Noted screenwriter and producer Philippa Boyens speaks with That Shelf’s Managing Editor Emma Badame about this latest big-screen iteration of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the anime fantasy film tells the story of Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox), a legendary king of Rohan, his rebellious daughter Héra (Gaia Wise), and their family as they defend their kingdom against another faction of their countrymen.

Boyens is perhaps best known for co-writing the screenplay for the original Lord of the Rings live-action series and the three-part Hobbit prequels, as well as Peter Jackson’s other recent cinematic offerings King Kong and The Lovely Bones. For The War of the Rohirrim, the scribe turned to Tolkien’s footnotes and medieval history for inspiration and centred her story on a young woman looking to forge her distinctive destiny despite long-standing Roheric tradition, recent tragedy and mounting unrest.

It’s a personal coming-of-age tale and epic adventure all rolled into one, set apart by the decision to trade the usual gorgeous New Zealand locations for striking animated visuals. Kamiyama’s distinctive anime style breathes new life into Rohan, its vast landscapes, and distinctive Anglo-Saxon trappings. Add to that the film’s inspired voice cast, with Cox and Wise surrounded by an excellent supporting cast led by the always-stellar Lorraine Ashbourne as Héra’s tough nursemaid Olwyn, and this latest entry into the Rings saga breaks new ground while paying homage to Middle-earth we all know and have come to love.

Watch the full interview below:

NOTE: For Tolkien aficionados, please excuse my slip-up near the end when I say Rohir instead of Rohan. I changed thoughts mid-stream and instead of Rohirric, I ended up with a mish-mash of the two!

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim rides into theatres on December 13.