My main issue with The Lord of the Rings will always be its utter lack of female characters. Tolkien was writing at a time when women fighting for their rights was a central theme in most western societies, and yet, he infused his work with his conservative, regressive views on women.
It's such a letdown next to his obvious hatred of fascists, industrialism, and bad men.
"But but but Éowyn!!!"
Éowyn was clearly portrayed as being "out of her lane", and didn't get healed until she accepted her role as pretty bride in Faramir's shadow.
Ugh.
@thomholwerda
Curious that he didn't extend that to elves though, only Men. Galadriel pretty much rules to the exact extent she chooses to. She has a couple of male peers but doesn't defer to them or even consult them on most things.
@thomholwerda I thought Peter Jackson made a (rare) good choice in having Arwen save the hobbits from the ringwraiths instead of an elf who, irrespective of his importance in the Tolkein canon, has little else to do in the film. It tied her into the story and turned her into something more than a princess bride.