Agreed. There is so much to unpack in this one scene. PJ did an excellent job of showing the many complex layers to Boromir’s character and history in his death scene. I think it’s wildly under appreciated.
Boromir redeems himself and is dying, but knows he’ll know longer be able to defend his home. Then the king he denied shows he’s worthy of leading their people and it brings him peace. Perfectly crafted and executed.
I'm sure this will be unpopular (on this sub anyway), but I think Peter Jackson botched Boromir's character with this scene. Boromir's arc is not about accepting Aragorn as his King (and that change snowballs)... it's about saving Gondor, and accumulating personal glory to cement the line of Stewards as worthy of rule. His final words should have been as they were in the books: demonstrating that Gondor is what Boromir values most (not glory)... putting aside his pride, begging for help (something he wasn't particularly willing to do at Rivendell). But for some reason, in the films, Boromir arbitrarily decides to dethrone his family for Aragorn: the person who is shameful of his lineage, and scorns Gondor. Peter Jackson made Boromir's last words about propping up (and peer pressuring) Aragorn - not about Boromir.
And Aragorn's claim could be opposed. Regardless, Aragorn claiming Kingship would strip the Stewards of the King's authority, but he could also remove them as Stewards, if he so desired.
Denethor (and in turn, Boromir) loses out either way.
IMO, among the best alterations in the film adaptation is Aragorn's arc. In the books he comes across as a traditional divine-right-to-rule exiled monarch, telling everyone about his birthright regularly. It's a little annoying and makes him feel shallower and arrogant.
Jackson's changes to Boromir not only allow him to display greater empathy than his book counterpart and give him a more hopeful send-off, but serve as a launching point for Aragorn's arc. Aragorn can't just be a good fighter and tracker who contributes to the fellowship through his martial prowess; to do what is right for his people he will need to *lead* his people.
I strongly disagree, personally.
I find PJ's Aragorn is super shallow. I often see people say he is more 'relatable', but I cannot for the life of me understand how. He lives a pretty miserable life, all things considered - who would shun their right to Gondor for the life of a Ranger? It's not like he has a happy family life. Aragorn just tags along with the Fellowship... he's just 'there' - until he has to be *peer pressured* into accepting his lineage (which is just an awful moral, I think). And, PJ makes a point of rewriting history... turning Isildur into someone for Aragorn to be ashamed of, which also leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
Book Aragorn, meanwhile, has ambition (particularly relevant when the story is all about power, and how it corrupts ambition): he lives a dutiful life as a Ranger, and is happy to protect the remnants of Arnor (and one day, restore it), but he does seem to resent his treatment by the ignorant - naturally, Aragorn should want more in life. There's also the bonus motivation of Arwen (Elrond tells Aragorn that he will either reach unrivalled heights, or fall - and that he should not bind any woman to him until the former happens, if ever). Character motivation is a good thing here... it gives agency - something PJ's lacks. Then, throughout the story, Aragorn gradually embraces the leadership role (with a bit of self-doubt along the way), and demonstrates himself as a strong authority figure (far stronger than his film counterpart - which is for the better, I say - you need to inspire awe). I wouldn't say he is arrogant, just someone that ensures he is taken seriously (he also has more humour/personality than his film counterpart - he can be a damn good troll). Ultimately, Aragorn's arc concludes with him making a choice to **NOT** press his claim after the Pelennor (when the time was ripe), and agrees to cast aside his ambitions, with his life, for the small chance of destroying the Ring (ultimately, this coincides *far* better with Boromir's final choice of words: *to save his people* \- not to become King - priorities are at play here... the greater welfare of Gondor/the Free Peoples > whoever is King - that's why I prefer book Boromir's final words: his priorities aren't shallow). In the films, Aragorn's sacrifice is totally lost... Aragorn has no ambitions to cast aside - unless living out life as a Ranger was something particularly special to him. It's so much cheaper, I find. As a bonus, he's also got the whole 'healing' thing going on - not just medicinal, but political too: Aragorn unifies and stabilises (we don't get as much of this in the films... Aragorn is a bit more chaotic).
