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Originaly from: Africa’s premier football tournament is underway in Tunisia with some of the continent’s top stars on display Fans from across Africa have travelled to the Mediterranean coast to cheer on their favourites. But how important is the event? Does it receive the respect it deserves? Why not have your say on all these issues with Africa’s top interactive programme, BBC Africa Live! On Wednesday, when the group games come to a close, join Farayi Mungazi in Tunisia as he takes your calls and comments. What is your view of how the rest of the world sees the tournament? Why is there a constant drone of complaints from European managers about the date of the tournament? Should it be moved? Should they simply accept its place in the global footballing calendar? What about the other stories that have sprung out of the 24th edition of the Cup of Nations, for example: Rwanda’s search for players across the continent; Frederick Kanoute playing for Mali after representing France at youth level; And the fanaticism of the fans who’ve gathered in Tunisia. All these issues and more will be discussed on Africa Live on Wednesday 4 February at 1630 and 1830GMT. Use the form to send us your comments, some of which will be published below. If you would like to take part in the discussion, e-mail us with your telephone number, which will not be published. I personally dont think the Cup of Nations is respected. The reason I say this is because BBC’S coverage is far from being adequate. I mean there isn’t even a picture gallery present like the Australian Open or the European open… All in all the coverage is a few sandwiches short of a picnic. Ashfaq Hassanali, Kenya Africa does not need to worry about what the rest of the world think about the Cup of Nations Tournament. The importance of this tournament is understood only by the African, is an event that is close African hearts and minds because is the uniting force of the continent, and is a moment when Africans get together and share their common heritage. Is not about economics, I know that’s what get the attention and ‘respect’ of BBC. BBC is just trying to do what they do best - ’stereotyping’ - trying so hard to cast a cloud over the African Nations Cup because the BBC is not making a lot of money from the tournament. Jackson Phillip, United States I was looking forward to watching the AFC this year with all the spirit and crowds. This tournament I have watched three games and seen a goal and the matches were of low quality and dull. There is barely anyone there for games - even when Tunisia play there is just over 1,000 people there in one group when there could be 20,000. Tunisia 2004, a dissapointment. Joe WAllen, England I honestly don’t think the Cup of Nations is being respected. Look at the poor media coverage. In the US and UK little or nothing is mentioned about the ongoing competition. I guess it is because this is a third world affair and is of NO significance. HORATIO JAMES, SIERRA LEONE The African Cup of Nations is the highest tournament in Africa and we attach much importance to it. The complaints from managers in Europe about players coming home to serve their national teams in this tournament is unneccessary. When buying talents from Africa, they should make provision for this prestigious event. It’s like asking Beckham not to captain the England Side to UEFA championships. On Kanoute, I believe he should not play for Mali since he has played for France before. You can’t have your cake and eat it. Africans are lively and the celebrations in Tunisia are just part of our nature. Despite hunger, poverty, civil wars, and mismanagement, we still find time to let off steam. Paul Oluikpe, Nigeria The African Cup of Nations is respected, and very important to the overall goals of African unity. All across Africa, people are glued to the current tournament. It’s extremely important that Africans, from various walks of life and economic backgrounds respect and cherish it highly. When we do that, the rest of the world will follow. No one will respect you if you don’t respect yourself as my late Dad used to tell me. I’ve been glued to every BBC broadcast and news clippings from Tunisia since first kickoff. I’m disappointed that I cannot get TV broadcast of the games here in America but thanks to BBC, I’m keeping up with all the action. Gayvorlor, Liberia/USA I can guarantee that there is a contingent of scouts from major European soccer clubs watching every game in Tunisia. The Africa is of great importance to every African, as every African country covets the the desire to attain the title of Africa’s champions. Unlike the South American Tournament, The Africa Cup of Nations is not intended to be a bonanza of under-twenty-three soccer players seeking contracts with European Nations; the Africa Cup of Nations is meant to demonstrate the breadth and depth of African soccer in its entirety. G. Mutaya Msisha, Malawi It’s clear that the Nations cup is not taken seriously. We see a lot of split loyalities between club and country and also player’s greed, .i.e the top stars often miss the tournaments because of ill discipline or european club exploitation. It might be the case that the players think they are too big for African football both on and off the field as well as european manipulation. yakub muhammad, living in u.k (but from south africa) First of all, I think the African Players in Europe or America must show a greater concern & respect for the tournament. If only this aspect is taken care of then all other issues such as Club versus Country will be put aside. Europeans embrace European tournaments, Americans will die for American leagues. We Africans need to show respect & appreciate what we have and there then the world will respect & honor our traditions, leagues and/or tournaments. It’s a shame to learn about lack of manners with some of our professionals at the tournament, yet these group of professionals will not act in the same manner or tone at their club levels.They will do whatever it takes to make club managers happy but not your own country. Money being the roots of all evil and these professionals now in the capacity of having fat bank accounts compared to their struggling days in the land of Africa, do not want to be dictated by African countries but European Managers. Our Attitudes must change. Thanks to Frederick Kanoute & the the rest for setting a good example. Lamin Touray (Madison,WI. United States) LaminTouray, Gambia As long as the rules are respected that is OK for teams to naturalize players or accept players with double . As for the case of Rwanda, these accusations are baseless since until recently more than 3 million Rwandans mainly of Tutsi refugees living in exile were virtually in every country of the six continents. That doesn’t make children of Rwandans born abroad less Rwandans. Source of rumours? Most likely revisionists and authors or fanatics of the tragic the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda. The idea of reconciliation, repatriation of the refugees and a shining of better kind for Rwanda irritates them. Football is definitely another tool for bridging differences and uniting people who choose to belong together. It is really up to the players to play with whom they want especially if the rules permit that. Look at the mosaic of players in Europe or other continents. Vive the Mondialization and the magic powers of Sports to Unite! Andre Andre Ruhigisha, Canada Kwame Boakye, Berekum,Ghana The African Cup of Nations is very dear to every true African. This is because on our continent the ‘global leather’ is one of the few sources of entertainment considering the poverty and civil wars we engaged ourselves in. I am proud that despite the language and cultural diversity football is able to unite us Africans in one body and soul in the name of sportsmanship! Maxwell Eyram Afari, Ghanaian@Brazil EUFA clubs must take a winter break to allow us Africans to fight for the most prestigious tournament on the continent. The African Nations Cup is here to stay and will only get better with time espeacilly since players are now allowed to change Nationalities. This will help especially in the next World Cup when an African team will reach the Finals for the first time. Eddie Muchineripi, Canada It is quite annoying that we Africans just have to accept what the europeans want. Europeans have stolen Africa’s wealth - the same Europeans are trying to control Africa’s economical and political affairs. Now they want to control the social and cultural by saying the date of the tournament to be moved. Time has come for Africans to wake up and deal our issues without these parasites interfering in our affairs. mohammed, Somalia I think it is sheer hypocrasy and disrespect for African football when these pseudo-managers complain about the timing of the African Nations’ Cup. If they do not want to release these players when their service is needed by their countries, they should better not hire them. These are the guys who bring pride to these clubs. I have never heard of an instance when a club refuses to liberate a player for a European championship or even a friendly. That is real big time disrespect for African football and it is time FIFA should make it known to these guys in Europe. Godwill Tach, Cameroon One suspects the question is being asked because of the disdain shown by some European club coaches. For us Africans, we do not need their acceptance to confer respect. WE respect it, for us that is enough. In time, the rest of the football world will come to respect it too. Ade Daramy, Sierra Leone/UK I think CAF has to re-define the technical merits and de-merits of the African Cup of Nations. Not much is known about it in the diaspora, especially in the USA where I live. Additionally, African players in other big leagues around the world should be granted unhindered access for their respective countries. Universal publicity is another way to put momentum into the game. We are watching! Michael Bobby Bull, Liberia I do believe this tournament deserves all due respects without any preconditions whatsoever. Just like the World Cup, the European Cup, etc, take place at their respective dates and time so should the African Cup of Nations. European Managers should learn to live with the time of this event and not change anything that is a part of us. Rufus K Johnson Portland, Oregon USA Rufus K. Johnson, Liberian (living in Portland, Oregon USA Respected by whom? To any African, it is our pride and joy to watch our countries perform in this tournament, but to the rest of the world, the first question to ask is do they respect Africa? If they don’t, then it goes without saying that they wouldn’t respect the Africn cup of nations. Kelechi Ohiri, Nigeria I believe it has got more respect in the past eight years, it has even started to have media coverage in sport channels of USA. I also believe that the date should be moved to the summer and the calender rests in odd years, in case it clashes with World Cup. Sambaw, USA European managers see African players as a meal ticket, that is all. Which is why they throw a fit when the Nations Cup is on. They are only worried about their commissions. I am always very happy to hear that big African players have come back home to play and personally, cannot wait for the day when our boys won’t have to leave home to play abroad, but will have all the incentive to remain and play on the continent. We need strong African football leagues that offer serious financial compensation to our boys. We can’t wait for our governments to organise and so we need African entrepreneurs to invest their money in home leagues. Things cannot change on their own. People have to sacrifice and make it happen. Wambui, Kenya Your question should be answered by the African Heads of States. As long as most of them and their governments remain corrupt and allow the Western world to control the African economy, only Africans will respect their cup of nations. Francois Parker, Sierra Leone The Cup of Nations is a very important tournament not only to Africans, but the entire world and the game called “Football”. How much more importance could be attributed to a championship that parades a league of talented footballers that ply their trade in the world’s most advanced and lucrative clubs? When you consider the