His childhood was one filled with tragedy as his father died when he was three years old and his mother when he was twelve. He was however a keen student with a penchant for languages that was enlivened by a vivid imagination. Without a family name and financial backing, his education was much more difficult for the hyper intelligent student.

The film studies the class system of the times as well as the impact that the church had on the young orphan’s life. It also highlights the destructive effect that World War I had on the world at large and the devastation it caused in his closely knit group of friends. Many of them became casualties of that great conflict.

Nicholas Hoult plays the older Tolkien with a well developed air of sensitivity. He was not immune to the horrors around him during that period of war and is lucky to have survived it. Even with all the horrors on display there is an optimism that Tolkien possessed and an undying affection for his true love, Edith Bratt played by the luminous Lily Collins. Their reunion at film’s end elevates the viewer after the arduous journey that has come before.

Rob Hudson
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This takes him into the outbreak of World War I, which threatens to tear the “fellowship” apart. All of these experiences would inspire Tolkien to write his famous Middle-Earth novels.

Tolkien is in Australian cinemas June 13.
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