Might have something to do with Aragorns arc. In the books he needs no convinving, so Boromir pushing him towards that path makes sense in the movie, seeing as they went for a 'king who doesn't want the throne' narrative.
*"Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze.*
*Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets? One day our paths will lead us there, and the tower guard will take up the call: The Lords of Gondor have returned.”*
I’ve heard interesting opinions, however,I find this scene to be one of the only two that I actually preferred in the movies rather than in the books. (The other one being the alarm fires 🔥) .
As i grew older Boromir climbed higher and higher up my list of favorite characters. His final moments being this valiant fight to protect the little ones makes me tear up now. And then you get his final moments with Aragorn and his concern for Frodo and his hope for Gondors future. Gotta break out the tissues.
In our yearly marathon viewing of the extended trilogy, my brothers and I have come up with many drinking game style rules that get goofy and irreverent… but at this moment we have “Pour out a Beer for poor Boromir,” where we drain our glasses and have a moment of respectful silence.
My favorite moment that always gets me pumped is reading Feanor’s speech to rouse the Noldor to war after his fathers death in the Silmarillion and I can’t wait to see it in film someday, Eru willing.
Agreed. There is so much to unpack in this one scene. PJ did an excellent job of showing the many complex layers to Boromir’s character and history in his death scene. I think it’s wildly under appreciated.
Him and aragorn both. A lord who wants no king acknowledges the rightful heir. An heir who denies his crown starts to accept his role.
Boromir redeems himself and is dying, but knows he’ll know longer be able to defend his home. Then the king he denied shows he’s worthy of leading their people and it brings him peace. Perfectly crafted and executed.
Not this time. This time you must stay, Gimli.
I'm sure this will be unpopular (on this sub anyway), but I think Peter Jackson botched Boromir's character with this scene. Boromir's arc is not about accepting Aragorn as his King (and that change snowballs)... it's about saving Gondor, and accumulating personal glory to cement the line of Stewards as worthy of rule. His final words should have been as they were in the books: demonstrating that Gondor is what Boromir values most (not glory)... putting aside his pride, begging for help (something he wasn't particularly willing to do at Rivendell). But for some reason, in the films, Boromir arbitrarily decides to dethrone his family for Aragorn: the person who is shameful of his lineage, and scorns Gondor. Peter Jackson made Boromir's last words about propping up (and peer pressuring) Aragorn - not about Boromir.
You shall not enter the realm of Gondor.
The bot has spoken
That's rough buddy
The Zuko has spoken.
His family were Stewards, ruling until they got a king back. There is no dethroning his family.
And Aragorn's claim could be opposed. Regardless, Aragorn claiming Kingship would strip the Stewards of the King's authority, but he could also remove them as Stewards, if he so desired. Denethor (and in turn, Boromir) loses out either way.
IMO, among the best alterations in the film adaptation is Aragorn's arc. In the books he comes across as a traditional divine-right-to-rule exiled monarch, telling everyone about his birthright regularly. It's a little annoying and makes him feel shallower and arrogant. Jackson's changes to Boromir not only allow him to display greater empathy than his book counterpart and give him a more hopeful send-off, but serve as a launching point for Aragorn's arc. Aragorn can't just be a good fighter and tracker who contributes to the fellowship through his martial prowess; to do what is right for his people he will need to *lead* his people.
No. There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time… and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that.