recent debacles between Clubs and Nations prior to this competion, the lack of sponsors and coverage, it would be an overstatement to say that the Cup of Nations is getting the derserved respect. Godfrey Iyke nwosu, Thailand. I think the term ‘merceneries’ used against Amavubi was unfortunate one. France has never referred to using that nor other countries like USA that have so many naturalised players. It means all the people used to prepare the team, efforts of true Rwandans like Jimmy Gatete (a Tutsi) and Hamad Ndikumana (a Hutu), have been watered down. So all good players like Mboanbucya, Karekezi are pure Rwandans. RK, Uganda I dont think we get the respect that’s due. Some clubs are not willing to let their players go and represent their beloved countries, which is not fair at all for we Africans deserve to see the best of African players playing abroad - just like they like to see their players play in the European cup or any other tournament for that matter. chirangano, england It is no longer respected as before. Several reasons account for this: Most national leagues are not invested in by big sponors; almost all the young stars now want to migrate to greener pastures; most African FAs do not put the game’s interest first; big clubs that have African players do not respect their committment to the release of these players in time.The list goes on. Momo F.Turay, scotland Much ado about nothing. I have never nor will I ever understand all the frenzy that accompanies these football matches. What is so exciting about 22 grown men kicking a piece of leather all over? Mary Wanjiku, Germany The African Cup of Nations is a very important event, even though for some strange reason it is not given the attention it deserves. It is simply because there is no fat package associated with it, yet it is the avenue through which all African stars pass through. Justus Osano, Kenya While I feel the rest of the ordinary people may not take any notice of the African Nations Cup, I strongly feel those actively involved in soccer management take the Nations tournament seriously as it is their chance to pounce on the best African talent which is cheaper. On the issue of the timing of the tournament I feel it’s a shame because that’s a clear lack of respect of the African Nations Cup. Unless it suits the Africans I don’t think it is fair to force the timing of the competitions to suit other people’s egos. Instead Fifa and Caf should work together to ensure that individual African countries are not bulldozed by clubs to satisfy their own achievements. Above all the African Nations is really African and you cannot afford to ignore the colourful atmosphere unless you have no a sense of fun and feelings. Nathan Ndau, UK All that American media depicts of the great continent of Africa is war and starvation. The fact that even the cable televisions in US can not show the Cup of Nations is an all too obvious sign of the systematic scheme of the media here in America to play down the beauty, wealth and potential that Africa has. Tighil Moses, Chicago, USA Though they might want to discount it, they can’t argue with the level of talent. The European managers still view us as second class. Colonialism might be over but the mindset of these people is still 30 years ago. This is without a doubt one of the pemier soccer events in the world. We are here to stay. Also Africa deserves more teams in the World Cup. tinasche, zimbabwe The African Cup of Nations despite it being a showcase of some of the worlds best players, is yet to achieve the respect it deserves from the rest of the world. Africa is often treated as though it dosen’t exist on the world map by our western collegues. Not only is that a mistake but it also defeats the purpose of building bridges in the spirit of football. Setor Ablordeppey, United States Respected by whom? The players are respected by their country men and their competitors. Does it matter if it does not receive the same attention as the European soccer leagues? Nope. Yosef, It’s so unfortunate that Africa feeds Europe with so much talent adding quality to their respective leagues yet the European clubs will not even let their African players take part in the all important African event. Representing one’s country is very important for every individual just like the Olympics. Themba Ndlovu, Switzerland/Zimbabwe In my view this is a tournament for Africa by Africans and whatever Europeans, Americans, Asians, or South Americans think about it doesn’t matter. As Africans we should not wait for others to validate what we have created .As long as Africans love and respect this tournament then what the rest of the world thinks about it is irrelevant. Boy, I love and it is wonderful. LAWRENCE, USA The African Cup of Nations is respected because it is one of the most favourite sports on the continent and draws a crowd as any other sports does. As a sports lover myself and a player of the game I would like to see more privatisation in African soccer clubs what would enhance quality football in Africa. SIR STEPHEN W.VAYE, USA The tournament is very important to most Africans. If only you could witness the joy and laughter Africans inherent from this tournament, then you know what I mean. This time is when most Africans can just sit there for a moment and enjoy life. Does matter what Europeans think? Given Kachepa, USA, Zambian Yes, I think the African Cup of Nations is well respected mainly thanks to the good players who play their football in Europe. I think the BBC is doing a great job by giving us the chance to watch African football but choosing to show the Cameroun vrs Zimbabwe game on tv instead of the big derby between Algeria and Egypt was the wrong choice. Mohammed, Algeria The Nations Cup is obviously not repsected at all if we are always having problems with the club vrs country debate. Especially also when it is obvious that the tournament is made for West and North Africans. How many timeshas the tournament been hosted in Central, East& Southern Africa? Digoz, Africa When I was in Uganda they played barefoot and were still thrashing the Europeans. I think the Europeans should get over the fact that they are not the only ones in the world. Izzy, UK With the cry from many football managers from England in paticular, it’s quite clear the rest of the world is yet to warm up to our African version of the World Cup. For many managers in Europe, it has no place on FIFA’s calender date simply because it’s an african affair. The Nations Cup is here to stay and will out last their boring European Cup any day. Aniak, Nigeria/ Cameroon I think the match fixtures were a bit unfair because smaller nations who have made it to the Cup of Nations for the first time were given very tough and experienced teams which clearly undermines their confidence. Issa, Zimbabwe In my opinion the Nations Cup isn’t respected, this is really unfair considering that this is about the only chance that smaller footballing nations like Kenya, Zimbabwe, Benin and Rwanda (to mention just a few) can expose their budding talents to the outside world. And I must say that some african deserve a knock for the shoddy way they treat the Nations Cup, Nigeria’s so - called super stars come to mind. Tom Ayeni, Lagos Nigeria No doubt that the Cup of Nations is the most important sporting event in Africa and all of Africa respect it. But the question one should ask is why BBC World Television and most western media do not even mention it in their sports news? Thomas, Cameroon I am so disappointed that Zambia is not in this year’s tournament. I put my dollars on Nigeria winning the cup. Edith Siwale, Chicago, USA I think the Cup of Nations serves as a unifying factor for the people of Africa. It also prepares some of the nations for the World Cup. Personally, I don’t see any reason why this question should be raised in the first place, it is like questioning the importance of European Cup or the World cup. The Nations Cup has produced so many great players who cannot be ignored in the history of football. I think it goes beyond ‘respect’, we love it, we look forward to it. Bamidele Adebisi, Lancaster, UK Is the Cup of Nations respected? Perhaps we should ask, by whom? By Africans yes, but by the rest of the world no! Each time african countries want their European based players to come and be part of the preparations, there are excuses from their clubs. They would rather the guy broke his leg playing for the club than go and captain his team in training. Look at the debacle in South Africa? Mr Mashaba was right! Why consider a bunch of players whose first loyality is with club and not country. Richard D Munsaka, Zimbabwe We Africans have a very high regard for the tournament. , European clubs find it hard to release african-based professionals because of the strategic role that some players play in their respective teams. It’s up to FIFA to schedule the timing in fine tune the competition with the rest of the world footballing calendar. Even in the Arab World, it is given a wide coverage. Unisa Kanu, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A lot of countries outside Africa don’t give the Cup of Nations the respect it deserves.I have not even seen one highlight on the Canadian sports channel when they feature world sport. Is Africa not part of the world? The Cup of Nations is among the biggest and most important tournaments in the world and we deserve some respect and airtime. Ali, Canada The West has consistently undermined anything African. Therefore the Cup of Nations is no exception. However, I give credit to the BBC for its’ unflinching support and the exposure it gives the African Cup of Nations. Boney Eze, USA If I am missing anything here in New York it is the African Cup of Nations tournarment. Ikegwuonu Ifeanyi, USA As a sports lover myself and a player of the game, I would like to see more privatization in African soccer clubs that would enchance quality of football on the continent. Respect for soccer on the continent will come only if the teams are well managed and the players’ interest are preserved. Sir Stephen W. Vaye, USA While the Cup of Nations does not enjoy worldwide coverage its profile has steadily been on the rise. Eurosport shows live games and the BBC has comprehensive daily coverage both on TV and over the internet. European leagues are having to contend with the departure of African palyers, this inevitably makes the tournament an issue for European coaches and football fans. Despite all the gimmicks European clubs put up to hold to their African players for as long they can, they do respect the need for these players to represent their countries. Nuesiri Emmanuel, Oxford, UK I think this question should be presented to the Europeans, because Africans all over the world are glue to the TV watching the action of the Cup of Nations. Omar Fahnbulleh, USA via Liberia My best team in the African Cup of Nations is Nigeria, I hope they win. Go Nigeria! Putu, Liberia To some degree, European managers have been irrational regarding their demand about the tournament date. What they need to know is Africa is not Europe. Tugbe Sulureh, United States The complained by the European Managers,over the date is valid. It should be moved. Hassan Inuwa, Nigeria I would like to express my with other continents like the United States, for their lack of concern and interest where coverage of this year’s Cup of Nations is concerned! I mean I am a Zambian based in the US but I am afraid to say I am disappointed with the news media here. The fact that it is an African festival they have chosen to deliberately ignore it! But when it comes to controversial issues that aim at degrading and defaming the continent, news like poverty and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, they are the first to be on paper to confirm of the facts. Why? That ain’t right, something somewhere stinks and I do not like it. Stephen Mbita, Zambia I don’t blame the European managers for complaining. The African Nations Cup is not their concern, keeping their teams in their respective leagues or winning domestic trophies is. Ted, Nigeria European Managers should understand that Africans has the right to decide when to host their tournament. How come they release all the European players to their various countries and withhold African players when it is time for them to play for their country. If it is not