10 Worst Changes Peter Jackson Made To The Lord Of The Rings
5. Faramir Should Never Have Been Tempted By The Ring
We've already discussed how Peter Jackson reduced Faramir's big moment in the films, but an earlier incident that shows Faramir's true character was also changed. After Faramir captures Frodo and Sam in Ithilien he's shown to be tempted by the One Ring. He almost succumbs to the same fate as Boromir when he attempts to take the Ring to his father. Now, this works to stir up some tension in the movies, but it was at the cost of an important aspect of Tolkien's work.
In the book Faramir is painted in a far better light; he's a reluctant warrior who is far wiser than both his brother and father. When he realises Frodo is carrying the evil weapon of the enemy, he's clever enough to deduce that victory through sheer power is an unwise and unwanted outcome. He allows Frodo and Sam to leave, knowing full well what would have happened if he attempted to use the Ring.
It's understandable why Jackson chose to change Faramir's character, but it resulted in Gondor seeming far more morally bankrupt than it was. Faramir should have been portrayed as the last hope for the Men of the West - before the arrival of Aragorn - but he just ended up seeming weak.