him to guide them, emphasizing to Sam the importance of Gollum’s expertise in navigating the perilous landscape of Mordor.

Meanwhile, a trio comprising Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas, and Gimli relentlessly pursue a band of Uruk-hai in an attempt to rescue their fellow companions Merry and Pippin. Their pursuit takes them into the kingdom of Rohan, where they encounter Éomer, the leader of the Rohirrim, who reveals that he and his men have been exiled by King Théoden due to the influence of Saruman’s servant Gríma Wormtongue. Despite initial reservations, Éomer’s group allows Merry and Pippin to escape into the mystical realm of Fangorn Forest.

Upon arriving in Fangorn, Aragorn’s party encounters none other than Gandalf himself, now resurrected as the powerful Gandalf the White, imbued with the power to aid in the salvation of Middle-earth. With Gandalf’s guidance, the trio makes their way to Rohan’s capital city, Edoras, where they work together to free King Théoden from Saruman’s mind control. As Aragorn thwarts Wormtongue’s attempt on the king’s life, he learns of Saruman’s sinister plans to destroy Rohan with his Uruk-hai army.

In response, King Théoden orders the evacuation of his citizens to the fortress of Helm’s Deep, while Gandalf sets out to rally Éomer and his followers in the hopes that they will take up arms once more to defend their restored king. Aragorn forms a bond with Théoden’s niece, Éowyn (Miranda Otto), whose admiration for him grows as their journey progresses.

Tragedy strikes when Aragorn falls from a cliff while attempting to rescue refugees fleeing from Saruman’s Warg-riding Orcs and is presumed dead. However, he is later found by the noble steed Brego, who carries him to Helm’s Deep just in time to witness the approaching army of Uruk-hai.

In the elven realm of Rivendell, Arwen (Liv Tyler) receives devastating news from her father Elrond that Aragorn will not return. Faced with the prospect of outliving him by thousands of years if she remains in Middle-earth, Arwen reluctantly departs for the mystical land of Valinor. Meanwhile, Elrond is contacted by Galadriel of Lothlórien, who persuades him to honor the ancient alliance between Elves and Men. In response, a company of Elves sets out from Rivendell to join forces with their human allies at Helm’s Deep.

As Merry and Pippin venture into the realm of Fangorn, they stumble upon Treebeard, a majestic Ent, whose ancient wisdom is only rivaled by his imposing stature. The duo’s cunning persuasion convinces Treebeard to convene an impromptu gathering with the Ents, leading to a solemn council where the Ents collectively decide against partaking in the impending war. Meanwhile, Pippin’s curiosity gets the better of him as he requests Treebeard guide them towards Isengard, where they bear witness to the devastating deforestation orchestrated by Saruman’s ruthless war efforts. Incensed by the desecration, Treebeard and his fellow Ents storm Isengard, encircling Saruman within the confines of his stronghold.

In a separate corner of Middle-earth, Aragorn arrives at Helm’s Deep, bearing grave news for Théoden: the approaching army of Saruman looms large on the horizon. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Théoden steelies himself for battle. Just as all hope seems lost, a contingent of Elves from Lothlorien arrives to lend their valorous aid to the people of Rohan. In the ensuing chaos, Haldir, the Elves’ fearless commander, falls in the line of duty at the hands of the Uruk-hai. The defenders retreat to the keep, where Aragorn’s impassioned plea convinces Théoden to launch a final, desperate charge against their foes. As dawn breaks, Gandalf and Éomer arrive with the Rohirrim, turning the tide of battle in favor of the besieged fortress. The surviving Uruk-hai flee into the Fangorn Forest, only to meet their untimely demise at the hands of the treelike Ents. Gandalf warns that Sauron’s wrath will soon be unleashed upon Middle-earth.

Meanwhile, Gollum leads Frodo and Sam through the foreboding Dead Marshes towards the ominous Black Gate, cautioning them against entering Mordor via this perilous route. Their journey takes a sudden turn when they are apprehended by the Rangers of Ithilien, led by Faramir, younger brother to the fallen Boromir. In a remarkable display of mercy, Frodo helps Faramir capture Gollum, thereby sparing his life from the clutches of the Rangers. As they make their way through the besieged city of Osgiliath, Frodo endeavors to enlighten Faramir regarding the true nature of the One Ring, while Sam recounts Boromir’s tragic downfall under its insidious influence. A Nazgûl’s near-capture of Frodo serves as a stark reminder of the perils that lie ahead, but Sam’s unwavering loyalty and determination rekindle Frodo’s resolve to resist the Ring’s dark allure. Impressed by Frodo’s unyielding spirit, Faramir releases them, though Gollum seethes with resentment, determined to reclaim the Ring by leading Frodo towards “her” upon their arrival at Cirith Ungol.