a betrayal, I wonder what it is. Chukwuemeka Osuigwe, Nigerian in South Africa The African Nations Cup Tournament remains a far cry from what it should have been! Africa obviously has more soccer stars and professionals than Europe, and it is this same group of African professionals that give the European league its touch. Kabir Damola, Nigeria Obviously it does attract the kind of attention and exposure a similar competition in Europe would. If the likes of Harry Redknapp (Manager of Premiership club, Portsmouth) can openly say “I do not give a damn about African Cup of nations” regardless of the context, then CAF and FIFA still has a long way to go in convincing football clubs and organisations on the need for the competition. Respect, I’m afraid is light years away. Borgyn, UK I don’t seem to understand the problem with European managers. I must however admit that they may have a case but it does not altogether mean that they should treat the cup of nations with levity and disdain. John, Nigeria Is the Cup of Nations respected? I apologise if I have missed the point but the question to me seems to have been deliberately tailored to insinuate the notion that the African Cup of Nations isn’t that important after all? Given Chansa, UK I think the Tournament should be staged every four years but still at the same period as it is now, that from January to February. I believe it should also be used for deciding the continent’s to World cup finals. Kola Azeez, Nigeria I don’t think the Cup of Nations gets the respect it deserves, even though some of the world’s best players are taking part. I have a short example, from Eurosport TV over the weekend, the English speaking commentators, were discussing the English premiership over the live game from the Nations Cup, it lasted for 10 to 15minutes. I think that is unacceptable from the commentators, you don’t see them doing the same things when they show a live car race in Brazil. Yonas Amanuel, UK It seems that anything to do with Africa always gets downgraded and insulting, the European clubs should respect the Africa Cup of Nations as they do with others. There is lack of respect for African sport events but if you look at all the major leagues, there are world Class Africa players piling their trades abroad or even representing those countries, players such as Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry just to name but a few. Hence, the Europeans should respect the Africa Cup Of Nations and stop degrading it as meaningless. C. Williams, UK Football has been a uniting factor in most African countries. In west Africa, Liberia in particular, bullets would seize to fly about just because Liberia with George Weah as Captain would be playing another country in Monrovia. All the rebels would sneak into the capital as civilians to watch football. Immediately the match is over, bullets would resume flying around in Liberia. Having said this, currently, the Africa Cup of nations runs concurrently with the European league thereby depriving some foreign clubs their much needed talented players in an event that such players from Africa are called for national duties. This has brought confusion and in certain instances clubs or countries have imposed sanctions on respective players, who fail to adhere to either, their countries call or club commitments. My only appeal to CAF is to harmonise the continental cup in line with the European league out of season. This issue will only be sorted out when CAF puts its house in order. How can you have one person running CAF for 16 years as President? No new ideas can be articulated by such a person. Aubrey Chindefu, Zambia. The African Nations Cup still finds no place in Europe and America today. European managers are only interested in holding African players while the press concentrates on HIV/AIDS. Sven Jammy, Congolese in Germany I personally don’t think the Cup of Nations is respected. The reason I say this is because BBC’S coverage is far from being adequate. I mean there isn’t even a picture gallery present like the Australian Open or the European open… All in all the coverage is a few sandwiches short of a picnic. Ashfaq Hassanali, Kenya Africa does not need to worry about what the rest of the world think about the Cup of Nations tournament. Its importance is understood only by the Africans, is an event that is close to African hearts and minds because it is the uniting force of the continent, and is a moment when Africans get together and share their common heritage. It’s not about economics, I know that’s what gets the attention and ‘respect’ of BBC. The BBC is just trying to do what they do best - ’stereotyping’ - trying so hard to cast a cloud over the African Nations Cup because the BBC is not making a lot of money from the tournament. Jackson Phillip, United States The African Cup of Nations is respected, and very important to the overall goals of African unity. All across Africa, people are glued to the current tournament. It’s extremely important that Africans, from various walks of life and economic backgrounds respect and cherish it highly. When we do that, the rest of the world will follow. No one will respect you if you don’t respect yourself as my late dad used to tell me. I’ve been glued to every BBC broadcast and news clippings from Tunisia since first kickoff. I’m disappointed that I cannot get TV broadcast of the games here in America but thanks to BBC, I’m keeping up with all the action. Gayvorlor, Liberia/USA I honestly don’t think the Cup of Nations is being respected. Look at the poor media coverage. In the US and UK little or nothing is mentioned about the ongoing competition. I guess it is because this is a third world affair and is of NO significance. Horatio James, Sierra Leone I was looking forward to watching the Cup finals this year with all the spirit and crowds. This tournament I have watched three games and seen a goal and the matches were of low quality and dull. There is barely anyone there for games - even when Tunisia play there is just over 1,000 people there in one group when there could be 20,000. Tunisia 2004, a disappointment. Joe WAllen, England The African Cup of Nations is the highest tournament in Africa and we attach much importance to it. The complaints from managers in Europe about players coming home to serve their national teams in this tournament is unnecessary. It’s like asking Beckham not to captain the England side during UEFA championships. On Kanoute, I believe he should not play for Mali since he has played for France before. You can’t have your cake and eat it. Africans are lively and the celebrations in Tunisia are just part of our nature. Despite hunger, poverty, civil wars, and mismanagement, we still find time to let off steam. Paul Oluikpe, Nigeria I can guarantee that there is a contingent of scouts from major European soccer clubs watching every game in Tunisia. The tournament is of great importance to every African, as every African country covets the the desire to attain the title of Africa’s champions. Unlike the South American Tournament, The Africa Cup of Nations is not intended to be a bonanza of under 23 soccer players seeking contracts with European Nations; the Africa Cup of Nations is meant to demonstrate the breadth and depth of African soccer in its entirety. G. Mutaya Msisha, Malawi It’s clear that the Nations cup is not taken seriously. We see a lot of split loyalties between club and country and also player’s greed, top stars often miss the tournaments because of lack of discipline or exploitation by European clubs. It might be the case that the players think they are too big for African football both on and off the field as well as European manipulation. Yakub Muhammad, South African in UK First of all, I think the African players in Europe or America must show a greater concern and respect for the tournament. If only this aspect is taken care of then all other issues such as club versus country will be put aside. Europeans embrace European tournaments, Americans will die for American leagues. We Africans need to show respect and appreciate what we have and there then the world will respect and honour our traditions, leagues and tournaments. It’s a shame to learn about some of our professionals who will do whatever it takes to make their club managers happy but not their own country. These professionals now in the capacity of having fat bank accounts abroad, do not want to be dictated to by African countries but European Managers. Thanks to Frederick Kanoute and the rest for setting a good example. LaminTouray, Gambia As long as the rules are respected that is OK for teams to naturalize players or accept players with double nationalities. As for the case of Rwanda, these accusations are baseless since until recently more than three million Rwandese mainly of Tutsi refugees living in exile were virtually in every country of the six continents. That doesn’t make children of Rwandese born abroad less Rwandan. Source of rumours? Most likely revisionists and authors or fanatics of the tragic the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda. Andre Ruhigisha, Canada Kwame Boakye, Berekum,Ghana The African Cup of Nations is very dear to every true African. This is because on our continent the ‘global leather’ is one of the few sources of entertainment considering the poverty and civil wars we engaged ourselves in. I am proud that despite the language and cultural diversity football is able to unite us Africans in one body and soul in the name of sportsmanship! Maxwell Eyram Afari, Ghanaian in Brazil UEFA clubs must take a winter break to allow us Africans to fight for the most prestigious tournament on the continent. The African Nations Cup is here to stay and will only get better with time especially since players are now allowed to change Nationalities. This will help especially in the next World Cup when an African team will reach the Finals for the first time. Eddie Muchineripi, Canada It is quite annoying that we Africans just have to accept what the Europeans want. Europeans have stolen Africa’s wealth - the same Europeans are trying to control Africa’s economic and political affairs. Now they want to control the social and cultural events by saying the date of the tournament be moved. Time has come for Africans to wake up and deal with our issues without these parasites interfering in our affairs. Mohammed, Somalia I think it is sheer hypocrisy and disrespect for African football when these pseudo-managers complain about the timing of the African Nations Cup. If they do not want to release these players when their service is needed by their countries, they had better not hire them. These are the guys who bring pride to these clubs. I have never heard of an instance when a club refuses to liberate a player for a European championship or even a friendly. That is real big time disrespect for African football and it is time FIFA should make it known to these guys in Europe. Godwill Tach, Cameroon One suspects the question is being asked because of the disdain shown by some European club coaches. For us Africans, we do not need their acceptance to confer respect. We respect it, for us that is enough. In time, the rest of the football world will come to respect it too. Ade Daramy, Sierra Leone/UK I think CAF has to re-define the technical merits and de-merits of the African Cup of Nations. Not much is known about it in the diaspora, especially in the USA where I live. Additionally, African players in other big leagues around the world should be granted unhindered access for their respective countries. Universal publicity is another way to put momentum into the game. We are watching! Michael Bobby Bull, Liberia I do believe this tournament deserves all due respect without any pre-conditions whatsoever. Just like the World Cup, the European Cup, etc, take place at their respective dates and time so should the African Cup of Nations. European Managers should learn to live with the time of this event and not change anything that is a part of us. Rufus K. Johnson, Liberian in USA Respected by whom? To any African, it is our pride and joy to watch our countries perform in this tournament, but to the rest of the world, the first question to ask is do they respect Africa? If they don’t, then it goes without saying that they wouldn’t respect the African cup of nations. Kelechi Ohiri, Nigeria

