Latest news with #LordofTheRings
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix 'work of art' war film from legendary director a 'must-watch'
Director Peter Jackson set out to pay tribute to his late grandfather, who fought in the war, by creating an immersive experience of life at war, rather than a retelling of events The war documentary directed by Peter Jackson, renowned for the Lord of The Rings trilogy, has been hailed as a "work of art" with its focus on soldiers' experiences rather than a historical recounting. They Shall Not Grow Old was created by Peter Jackson as a homage to his late grandfather who served in the war, prompting him to create an immersive portrayal of wartime life. The film, released in 2018, offers a fresh perspective by using colourised and restored unseen footage from the First World War, intending to show the true nature of life for soldiers. It fittingly premiered on the centenary of the Armistice on 11 November 1918. A Rotten Tomatoes said: "I've never seen such an artistic approach to a documentary. Peter Jackson uses his extraordinary vision to capture the tragedy of the Great War. "The transitions of the black and white/small screen to colour full screen encapsulate an eerie clarity that comes with war, capturing the ignorance of the horrors of modern warfare, both before the war ramped up and after the war ended. This film is a work of art.", reports the Express. Upon examining the footage, sourced from the BBC and IWM archives, the director opted for a creative approach by using audio excerpts of the actual soldiers instead of a conventional narration. This decision shifted the focus onto the soldiers rather than the war itself, resulting in very few dates or locations being disclosed throughout the film. Discussing the creation of the film, Jackson told Flix: "We also edited out any references to dates and places because I didn't want the movie to be about this day here or that day there. There's hundreds of books about all that stuff. I wanted the film to be a human experience and be agnostic in that way." They Shall Not Grow Old has received an impressive 99% overall score on the review site, with countless glowing reviews praising its 'true' retelling of these soldiers' stories. One review said: "Amazing window to see the true happenings of the First World War. The commentary from the soldiers was amazing to get to see their point of view and their experiences. There's nothing like it." Another review added: "A must-see film depicting the horrors of war by the ones who fought and survived. The revamped footage, along with commentary sharing individual stories of their experiences, makes for a compelling movie on the Great War." When discussing his choice to colourise archival footage, Jackson stated that the soldiers who fought in the conflict didn't perceive it in black and white, thus he felt compelled to present it as they experienced it. The director undertook this project out of sheer enthusiasm, without any financial compensation, after his team restored all 100 hours of the material. One viewer said: "Incredible cinematic work to breathe new life into old footage and pay respect to a generation's sacrifice." Another shared their thoughts, saying: "I'm not the largest fan of documentaries; however, this documentary is not only emotional, entertaining, and informative to watch, but it is also revolutionary and an absolute must-see for any history fans and those just looking for a powerful and fresh look at the horrors of WWI." The impactful documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old, is available for viewing now on Amazon Prime.
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Mystical forest just an hour from Cardiff inspired Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter
Mystical forest just an hour from Cardiff inspired Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter The ancient woodland is home to secret caves, rock formations, winding pathways and bridges that will make you feel as though you've entered another world. Magical UK forest that inspired Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter (Image: (Image: Getty) ) Cardiff is a city full of history and culture to explore and take in, but if you're feeling like you want to get out of the city, there's also plenty of options for adventures nearby. From mountain biking in Merthyr Tydfil, surfing at nearby Porthcawl or joining alpacas for a trek in the Brecon Beacons, Cardiff is surrounded by adventure. However, if you want to combine ancient history and nature, there's one sight that trumps the rest, and it's only an hour away from Cardiff. Revered for its otherworldly terrain that inspired the likes of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, despite only being an hour from Wales' capital, it feels worlds away from it. In a video uploaded to TikTok, the travel creator Claire Robinson shared that the ancient woodlands of Puzzlewood are complete with "secret caves, rock formations, winding pathways and bridges" — areas believed to have influenced both J. R. R. Tolkien and J. K. Rowling in their writing. Puzzlewood boasts a remarkable past, with evidence of historic iron ore mining activities and a hoard of 3,000 Roman coins uncovered amid the rocks in 1848, tracing the 14-acre wood back to the Roman period. The whimsical site is believed to have inspired Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings and has served as a filming location for numerous films and TV shows, including Star Wars and Doctor Who. While Puzzlewood is said to have influenced the Harry Potter series, its actual location, the Forest of Dean, was also featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Article continues below Visitors to Puzzlewood can take in the scenic beauty through walks around the area. The labyrinth of paths winds past striking rock formations and leads to hidden caves. However, Claire suggests visiting early to "catch its natural beauty before the rest of the world visits." The ancient site has inspired a number of fantasy novels (Image: ) The site closes in December and reopens in April, remaining open daily until the end of October. However, opening hours may vary depending on your visit date. From April, it opens at 10am and closes at 5pm until the end of June. Extended hours are in effect during July and August, with gates closing at 6pm. It's also a budget-friendly outing, with adult tickets priced at £9.90 and children's tickets at £8.50. Entry is free for children aged two and under, but pushchairs are not permitted, as the uneven terrain and moss-covered stones can be difficult to climb through. Article continues below It's also recommended to check the weather before travelling, as the site closes in cases of severe weather. If you fancy making a trip out of it, you can also stay at Puzzlewood, which has holiday cottages available to book near the ancient woodlands. However, they don't allow dogs. For dog-friendly options, Claire recommends staying in the nearby Woofield, although they won't be allowed into Puzzlewood unless they're assistance dogs.
