A Simple Walk Into Mordor

A Simple Walk Into Mordor is a riveting 2012 web series documenting the ambitious journey of three brave adventurers: Chris Demarais, Nicholas Newton, and Kerry Shawcross, whose daring idea combined their passion for the renowned fantasy series The Lord of the Rings with a challenge that pushed them to their physical and mental extremes.

Inspired by specific references in J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, and later in the adaption by Peter Jackson, director Nick Newton set out to recreate the journey of Frodo and Sam from The Shire to Mordor, in real-life geography. This incredible journey uncovers New Zealand’s breathtaking landscape, which was famously used as the setting for Middle Earth in the film adaptations of the books.

The series showcases the protagonists' six-day trek (without the assistance of vehicles or even bicycles) from the set location of Hobbiton in Matamata, through the astounding wilderness, to the slopes of the mighty Mount Ngauruhoe, used in the filming as Mount Doom. The challenges of the venture are not taken lightly: fraught with unpredictable weather, treacherous terrain, and the physical strain of their undertaking.

The charm of A Simple Walk Into Mordor is multi-fold. Not only does it offer an inside look into the physical reality of the characters’ journey, it also serves as a fascinating travel documentary exploring the urban and rural areas of New Zealand, a profile of the national parks and a testament to the endurance of the human spirit when fandom calls.

Chris Demarais, Nicholas Newton, and Kerry Shawcross' bond becomes the crucial element of the series, akin to the fellowship in Tolkien's work, rendering an almost tangible camaraderie that strikes viewers as sincerely heartfelt. Their banter and humor provide balance to thegrueling nature of their quest, making the journey not just an act of stamina, but one filled with friendship and good-hearted fun.

Demarais, the wizard of wit behind the team, brings the right amount of lightness and funny commentary that make the hardships of the journey seem a little bit more bearable. Newton, the director and organizer of the journey, provides us with an earnest perspective of a fan living his dream, no matter how uncomfortable it gets, while Shawcross completes the trio with his unmistakable screen presence and stark resilience.

A Simple Walk Into Mordor is more than just a fan tribute to The Lord of the Rings. It encompasses the spirit of adventure, the value of enduring friendships, and most importantly, the driving force of passion. The series beautifully blends the concepts of fandom and adventure travel, giving us a unique insight into just how far some fans are willing to go to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters.

Featuring stunning panoramic shots which truly display the gorgeous, untouched beauty of New Zealand, this documentary-style film also offers behind the scenes insights into the good, the bad, and the ugly of undertaking such a journey. A Simple Walk Into Mordor engages viewers with its simple charm and earnestness, whether they are fans of The Lord of the Rings, passionate travellers or adventurers at heart.

A Simple Walk Into Mordor is a testament to the power of determination, friendship, and love for a cultural phenomenon, as Demarais, Newton, and Shawcross battle weather, fatigue, injuries, and time to complete a journey which, while arduous, is rewarding beyond measure. The series is an exceptional melding of fandom and reality, craftily integrating an epic fictional journey with a very real, and charmingly rustic, modern quest.

It's an incredibly inviting adventure that appeals to the adventurer in all of us. And whether you're a Middle Earth enthusiast, a travel junky, or just someone looking to be entertained and inspired, you're bound to find something to love in A Simple Walk Into Mordor.