Director Peter Jackson’s cinematic retelling of The Lord of the Rings ends with The Return of the King.

At the end of the second Rings movie, The Two Towers, Jackson let us hang on the realisation the truly dark times were yet to come.

Though the wizard Saruman’s army had been despatched at the Battle of Helm’s Deep and his fortress at Isengard laid to ruin, this battle had been merely a sideshow.

In Mordor, the evil Sauron was stirring, building up his armies. And two of the central characters, hobbits Frodo and Sam, were getting ever closer to destroying the Ring central to the tale, unaware their ghoulish guide Gollum was plotting their demise.

The Return of the King opens with a flashback to the days when Gollum - Smeagol as he was known then - found the Ring, and how its evil power slowly transformed him into a twisted, cave-dwelling creature.

Spine-tingling

It gives an extra touch of humanity to the pitiable creature even if he ultimately desires Sam and Frodo dead.

After this the next 40 minutes of the film drag slightly, feeling like bits cobbled together that were left over from the previous film.

But the rest of the movie is worth the wait, transfixing with every scene.

The Return of the King brings an overwhelming air of expectation and of consequence - and in almost every sense it dwarfs what has come before.

The battles make The Two Towers pale by comparison

The film, like its previous two instalments, takes many liberties with JRR Tolkien’s text, but it does so judiciously.

Jackson has done it because he wants us to be be utterly embroiled in the story. He succeeds.

Frodo’s gradual disintegration thanks to the Ring - and the menace from some foes on the road to Mordor - give his quest crushing pathos.

The viewer is wholly engrossed in the fear whether Frodo can survive long enough to destroy the Ring - or whether it will destroy him.

Meanwhile, the rest of the main characters are embroiled in the war against Sauron’s forces.

Familiar characters Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf return to fight for good in the final battle for Middle-earth.

Hobbits Merry and Pippin are given more chance to shine - especially Pippin (Billy Boyd), who has a more dramatic role than his jokey earlier persona, and braves darker scenes.

Miranda Otto’s Eowyn also gets a far more important part to play.

The trilogy may have sometime struggled to give its female leads meaty roles, but the finale give her a vitally important duty.

Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) must face his destiny

The Two Towers’ ground-breaking battle scenes seem like a skirmish compared to The Return of the King’s titanic-scale war.

The assault on the city defended by the main characters and their forces is quite simply jaw-dropping.

Triumph

In one scene the camera seems to peep tentatively over the parapet to show the evil legions on the attack - tens of thousands of orcs, trolls bearing siege engines, winged beasts swooping overhead.

It is spine-tingling stuff.

Jackson, who loves his battles, imbues his warfare with crushing realism, all the more ironic given this is pure fantasy.

There are moments harking back to iconic movies Saving Private Ryan and The Empire Strikes Back that show the scruffy New Zealand director is, without argument, a master of his craft.

But along the way, he does not forget the human dimensions to this struggle either, and that it is friendship and loyalty that the forces of good have to rely on as much as force of arms.

This three-hour, 11-minute epic is an unqualified triumph, one that raises the bar for any spectacle-respecting director of the future. The Oscar, surely, must go to Peter Jackson.

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This review is now closed to further contributions. A selection of your views is below.

The film was great, and I am so glad that the movie ended very close to the way the book did. It left me with the same feeling I have every time I read the books.
George, USA

Chances are you have, or will have an opinion on this film. Well forget about it, it’s simply the greatest film ever made and if you disagree, even slightly, you are wrong.
Craig MacDonald, Scotland

Return of the King is by far the most exciting film I have been fortunate enough to view. It has all the ingredients of an Oscar winner. Love, death, hope, and despair. Peter Jackson has been able to capture all them in a movie that will be talked about for many years to come. Thank you Mr Jackson.
Gerardo Castro, US

Last night I was witness to one of the greatest feats in motion picture history. The Lord Of The Rings:The Return of The King is perhaps one of the greatest films ever made, and is in fact the best film of the last fifteen years.

Peter Jackson and crew deserve every accolade that is being thrown upon them. If he does not win best director at this year’s Oscars, the Academy should be disbanded.

