Best Death #1- Boromir (Lord of the Rings)

Published February 27, 2006 in Best Death

By Ryan Parsons | Image property of New Line Cinema

Boromir (Sean Bean)

While discussing films with a few buddies it came to our attention that the death of a major or minor character can be a culminating event in how an audience views a film. After discussing a few examples and the effects of said examples on each appropriate film, it was decided that the deaths of on-screen characters make one heck of a topic.

Therefore, here is the first of many articles for our new editorial-- "Best Death."

Boromir Gets Pin-Cushioned in Fellowship of the Ring

In Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring we encounter the character Boromir played by Sean Bean. Boromir is a 'son of Gondor' and eldest son to the last ruling Steward of Gondor, Denethor. Boromir was a skilled warrior whose skills helped him rise through the ranks and become a Captain of the White Tower.

Due to his rank and his bloodline, Boromir was selected to join a secret meeting held in the Elf-city of Rivendell; Boromir's brother, Faramir, opted to go but Denethor wouldn't have it. The meeting was designed to create a small, specialized, group to help combat Sauron by secretly delivering the one ring to the fires of Mount Doom. After much debate, Boromir became one of two human men, the other being Aragorn, to join the 'Fellowship of the Ring.'

During the meeting Boromir learns that Aragorn is Isildur's Heir and the true king of Gondor; something that Boromir refuses to accept.

From the moment the fellowship sets out on their quest Boromir's desire to do his father's bidding and protect Gondor consumes him into wanting the ring for his cause. When the group finally reaches the bank of Parth Galen, Boromir takes it upon himself to steal the ring from Frodo while out gathering kindle. Boromir betrays the Fellowship at this moment and is left to realize that it was the ring that controlled his hand. Before any of the Fellowship had time to react the entire party falls under attack by Saruman's Uruk-hai. Pippen and Merry, left helpless, find themselves stuck between approaching Uruk-hai before Boromir appears to protect them.

In the battle between Boromir and the Uruk-hai, the Captain of Gondor proves his battle prowess and is able to keep the approaching army at bay for some time. However, Boromir was no match for the bow. While holding off his enemy Boromir gets struck in the chest with one of three arrows that eventually take his life. Eventhough the character is mortally wounded, he is able to stand up (twice) and continues to swing down his enemy.

Aragorn later arrives to the scene (after dealing with his own Urak-hai) to see the body of Boromir and the missing hobbits. Though Boromir had been in denial about Aragorn's birthright throughout the entire film, he slowly learns (through action) that Aragorn is truly the king of Gondor. In his final words, Boromir lets this be known.

Boromir: They took the little ones.

Aragorn: Be still.

Boromir: Frodo, where is Frodo?

Aragorn: I let Frodo go.

Boromir: Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the Ring from him.

Aragorn: The Ring is beyond our reach now.

Boromir: Forgive me, I did not see it. I have failed you all.

Aragorn: No, Boromir, you fought bravely! You have kept your honor. (goes to grab arrow)

Boromir: Leave it! It is over. The world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness... and my city to ruin.

Aragorn: I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the white city fall, nor our people fail!

Boromir: Our people? Our people.

Boromir: I would have followed you my brother, my captain, my king! (Boromir passes away)

Aragorn: Be at peace, son of Gondor.

With so many lines of dialogue during ones passing there is a higher probability of creating a scene that doesn't come off true and strong. However, thanks to solid performances from both Viggo Mortensen and Sean Bean, the scene serves as the uber-conclusion to a great film.

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Compiled By (Sources)

Ryan Parsons
Sources: Image property of New Line Cinema
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