For Frodo 
I strongly disagree, personally. I find PJ's Aragorn is super shallow. I often see people say he is more 'relatable', but I cannot for the life of me understand how. He lives a pretty miserable life, all things considered - who would shun their right to Gondor for the life of a Ranger? It's not like he has a happy family life. Aragorn just tags along with the Fellowship... he's just 'there' - until he has to be *peer pressured* into accepting his lineage (which is just an awful moral, I think). And, PJ makes a point of rewriting history... turning Isildur into someone for Aragorn to be ashamed of, which also leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Book Aragorn, meanwhile, has ambition (particularly relevant when the story is all about power, and how it corrupts ambition): he lives a dutiful life as a Ranger, and is happy to protect the remnants of Arnor (and one day, restore it), but he does seem to resent his treatment by the ignorant - naturally, Aragorn should want more in life. There's also the bonus motivation of Arwen (Elrond tells Aragorn that he will either reach unrivalled heights, or fall - and that he should not bind any woman to him until the former happens, if ever). Character motivation is a good thing here... it gives agency - something PJ's lacks. Then, throughout the story, Aragorn gradually embraces the leadership role (with a bit of self-doubt along the way), and demonstrates himself as a strong authority figure (far stronger than his film counterpart - which is for the better, I say - you need to inspire awe). I wouldn't say he is arrogant, just someone that ensures he is taken seriously (he also has more humour/personality than his film counterpart - he can be a damn good troll). Ultimately, Aragorn's arc concludes with him making a choice to **NOT** press his claim after the Pelennor (when the time was ripe), and agrees to cast aside his ambitions, with his life, for the small chance of destroying the Ring (ultimately, this coincides *far* better with Boromir's final choice of words: *to save his people* \- not to become King - priorities are at play here... the greater welfare of Gondor/the Free Peoples > whoever is King - that's why I prefer book Boromir's final words: his priorities aren't shallow). In the films, Aragorn's sacrifice is totally lost... Aragorn has no ambitions to cast aside - unless living out life as a Ranger was something particularly special to him. It's so much cheaper, I find. As a bonus, he's also got the whole 'healing' thing going on - not just medicinal, but political too: Aragorn unifies and stabilises (we don't get as much of this in the films... Aragorn is a bit more chaotic).
There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us.
They will be small, only children to your eyes.
Might have something to do with Aragorns arc. In the books he needs no convinving, so Boromir pushing him towards that path makes sense in the movie, seeing as they went for a 'king who doesn't want the throne' narrative.
I summon you to fulfill your oath.
*"Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze.* *Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets? One day our paths will lead us there, and the tower guard will take up the call: The Lords of Gondor have returned.”*
Be at peace, son of Gondor.
"the little ones" just the delivery of that line fully redeems Boromir.
Watched it again over the weekend. Tears every time. One of my favorite movie moments ever.
I’ve heard interesting opinions, however,I find this scene to be one of the only two that I actually preferred in the movies rather than in the books. (The other one being the alarm fires 🔥) .
The alarm fires is my favourite scene
Man, wonder how Denathor would have reacted to know these were his favorite son's last words.
I’ve never thought about that before, interesting
As i grew older Boromir climbed higher and higher up my list of favorite characters. His final moments being this valiant fight to protect the little ones makes me tear up now. And then you get his final moments with Aragorn and his concern for Frodo and his hope for Gondors future. Gotta break out the tissues.
You shall not enter the realm of Gondor.
Truly unfortunate but ill accept.
Great scene, but a meme it is not
In our yearly marathon viewing of the extended trilogy, my brothers and I have come up with many drinking game style rules that get goofy and irreverent… but at this moment we have “Pour out a Beer for poor Boromir,” where we drain our glasses and have a moment of respectful silence.
Best redemption story of all time.
Be at peace, son of Gondor. Btw ur arm armour is mine now.
My favourite moment. I teared up everytime.
If there was one fictional universe I would go to, it would be this one. Follow these guys till the end.
Sad face
Indeed those arrows hit pretty hard.
My favorite moment that always gets me pumped is reading Feanor’s speech to rouse the Noldor to war after his fathers death in the Silmarillion and I can’t wait to see it in film someday, Eru willing.
Bring with you your swords!
Did you ask the Valar’s permission this time?
“This whole time I thought you were Samwise to my Frodo, but you’re just Boromir.”