ROTK has quickly sky-rocketed to the no. 2 position on my all-time favourites list just under Raiders Of The Lost Ark, and before The Godfather.
Mike Kavanagh, Newark, DE USA

I left feeling disappointed, the grandeur and depth of the book was lost Michael, USA

Shame on who wrote that the movie was too long, I (and most I talked with after the movie) would have stayed for another hour! I believe that the people who complain about ROTK are a definite minority and don’t deserve the title “movie fan”. The sheer expectation for ROTK built by the two prequels was awesome, and most people will not experience that again in their lifetime.
Gayan, Sri Lanka

To hear some people criticise Jackson’s work is a disgrace to any LOTR fan. To do what nobody else could do, and to take the greatest fantasy novels ever, and put them on the screen was nothing short of miraculous. Oscar-worthy - you bet, greatest trilogy - no doubt. I know that there were scenes cut out but not a single true fan should downplay this. The BEST DAMN MOVIE I’ve ever seen, and I will be awaiting the trilogy on DVD with anticipation.
Derek, USA

I left feeling disappointed, the grandeur and depth of the book was lost - the only saving grace is that once again Gollum is spectacular, as are the visulisations of the places and peoples. But what makes Lord of the Rings the unique work of art is the many layers of complexity which come up and are concluded in the rd volume. The film basically says there are two big battles and a pair of Hobbits in the wilderness and leaves out all the rest. Disappointed in America
Michael, USA

I am also grateful that PJ did not edit away the heartbreaking but hopeful true ending of the story Debra, Nevada, USA

Good, but not great. Some special effects that did not pan out, an overly long ending and the cutting back and forth between stories did not seem as fluid as previous films. However, a more faithful and entertaining adaption than most on offer these days.
Ian Dennison, UK

Saw ROTK last night, and after having waited three years and loving the first two movies (and, of course, the books, first) was terribly disappointed. Although spectacular to look at, the tinkering with details in this film annoyed me more than in the others. The battle scenes were ridiculously over-the-top. I went in expecting I’d be by turns shrieking, laughing, crying, and practically rending my garments for three and a half hours, but was never for a moment emotionally engaged. How disappointing. I will, however, give it another chance and see it one more time.
Helen O’Reilly, US

Peter Jackson should be commended not only for his incredible vision, but also for surrounding himself with such a phenomenal group of people -in virtually every area of the film’s creation - in order to make that vision a reality. Brilliant. I am also wholeheartedly grateful that PJ did not edit away the heartbreaking but hopeful true ending of the story. Thank you, Mr. Jackson and company…you have created a treasure.
Debra, Nevada, USA

Beginning section pretty slow, picked up in the middle but unbelievably dull towards the end. People in the cinema were groaning everytime the film seemed about to finish, before yet another scene muttered on..and on..and on…
Rob Dunn, Bournemouthshire

If Return of the King doesn’t receive several Oscars, the Academy is a force of evil. Evil, I say! Juan Dominguez, USA

Outstanding! The storyline, acting and effects are all excellent. And, in my humble opinion, the ending is superbly judged - we get to see the real end of the story. Even my girlfriend (who hated the first film and only saw ROTK under duress) thought the film was “very good”. However I walked out of the cinema feeling incredibly sad. It is time to say goodbye to these characters that we have grown to know and love over the last two years. Thank you Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Phillippa Boyens and everyone else associated with this film. What an achievement!
Ian, UK

Tremendo! Bravo! ROTK is greater and more heartbreaking,and inspiring than FOTR and TTT’s combined, and then some. This is the best movie of the year,and the best trilogy ever, no contest. If ROTK doesn’t receive several Oscars, the Academy is a force of evil. Evil, I say!
Juan Dominguez, USA

Brilliant, I went with my friends on wednesday and we thought it was great. The graphics are revolutionary.
Ed, Canada

The Return of the King is a movie that can be compared to The Godfather, Gone With the wind and many other classic movies.
Josh, US

I went to see ROTK, with my friends, at 10:30am on the day of releasae and when it finished I was so impressed that I went home for about 3 hours and then went back and watched it again, this time with my wife. My backside felt like concrete afterwards, but the rest of me was awe-struck!!

All I can say about this film is that it has something for everybody and is truly outstanding.

If I had to pick a fault, not that there are many, then it would be that it is TOO SHORT - I believe that all the removed scenes should of been left in!!

I can’t wait until the extended DVD comes out…
Ian Brooks, UK

If all directors were kings then Peter Jackson is the King of kings. Hail mighty King! Long live the KING!
Chris, USA

The best of the trilogy. I love this movie. The ending was beautiful. Thanks Peter Jackson!!! Now we want the Hobbit! Please!
Jorge Sanchez, United States

This movie defines heartpounding excitement! I would shake the hand of everyone involved in the creation of this trilogy. Hands down, the best movie I’ve ever seen, also the very first to make this tough Texan cry. Even the smallest person can change the course of the future - for that I bow to you PJ, best film-making hobbit ever! Bring on the oscars & the extended version!
Roger, US of A

Awesome, it was beautifully done.Personally, I think The Two Towers was much more interesting then this one. Overall, all the three parts were amazing and Peter Jackson certainly deserves an Academy award.
Zereena Khan, Canada

Bring on King Kong, Peter! Peter White, England

Bravo to Peter Jackson. The fantasies created by JRR can now be enjoyed by those who have been ignorant of the existence of such literature. Jackson has given us a visualisation of JRR’s genius, and one that we would treasure for the rest of our lives.

The Return of the King blew me away. For those who complain it is too long, I say 3 hours and 11 minutes aint enough.
James Chua, Northern Mariana Islands

I never thought that it could be done, but Peter Jackson has managed to bring my favourite story to life on screen. Every city, every character and every scene is exactly how I imagined it to be. Truely magnificent.
Paul Hodgson, UK

Excellent.

Beautiful Art Direction….creatures… birds and elephants.

Very good direction.

It will make $400 million on opening weekend worldwide.

Thanks and regards.

Sam Rupani, USA

What a fantastic film closing an amazing trilogy but I think the loyalty of Sam stood out as the best performance in this film, Sean Austin’s finest hour!
Alison, England

I cannot wait to buy the extended version, the film was no more than a snippet of what I expected, slightly disappointing but the moving scenes were genuinely heartwrenching.
Abi Huxtable, United Kingdom

Forget every other trilogy, The Lord Of The Rings is the best and that is saying a lot. Return of the King is so powerful, moving and damn right good it puts every film to shame. I for one would like to thank Peter Jackson for his efforts in bringing this massive story to the screen, many said it could not be done and how wrong they where, the finest film ever created. Period.

Bring on King Kong, Peter!
Peter White, England UK

Brilliant, absolutely topnotch. I don’t think I have ever been to the cinema before and had the audience break into applause half-way through the film (go Legolas!) as well as at the end.

Roll on 2004 and the DVD box-set of all 3 movies!
Samantha Marshall, London, UK

This is the most beautiful, spectacular and thrilling cinematic experience I have ever had Annabel, UK

Christmas won’t be the same again. Although we will have the extended version next year and I suppose some insane box set the year after. I can’t wait to watch all three in succession. Andy Serkis as Gollum/Smeagol - best actor please.
Nick Green, UK

I walked every step with Frodo and Sam, killed every Orc with Aragorn, Gimli and Llegolas, rode every stride with Theodin, Eomer and the riders of Rohan. Only a truly great movie can make you live every moment and this one did.

I came out of the cinema worn out but thrilled. Now there is a slight sense of deflation that it is all over - roll on the extended version!!!

If this doesn’t clean up at the Oscars there is no justice.
Rachel, UK

I remember reading the book and thinking: they’ll never be able to make that into a film. And he has done it, oh, yes, he has done it.
Matt Hadley, London

Outstanding, Peter Jackson’s epic masterpiece takes you away on a crest of a tidal wave of anticipation, emotion and staggeringly awesome visuals, and deposits you back in your seat at the end feeling like the heroes on the screen. I do feel sad though: what can I look forward to next Christmas?

(To all those who believe that the story lacks strong female characters, you obviously overlook Eowyn “I’m no man”, the Shieldmaiden of Rohan.)
SJ, UK

Very good, but there were too many moments that were changed from the book for no apparent reason. Will certainly be watching it again though as the majority of film was superb.
Darren Bates, England

This is the most beautiful, spectacular and thrilling cinematic experience I have ever had. Recent movie stills in magazines made some of the scenery appear minature and fake - not in the movie!

