New Zealand writer-director-filmmaker Peter Jackson has indeed changed the face of cinema with his screen adaptation of the  Lord of the Rings saga: he enthusiastically gathered a crew of 2500 and an a-list cast to film all three mammoth episodes in succession over a period of a year and a half; and decided to release the films over the period of three years - making it an exhilarating three-year event for avid filmgoers.

The world has already embraced the first episode, 'The Fellowship of the Ring' with praise  and the second collector's edition DVD (comprising four discs and hours of extra footage) is the talk of the year.

When the news first broke of Jackson's ambitious undertaking the world divided into two camps: those who have read Tolkien's books and were loyal followers and had certain reservations; and others (like myself) who have not read the epic novel and wanted to experience it cold.

When I reviewed Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring in December 2002, these were my impressions: "you will enter a world you have never experienced, and experience a film that will remain with you for many years to come… It is a tapestry of breathtaking illusion, where realism and fantasy are interwoven with a firm narrative, unforgettable characters, an imposing screenplay adaptation, and a cast of outstanding actors who cast a spell on you. If this is what cinema has delivered after a century of craftsmanship it is clear that the magic of the movies will survive for eons to come. There is only one major setback with this first instalment of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. We will have to wait an entire year to continue the unbelievable flight of fantasy and discover another facet of the magical Jackson-Tolkien wonderland.."

At the December 2002 premiere of The Towers at Cinema Starz in Cape Town it felt good to sit there in anticipation, having closed my eyes for a year and not knowing anything about the film or the story. How lucky I was to have not known something.

The Two Towers is a magical experience. From the first awesome opening scene, encountering our heroes who are all hopelessly lost in Middle Earth and desperately trying to unite, Jackson makes it clear that we are now in what can only be described as the second act of the trilogy: a world filled with exceptional wonderment, unspeakable hazards and emotional conflict.

There are times you will not believe what unfolds before you visually, and experience what you have only vaguely conjured up in your wildest imagination. The overwhelming visual impact is balanced with a solid and substantial narrative, filled with quirky humour and dramatic conflict.

In this second part of The Two Towers the balance of power is shifting across Middle-earth. The Dark Lord Sauron's stronghold at Barad-dûr, and the wizard Saruman's chamber at Orthanc - have aligned to wage war against all civilization, and bring about the end of the race of Humankind.

Now Frodo must face his destiny alone. Accompanied only by his loyal friend, Sam, Frodo ventures into enemy territory unaware that he is being tracked by a mysterious creature with his own dark history with The Ring: Gollum, one of the most extraordinary characters to ever hit our screens.

Jackson plunges the audiences into Middle-Earth with the force of a thousand magicians, taking us on a journey that culminates in a breathtaking finale. Jackson keeps everyone involved every second of the journey, the expected becomes the unexpected, and  unforeseen revelations quickens the pulse.

Jackson paints Tolkien's tale on the canvas with visual splendour, each brush stroke is the undeniable work of a true craftsman who is in full control of his genius and the medium he is working in. He never bombards his audience with flashy dishonesty, but captivates with genuine creativity.

We enter Middle Earth through the eyes of the Fellowship who have now splintered. This affords the opportunity to view the narrative from three perspectives: we follow the journey of Frodo and Sam, who have to rely on the assistance of the sneaky Gollum; encounters with the Dark Forces and reminiscence of the past are experienced through the eyes of Aragorn,  elf archer Legolas, and the dwarf warrior Gimli; and Treebeard guides Merry and Pippin, whose viewpoint offers fragile, childlike candour. These diverse angles are intertwined and woven into a substantial, intricate narrative  that is never perplexing. 

The themes that are superbly explored in Two Towers add a further layer to narrative:  at the core is the theme of good versus evil. This theme casts a dark shadow over the story and dominates every scene, forcing our heroes to grow stronger as danger escalates.

A topic that is also prevalent in Two Towers is the theme of nature versus industry: after escaping from the Uruks, the two hobbits flee into the Fangorn Forest, which is reputed to be haunted and surrounded by the spirit of old age. Once the forest is awoken, nature rebels against the forces that are set out to destroy it.

The theme of friendship versus the forces of corruption is the soul of Two Towers and strengthens the emotional bond between the characters and the audience.

Two Towers is not the kind of film you watch, it is one you experience. You can fully indulge in  the cinematic powers that wash over you in all its visual splendour, without getting bored.

What makes this mythical-fantasy even more astounding and captivating, is it's cultural and social relevance: all the characters are outsiders who try to withstand the seduction of external forces that may drastically change the way they perceive the world and humankind.

Anyone can identify with Frodo, a headstrong individual whose sincere passion battles dark forces; or the Gollum, who has forces of good and evil trapped within his naïve being; or the evil warlords who will not allow a world of fineness to illuminate their sad existence; and even nature, who has to gain control over mankind to prevent its extinction.

Two Towers is indeed a story about people we care about and offers gentle introspection, clearly showing that our world is no different than that of Middle Earth. When the journey and the futileness of their quest is questioned in Two Towers, there is a moment of brilliance that is sum total of all our concerns.

The worth of human struggle, the existence of humankind and daily hardships are questioned and the answer Two Towers offers is this: there is some good in the world. That is what makes it all worthwhile.

Two Towers is spectacular cinema that utilizes the film medium to its full potential. The effects, performances, direction, design, music, sound, editing becomes an elaborate feast  that will satisfy the appetite of the most cynical viewer.

All that remains is for loyal followers to wait for the Two Towers DVD release that will have as an impressive menu of features as Fellowship of the Ring. And then, on December 17 2003 we will hopefully be able to sit back, and experience the final instalment: The Return of The King.

Two Towers (and Fellowship of The Ring)  is indeed a beacon of light in a world that is robbed of fantasy and adventure, and plundered by meaningless mindless films that seriously reduces the experience of going to the movies and harms the intellect.

Escape to the world of Jackson and his masterful vision of Tolkien's powerful chronicle and Experience Two Towers on the big screen. You will not regret it.