Movies always differ from the books they were taken from, but why are they so different? They are telling the same story. But they do after all try to convey the story using completely different mediums. Movies rely mostly on sight but books use their words to describe everything from people, to places, feelings and thoughts. 

Some changes where the movie differs from the book are understandable. The movie has limitations for it must not be too long, but it seemed to focus more on the battles and fighting, instead of showing the spirit and the actual quest of Frodo trying to destroy the ring. Many of my most beloved quotes were left out, which I found disappointing. 

The overall feeling at the end of the movie was disappointment and horror of how they could have changed the character of the characters so much. Faramir is the best example; he was almost the same as his brother, a grasping, heartless man, instead of as in the book, a wise, and discerning man.  

I think people should read the book before watching the movie. When you read the book first you see the true and so much more complex characters that a movie can never fully represent. By reading the book first, you have a chance to imagine the people and places your way before having someone else’s impression of them put in your head. You will also experience the terror of the battle between the forces of good and evil that the movie does not present in such a terrifying and dreadful manner as the books. (Dreadful as in full of dread) 

I prefer the book. The book tells the true story how it happened; unlike the movie words have no limit. Words bring you inside each of the characters and in the book their internal struggles can be seen easier. Choice is the main theme of the book but the movie uplifts the fighting and heroic deeds of Middle earth.