Minas Tirith is out of this world. Every single aspect of the film that you know has to be CGI is utterly flawless and unbelievably life-like. I defy anyone who watches King Theoden building up momentum in his army before the battle of Minas Tirith not to feel their hairs stand on end and a lump in their throats! It’s a deeply moving experience. Far more intense and dark - yet uncomparbly more rewarding a viewing experience than the preceeding 2 films.
Annabel, UK

All will be forgiven with the extended DVD Dave D, UK

There is no doubt in my mind that Return of the King is by far and away the best film of our time. It is a day after seeing the film, and I can still think of nothing else. We finally have this decade’s masterpiece, the defining motion-picture of our age. Well done Peter Jackson!
Mike Grant, Bristol, England

Very, very good !! I first read the books about 38 years ago and the three films have been all I could have hoped for. I thought the films also showed a debt to the excellent Radio 4 version. If you don’t know the radio version do try it. But well done Peter Jackson and crew.
Geoff Allan, UK

Has anyone noticed a similarity with LOTR and the original Star Wars films? The scene in the final LOTR film coincides with the AT-AT’s in Empire Strikes Back. There are other strong connections too, just ponder for a while and George Lucas may owe an awful lot to Tolkien. The film was fantastic but dragged on for half an hour longer than it should have.
Brian Tarpole, UK

I grew up listening to the story tapes and reading the books, never in my life could I imagine that the images in my head would ever be portrayed so accurately on the big screen. The finale was unbelievable! I think I cried my way through the entire film. Some of the battle scenes were so heartstopping I had to check I was still breathing. It was the quickest three hours of my life.
Alex, Kent, England

Well, what can I say? I’m a huge Rings fans and was slightly nervous about watching the film. Fears that Jackson was going to sacrifce content for grandeur had been swooning around in my head for the past moonth. I’m glad to say however, that those fears diminshed once the film entered its second hour.

The battle scenes, yes they’re fantastic, Weta has done a great job. More importantly however, the story remains intact, barring a few cinematic liberties, the film remains true to Tolkien. Sam remains the hero and Aragon’s crowning isn’t overdone. Yes, the Return of the King is a triumph. I loved every second of it and can’t wait to see it again.
Kiran Parkash Singh, U.K

Seen twice in one day (to confirm expectations), this one film of the three needs the extended DVD version to tie all the ‘acts’ together more than the others. Some bits needed fleshing out. The lighting of the beacons however sent the shivers down the spine; don’t know why, it just did. All will be forgiven with the extended DVD. 11 out of 10!!Spectacular.
Dave D, UK

The fantastic graphics did not just send jaws dropping, but made people in the cinema become emotionally attached to the characters Fred John, England

People who are disappointed with this film cannot be satisfied with any film. This is pure cinema magic. And stop the incessant complaints about how the trilogy deviated from the books. “You can’t always be torn in two.”
Jin, UK/US

It is sad to see so much Hollywood influence on us all - we are used to so many blockbuster purpose-shot movies that we judge ROTK by those same standards. But this is not a Hollywood action movie, it is a new reference for cinematography and PJ managed to do something that no one has done for ages. He took us on a trip that we will remember for ever. He also set new standards in movie making that will hopefully change the way producers think.(after all we are talking about more than 2bn votes) Excellent trilogy!
Chris M, London, UK

What a let down. This film would have been almost perfect, had it not been for the last half-hour. Let’s hope the DVD gives us the option to ignore the slushy ending. Roll on The Hobbit prequel. Long live The Two Towers.
Joe Poole, United Kingdom

TROTK has some truly spectacular battle scenes, especially cavalry charge on the plains before Minas Tirith, and some majestic cinematography (the lighting of the beacons of Godor is breathtakingly beautiful).

But as with TFOR and TTT, Tolkien connoisseurs will have to wait for the DVD release of TROTK for the more nunaced version. This final part of the trilogy is brilliantly visualised and tremendously exciting throughout but the novel’s elegaic tone, the acknowledgement that even in victory there is loss which ultimately makes Tolkien’s narrative so memorable, is largely absent. Not a critcism, more of a lament.
Tereus, UK

Absolutely magnificent….definitely going to take the awards this year and next!….I think this movie has affected me more than any other and I’m privileged to be able to view such an excellent masterpeice. To those that didn’t like it, you certainly didn’t get in touch with all that PJ was trying to put forward through the books.
Jay, UK

I went to see ROTK yesterday and I was blown away by the tremendous graphics involved in the movie. However, the fantastic graphics did not just send jaws dropping, but made people in the cinema become emotionally attached to the characters. Fantastic, deserves to scoop up all the Oscars.
Fred John, England

This was a movie worth being out until 4:30 in the morning on a work night! The cinematography was exquisite, as usual; the acting was solid, and it was a well-done adaptation of the book. Jackson picked the correct portions to cut from the book for his adaptation, and the movie was well-paced enough where the last 20 minutes worth of conclusion was worthwhile and satisfying. Kudos to everyone involved in this masterpiece.
Dan Bailey, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Good, but not great. It moves too far away from the book in parts. I left feeling somewhat disappointed Steve Barlow, England

I haven’t anticipated or enjoyed a film this much in years, great job from the Hobbit actors, Sean Austin and Andy Serkis especially deserve some kind of award for their work. The effects could have been a little more polished in places and the ending scenes were a little choppy - but compared to the achievement of Peter Jackson and the rest of the team it doesn’t really matter - I’m off to see it again at the weekend!
Cath Tomlinson, UK

Just saw the film and it is truly fantastic. I find it bewildering and rather sad to see some of the criticisms here, presumably from people that are first and foremost fans of the books. “Too many battles”, “not enough time spent on characters like Denethor” - what utter rubbish.

Can’t these people - who presumably consider themselves intelligent - appreciate that for a budget-munching epic like LOTR to have ever been filmed, let alone to such a standard, it had to be adapted into something that would appeal to a wide audience of cinemagoers, probably people with quite different ideas of entertainment to their own.

Peter Jackson has done an astonishing job, creating films that stand tall on their own merits while at the same time treating Tolkien’s work with respect and clear affection.
Chris, UK

Good, but not great. It moves too far away from the book in parts. I left feeling somewhat disappointed.
Steve Barlow, England

One film to rule them all! Fantastic - I only wish I had as much hair as the dwarf.

Peter Marwood, UK

I feel compelled to say that Return of the King was great. It was supposed to be great, and the best of the trilogy.

But the film I saw was not the best.

In fact, it felt very much like a rough draft, and there were a number of very bad editing choices and scene cuts that rendered some of the plot lines moot. Other new and irrelevent plot lines were introduced and never followed up on.

I think that this movie has great potential; the extended DVD will surely be incredible. However, the theatrical release is just not up to the standards which the other two films have met, and I don’t think that Jackson will be recieving any major awards in the near future.
Lauren Schneider, New York City, USA

This film is amazing, by far the best in the trilogy. It held me spellbound form start to finish. I wonder if I will ever see such a great film again. I hope the DVD will be released ASAP.
John, Scotland

Really good film, kept the feel of the book pretty well. Mr Jackson has done the book justice! Just seen the film now, in a word the trilogy were excellent.
G Smart, Great Britain

Three and a half hours of camp male bonding, no characterisation and overacting. What a disappointment Dave Coulson, Manchester

The sad thing about it is I am ruined for all other films. Nothing again in my lifetime will live up to this. Fantastic.
Gareth Nolan, Yorkshire, England

As far as I’m concerned, this isn’t the real Return of the King. This is simply the massively butchered version of the full cut that had to be delieverd to theatres. To me, it feels that the movie goes way too fast with moving the plot, and cut out tons of good stuff that would make it too long for the theatre. I’ll have to wait for the extended edition DVD to see the real movie.
Ian, USA

I really enjoyed it. However I do not think it is as good as the previous two films. Some elements obviously had to be changed from the book to make it work as a film. In the first two films, the scriptwriters correctly identified these and changed them appropriately. However in ROTK the adaptation seems unneccessary or even gratuitous at times.