Gulf News
27-01-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Are elderberries the cure-all solution to flu and weight loss? Myths, risks and health benefits explained
Sounding straight out of Lord of The Rings, elderberries are having a moment right now, in the world of wellness and health at least. These curious berries have been celebrated for their rich antioxidant profile and numerous health benefits. From syrups to teas, they have even been marked as remedies for colds, flu and weight loss. Yet, is it all hype and what's true? While elderberries are undeniably nutrient-rich, there's more to the story than meets the eye. What makes elderberries special? Elderberries are packed with a potent mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, explain physicians. Here's a snapshot of their key components: Antioxidants: Elderberries are filled with anthocyanins, the compounds that give them their deep purple hue and help combat oxidative stress. Vitamin C: A single cup of elderberries contains over half of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, essential for a healthy immune system. Dietary fibre: Elderberries are a good source of fibre, which supports digestion and helps maintain gut health. Flavonoids: These plant compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that may support general wellness. The claims versus the evidence Elderberries are often linked to a wide range of health benefits, from improving immunity to aiding in weight loss. However, many of these claims are based on limited or inconclusive evidence. Two small studies published in the Journal of International Medical Research suggest that elderberry supplements may shorten flu symptoms by four days compared to a placebo. Another study found that international travelers who took elderberry supplements before, during, and after their flights recovered faster and experienced fewer cold symptoms. Yet, as quoted by the Washington Post, Michael Macknin, a professor emeritus of pediatrics at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, who was inspired by the results, found that elderberry had no impact on adults and children in the emergency room, who were suffering from flu. Sharmila Desai, a Dubai-based physician, attempts to untangle the hype from fact saying, 'While elderberry products like syrups are often used as natural remedies for colds and flu, clinical evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest that elderberry extract may reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, but these studies are often small and short-term. The results are promising but not strong enough to make definitive recommendations.' She also adds further: It is true, that elderberries are rich in anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for their deep red, blue, or purple hues. These compounds have been associated with potential health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, elderberry has demonstrated antiviral properties in laboratory studies. However, while these findings are promising, more robust research is needed to confirm whether these benefits translate beyond controlled lab environments and into real-world applications. environments and into real-world applications. Another myth to bust. Elderberries are low in calories and high in fibre, which can support overall health, but there's no concrete evidence linking elderberries to significant weight loss. Any perceived benefits are likely indirect and tied to a balanced diet rather than the berry itself. 'There is no shortcut to weight loss and fitness,' says Desai. Furthermore, there are claims that it has an impact on cholesterol. A 2013 study published in Phytotherapy Researc h examined the effect of elderberry juice on cholesterol and found no significant changes in cholesterol levels after a 2-week intervention. In contrast, a 2015 study on mice published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that elderberries helped reduce cholesterol levels in the liver and aorta but did not impact blood cholesterol. Elderberries are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress—an underlying factor in many chronic diseases. Some studies suggest elderberries could support heart health by reducing fat in the blood, lowering cholesterol, and managing blood pressure. Diets rich in flavonoids, such as those found in elderberries, have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Elderberry may also reduce uric acid levels and help regulate blood sugar, but again, the results are mixed. Desai and Mohit Sarna, another Dubai-based physician, agree that while these findings are promising, more robust human studies are needed to confirm elderberry's role in heart disease prevention. However, elderberries alone won't offer substantial long-term health benefits without other healthy lifestyle choices. Why elderberries aren't a cure-all Despite their nutrient density, elderberries cannot be recommended as a treatment for specific health conditions. Here's why: Lack of comprehensive research: While elderberries show potential in some studies, much of the evidence is either preliminary or based on lab tests that don't always translate to real-world effects. No magic bullet: Elderberries are a great addition to a healthy diet, but they cannot replace proven medical treatments or lifestyle changes. Variable quality: The effectiveness of elderberry products can vary widely, depending on factors like preparation, dosage, and additional ingredients, for instance, sugar in syrups. It's also worth noting that raw elderberries, along with their seeds and leaves, contain compounds that can be toxic, if not properly cooked or processed. Consuming raw elderberries can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Always use commercially prepared products or ensure that elderberries are thoroughly cooked before consumption, explain the physicians. Elderberries are undoubtedly nutritious, offering antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre that can support overall wellness. However, they are not a substitute for evidence-based treatments or a shortcut to better health. While you can enjoy elderberries as part of a balanced diet, there isn't enough solid evidence to recommend them for any specific health condition, whether it's colds, weight loss, or immune support. As with any supplement, it's best to approach elderberries with realistic expectations and consult with a healthcare professional before making them a regular part of your routine. Elderberries are a great addition to a healthy lifestyle—but they're not a miracle cure.
