Boromir & Aragorn in Lorien

I thoroughly applaud this scene. It accomplishes several objectives, while ringing true to Tolkein. It summarized the situation in Minis Tirith for the newbies; it showed us what truly drives Boromir; it showed us what he loves; it strengthened the bond between the two; and it showed that Boromir was coming to accept Aragorn as kin, as a lord of Gondor.

Boromir
Even now there is hope left. But I cannot see it. It has been long since we had any hope.

(he pauses)

My father is a noble man. His rule is failing, and our people lose faith. he looks to me to put this right, and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored.

Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Echthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze? Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?

Aragorn
I have seen the White City.

Boromir
One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard will take up the call, that the lords of Gondor have returned.

The Departure of Boromir

For the record, Boromir's final fight scene is what allowed me to accept the movie versions of these books that I have loved for so many years. By explicitly showing the scenes only alluded to in the books, PJ forced our feelings for Boromir into sharp focus. We saw his nobility, his desperate bravery, and so did Merry and Pippin.

In the book, Pippin's admiration for Boromir was expressed on Caradthas, when Boromir bore him down the mountain. Even so burdened, he continued to widen the path he had made with only his mighty limbs. PJ eliminated that part; he had to show the bond explicitly. He achieved this with three scenes: the scene where Boromir is teaching Merry and Pippin's swordplay; Boromir's leap across the bridge with Merry and Pippin in his arms; and in his death scene. Boromir is on his knees, mortally wounded, facing the hobbits. They are staring at him, frozen with shock, and they see in his eyes that he knows he cannot prevail. Nevertheless, he rose one last time, in desperate defense, and was cut down before their eyes.

I think it is the best death scene ever.

Boromir
They took the little ones! Frodo. Where is Frodo?

Aragorn
I let Frodo go.

Boromir
Then you did what I did not. I tried to take the Ring from him.

Aragorn
The Ring is beyond our reach now.

Boromir
Forgive me. I did not see. I have failed you all.

Aragorn
No, Boromir. You fought bravely. You have kept your honor.

(Aragorn reaches for an arrow. Boromir grabs his arm.)

Boromir
Leave it! It is over. The world of Men will fall. And all will come to darkness. And my city to ruin.

Aragorn
I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you, I will not let the white city fall. Nor our people fail.

Bormir
Our people. Our people.

(Boromir reaches for his sword. Aragorn hands it to him, and he lays it over his body.)

I would have followed you, my brother. My captain. My King.

(Aragorn kisses his forehead.)

Aragorn
Be at peace, son of Gondor.

(Aragorn stands, looking in the direction of Minis Tirith.)

They will look for his coming from the White Tower. But he will not return.