Bob, England

Three and a half hours of camp male bonding, no characterisation and overacting. What a disappointment.
Dave Coulson, Manchester UK

Excellent film apart from the last 20 minutes. The power and impact of the battle scenes and tension throughout was slightly spoiled by the sentimental, slightly cheesy end scenes. Didn’t seem to fit with the rest of the film. But still brilliant!
Helen, UK

I went into ROTK thinking the story would be ignored as much as the Two Towers, and having some idea from the web that certain liberties had already been taken, was pleasantly suprised. It seemed to follow broadly what went on in the book. The scenery was fantastic, totally believable. It seems a shame that we have to pay again to see the missing parts when the extended DVD comes out though.
Mike Rossiter, Cardiff, Wales

Went and saw the Return of the King yesterday afternoon, and was blown away by it, the best film l have ever seen, people in the cinema just cheered and clapped through out the film. Going to see it again. Congrats to all involved in the writing and making of the film.
Doreen Cox, Peterborough, UK

I thought it was great. Occasionally, the special effects were a little overbearing. However, this is what George Lucas should have done with the Phantom Menace Jason, England

Saw it last night, struggled to get to sleep, woke at 5am with my mind still full of it and even now I can think of nothing else. No other film has ever affected me like this. It’s awesome. Not perfect, but awesome.
Rob, UK

By far the greatest film out of the trilogy! Peter Jackson or perhaps we should call him Peter Pan for all the magic he has displayed to bring about the full glory of the books to the screen. A masterful example of what hard work can achieve! Sheer brilliance.
Souheb Khan, United Kingdom, London

Without doubt the finest trilogy in film history has been capped off with a masterpiece. The pacing is perfect, the mood is darker and although some people are saying the end dragged, I never really wanted it to end.

Can’t wait for the 11+ hour extended trilogy viewing next year.
Tom, Leeds, UK

All I can say is that it was better than I ever dared dream it would be. I was awestruck.
Richard Shipton, UK

I thought it was great. Occasionally, the special effects were a little overbearing. However, this is what George Lucas should have done with the Phantom Menace.
Jason, England

The film may be over, but those who loved LOTR will never be the same again, I truly believe that nothing in cinema will be the same again. This was what cinema was made for!
Mark, England

Brilliant film, characters are true to the book, shame the storyline isn’t although it comes as close as is likely to happen in our lifetimes!! Hope the DVD includes a lot of the missing scenes that would have made this too long for cinema viewing. The photography, dialogue and battle scenes are awesome and dwarf anything else ever done. Thanks PJ, crew and actors and anybody involved!!!
Alastair East, UK

A powerful representation of a classic work, full of spirit and deep truths Richard Francis, UK

I’m a big LOTR fan but I have to say I don’t think this film was as great as everybody is saying. It is a good film but there are some scenes PJ could have dispensed with. I expected a big intro into this film (just like the Two Towers) but we had quite a slow build-up before the film really picked up. Some of the battle scenes were great but I felt he rushed the battle in front of the black gates. However saying all that there were some great stirring moments and I just wish he had put more of them in.
Shavy Makh, England

A powerful representation of a classic work, full of spirit and deep truths. A joy to witness a tale of light and good in a world of darkness and pain.
Richard Francis, UK

Now I cannot wait for the extended DVD version of the last part. Truly the best fantasy film (trilogy) EVER made. A visual feast! Christmas 2004 will feel very dull. Thank you, Peter Jackson for “the eye for detail”. Awesome.
Nic, London

Brilliant and outstanding. All except the last 20 minutes, as far as I’m concerned they could have ended it at Minas Tirith.

Excellent film though and a great ending to a great trilogy.
Anne-Marie Alecock, England

I loved this film. I’m a big fan of the book, and as a result there have been plenty of niggling annoyances in the first two films. But this one, while taking a bit of dramatic license, is by far the most faithful of the three, is throughly well made, and is a genuinely excellent film from beginning to end. Let’s hope the Extended Version isn’t too long in being released….
Phil Evans, Keele, UK

Although the ending dragged on it was worth sitting there for 3 hours and 20 minutes. Best film this year by far! Hollin Cross, England

Only one thing to say - WOW!!!!!! This is easily the best film I have ever seen.
Stephen, Northern Ireland

All I have to say is thank you Mr Jackson. Also when are you going to start on the Hobbit?
Deiniol Jones, North Wales

Wow, it truely is the best film I have ever seen, an amazing spectacle that surpassed all the hype. Favourite scene was probably Gandalf fighting the Nazgul on the Pelennor. Awesome. Also, loved the imagery of Minas Morgul. The pace was just right too, no new characters to intoduce, just action, emotion and triumph.
Niamh, Ireland

WOW! After three years and three films the end has come and it is STUNNING. The film is astounding in every way, the battle scenes are frigteningly realistic and the emotional content will pull at your heart strings right until the end. An amazing finale for a truly amazing trilogy. Now for the Oscars!
Paul Owen, England

Blimey! Had to queue for more than an hour before the film started, and then someone was using a mobile phone, but then…..I found myself completely lost in the story, barely noticing the length of the film. There were some hugely cheesy moments, some dreadful editing (although it means I will get the extended version to see what I missed) but apart from (or maybe because of?) that, it was a spectacular film. I’m managing to be very smug at work as I have seen it before everyone else, and will definitely go to the mammoth showing of all three fims together. Ace!
Lorna Morley-Waldron, Cambridge, England

Fantastic! The music, the acting and the special effects were amazing! Although the ending dragged on it was worth sitting there for 3 hours and 20 minutes. Best film this year by far!
Hollin Cross, England

This is why movies and cinema exist. This movie takes you places you could never even dream up and makes them seem utterly real. You feel as if you have experienced some of the same things Frodo experienced on his journey and by the end you are left with feelings you never thought possible from a movie. A masterpiece.
Brian, Norwich,

Too long some will say. Not long enough for most I would imagine Marty F, Scotland

Slightly disappointing. The battle scene in Two Towers was far more impressive and the ending dragged on in this final instalment.
Navin, London

Some fantastic visualisations and some worthy additions let down tremendously by heavy-handedness and complete changes in character.
Dan M, UK

Sorry but I was disappointed, mainly by the ending, which seemed to be a series of natural endings none of which were seized upon. Indeed some people in our cinema left inadvertently early thinking the film had finished! I also found the schmaltz at the end a bit of a sell out and not in keeping with the rest of the film style, which was very impressive, dark and powerful. The end was a bit too cheesy for me and left me deflated and disappointed. I can’t understand why they kept the schmaltz at the end. Otherwise fantastic movies.
Rebecca, Southampton, UK

I went not sure what to expect - the usual films are so overhyped these days. I felt this film could be good, but could also very easily fail. I felt it surpassed expectations.

I felt Jackson got it just right. The overwhelming scale of the battle was only used to provide a context. I always felt firmly connected to the emotions of those involved.

Comments about the ending seem negative. I have to say that the ending in the book is one of the best conclusions to any story in written history. I felt Jackson did a very good job to capture the emotions of the moment. I don’t think it was hollywood blubber; I think it was Jackson trying to match a matchless ending.
Paul Tucker, UK

Excellent film and kept everyone interested for 3hrs 20 mins! The film is a tribute to Peter Jackson and his cast. The scenery and special effects were amazing and even children stayed awake and concentrated for the whole film. The last 10 mins felt dragged out and very rosy, a bit like the Wizard of Oz. But fantastic film and well worth going to see. They deserve plenty of Oscars for this excellent adaptation of the Lord of the Rings. This is the type of film we need more of.
Heidi Antrobus, Leamington Spa, England

It’s interesting to note that some fans of Tolkien’s books have criticised Peter Jackson’s “tinkering” . However, only the killjoys would fail to be entertained. Too long some will say. Not long enough for most I would imagine. Roll on the Director’s Cut!!
Marty F., Scotland

Fantastic film with wonderful effects and performances, my only criticism was that a good deal of the story lines from the book were changed in the film version without any obvious reason. Still it would be churlish not to applaud Peter Jackson on his breath-taking epic. Roll on The Hobbit.
Alan Greenwood, Hull, England

The set piece battles are an astounding visual experience, but the way that the focus is kept on the characters and the quality of the acting shows how poor other recent big movies have been Stuart, Scotland

Magnificent, I defy anyone not to enjoy this masterpiece!
Nimet Patel, UK

The Return of the King was beautifully made. The quality of it all (picture, scenery, sfx, acting) was mesmerising and grandiose to the point where I didn’t have time to dwell on the minor faults. PJ has made it as he saw it, and even if I had reservations, I can only say that it was a pretty damn good way to see it!

