In the movie The Return of the King, the conclusion of the Lord of the Rings cinematictrilogy, Peregrin “Pippin” Took remarks that everything is so quiet on the eve of war, to which Gandalf the White replies, “It’s the deep breath before the plunge.” Minutes later, Mount Doom erupts and an unearthly light erupts from the spires of Minas Morgul, signaling the march of the armies of Sauron and the beginning of the battle(s) of Pelennor Fields. This particular scene has stuck with me for quite some time, probably because of the combination of striking visuals and one of the last few deep breaths (pun intended) the movies take before sprinting to the finish line.
The Deep Breath Before The Plunge (Warriors 115, Heat 108)
