The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, is a great example of how we yearn for a better ending to the story. The first film, The Fellowship of the Ring (New Line Cinema, 2001), does not end on a high note. The members of the fellowship are scattered. One of the leaders first betrays Frodo and then dies trying to make correct his mistake. When you watch the film the first time, you may have a visceral reaction; no one wants the story to end this way. We want to know if it turns out okay, if there is a second act. The resurrection is our second act. It offers the hope that no matter how the first act ends, there is more to come, and that more is so much better.