I read the books and it satisfied me in every way a book can do. For my part the Hobbit and Lotr is the greatest and best adventure epic I have ever read. Thank you PJ for having made that awesome fantasy come true in such an heart-lifting way! “Chapeau” to all the actors and all those who made this possible. My only sadness is (like Christian from France) having nothing else to expect again next year.
Alima, UK

Wonderful! Maybe a bit too much battle. For those who complain about the ending - that is the way it is in the book - thank you Peter Jackon for keeping the ending true!!!
Marketa, UK

Still numbed by the incredible spectacle of it - I went to the first screening in London’s Leicester Square, and still can’t quite get used to being back in the real world. Jackson’s vision is so all-encompassing and the beauty, violence and excitement of everything, coupled with the real emotional attachment he has created for these characters and the world, makes this trilogy, despite its faults, one of the greatest achievements in cinema.
Patrick, London

Forgive the unintentional pun, but I am still reeling from the experience. Jackson deserves EVERY award in the book - not only for this magnificent film, but for the entire trilogy. Only D.W. Griffith (had he possessed the means to do so) could have fashioned so satisfying an epic.
Robert del Valle, USA

Have just seen the film and I am astounded at how strongly it hits you emotionally. The set piece battles are an astounding visual experience, but the way that the focus is kept on the characters and the quality of the acting shows how poor other recent big movies have been.

If this doesn’t earn Best Film and Best Director at all the big awards ceremonies (especially when all three films are taken together) then the bestowers of such awards will be brought into total disrepute.

Roll on the extended DVD…..
Stuart, Scotland

This is quite simply the most amazing film ever made Ben Houlford, Bristol

Excellent, both in SFX and, more importantly, in acting. The only changes made were those necessary for a cinematic rather than literary epic. As to the cuts, unfortunately there are simply limits to what one’s posterior can take. I await the DVD with interest.

What the film does emphasise is that the key character in both book and film is Sam Gamgee - a masterly performance by Sean Astin, with an accent which impressed this West Countryman.
John Rogers, Bristol, England

I thoroughly enjoyed Return Of The King. It’s great to see a Hollywood movie which doesn’t treat its audience like imbeciles, and that people are willing to sit through a (comparatively) complex narrative for more than three hours. I was truly engrossed by this film. All the kudos in the world must go to Peter Jackson for doing JRR Tolkien’s masterpiece justice.
Michael Zeigermann, London

The movie definitely had a lot of wonderful elements that made you feel that you were participating in the struggle. I wish though, Jackson would have put slightly more emphasis on the characters and less on the battle scenes. Some of the liberties he took with the characters - especially Denethor, were a little bit too much for my taste.
Claudia Mohr, Portland, USA

Wow…..never thought it would be just this good.
The man’s a god. Bless you Peter Jackson.
Sean, Wales

This is quite simply the most amazing film ever made. I saw it this morning and I can’t wait to see it again. It’s considerably better than the other two in the trilogy (which were both awesome films) and is a true epic.

The battle scenes are mind-blowing and had me trembling in my seat. Shelob and the Witch King were terrifying. The dabs of humour are well placed and a welcome relief from the palpable tension. There really aren’t the words to do justice to how good this film is. I’ve never seen my local multiplex so busy and I would imagine it’ll stay packed for weeks. I’m already looking forward to the extended version! If there is a god, Jackson will make The Hobbit.

Awesome stuff. One film to rule them all.
Ben Houlford, Bristol, England

Amazing technical achievments but unfortunately Jackson has turned Tolkien’s epic quest story into epic Vladimir Svetlov, USA

It was not very good, far too long, too many liberites taken with the book, and an end, that consisted of endless blubbering, hugging and kissing that left me sickened, worst of all I was bored, very bored. Just how disappointed am I?
Peter ‘Obelix’ Blogg, England

I came out of the cinema awed, not daring to call friends on the phone and tell them the truth: it is a brilliant film, even though little bits and pieces have been edited out, and depression is starting to set in. In a lifetime, when will I feel that kind of expectation again?

Christian Lehmann, France

Great movie, great special effects, bad editing. Way too much panning in and out of Frodo’s face as he looks like a deer in the headlights all the time, and the ending…blah. Everything else was great. This actually could have easily been made into two movies instead of one, and at times it felt like there was just too much stuffed in at short clips back and forth.
Paul Wesley, US

Amazing technical achievments but unfortunately Jackson has turned Tolkien’s epic quest story into epic audience-pampering. Terribly miscast, poorly edited Numenorian version of the Power Rangers with a pinch of Teletubbies of Ole Hobbiton thrown in. Critics of the past age called Tolkien’s LOTR a “juvenile trash” of literature. What would they have called this oversimplified movie version, one has to wonder?
Vladimir Svetlov, USA

Sublime.

After watching it twice today (both in full houses) I feel as if I’ve done battle along with the characters - it was wonderful (in the true sense of that word).

I’ve been a Tolkienista for 25 years and now that it’s over, I can say wholeheartedly that I’ve been privileged to have these films made in my lifetime. Peter Jackson - we may have given you and the screenwriters some flak over the past four years but at this moment, I’m over the moon to be able to say……thank you for the best cinema experience I will ever have.

Yvette Rooke, UK

I saw all three films back to back last night - a crazy but worthwhile endeavour - it proved this is one, not three films. In the Return of the king, PJ brings you back to the Ring (somewhat out of sight in the Two Towers), twists the emotional screws still tighter and whacks you with fast-paced action and some dramatic wide-angles (I was on the ege of my seat during the lighting of the beacons scenes).

I like the endings - grand and romantic, then homey, and finally, low-key and elegiac after all the excitement, as though to say that things pass, and that all battles, even for a worthy cause, will take something from you.
Some fantastic editing too.
Sophie, Switzerland

The Return of the King is the most akin to its book counterpart Ryan Stanridge, USA

This film is amazing. Ok, maybe it goes on a bit too long but it is a sheer masterpiece. The battles are amazing, the suspense and the connection with the characters is truly brilliant. Well done Peter Jackson!
Toby Andrews, UK

There will never be a word that I could use to describe how good this film is. I think it was the best out of all three, and Peter, I have to hand it to you, it was truly amazing! I was so depressed when I came out of the cinema, and that was for one reason and that was because I thaught to myself, “that’s it, there’s never going to be another one after this.” But it has been an extremely exciting journey!
Esham , NZ

Just back from seeing ROTK. I have to say I’m feeling slightly deflated. Probably because the adventure is at an end! I have to agree with Marc that this feels disjointed. I think that that feeling will be removed by the extended version. Having said that, I really enjoyed it, but plot liberties notwithstanding, my favourite was The Two Towers.
Jill, UK

I saw it at 12am on Wednesday morning, I was tired and stuff….but it really left me breathless.
The Return of the King is the most akin to its book counterpart.

As one man said before, all Ican say is WOW.
Ryan Stanridge, USA
Read source on

When Abdul Razak took over Asante Kotoko earlier this year, many predicted a new dawn.

The optimists were right as last weekend the former Ghana captain led the club to a 19th league title with two games in hand.

It was the first time in 10 years that the club, once the most powerful in Ghana, had achieved league success and it was a moment for all to savour, not least of all for Razak.

This time we got everything right - we have energetic management, the right players and we share good ideas together Abdul Razak

The 1978 African Footballer of the Year was coaxed back to his old club at the start of the season after successful coaching stints in Mali and Togo.

He told the BBC Sport website it was an amazing feeling to take the club back to the top after a decade in the doldrums.

“It’s great I feel very happy because of my love for this club,” he said.

“They have not been able to win the league for so long and coming back home and helping them win it in my first year in management makes it very memorable for me.”

In the last decade Kotoko had to watch the likes of Accra Hearts of Oak and Obuasi dominate the local scene but under Razak there is renewed hope that the Kumasi-based club has turned a corner.

Razak believes it has a lot to do with having the right people back in charge at the club.

“This time round we got everything right - we have an energetic management, the right players and we share good ideas,” he said.

“We have also tried so many coaches in the past but none of them ever played for the club, so they have no idea of its history.

“Those who have played before work hand-in-hand to make sure that Kotoko benefits.”

But while Kotoko may be benefitting from Razak’s return, they may struggle to keep him at the club for much longer.

The 42-year-old has hinted that his future lies elsewhere - as coach of the national team.

And his elevation to that role would come as little surprise.

After successful coaching stints In Togo and Mali, where he lead Stade Malien to two successive league titles, Razak was lured back to Ghana last year to be part of the Black Stars set up.

But after a delay in the application process, Razak decided to take up an offer to manage the ‘Porcupine Warriors,’ as Kotoko are popularly known.

“I have not been in coaching for long and I think my time will come to coach the Black Stars,” he said.

Razak even has a date in mind.

“It probably won’t happen in 2006 but maybe in 2010.”

But before then, Razak has another laurel he would love to put in Kotoko’s trophy cabinet - a League title!

Read source of it on the page