THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (2012)

Summary:

Set sixty years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" introduces audiences to Bilbo Baggins, a peace-loving hobbit from the Shire, whose comfortable life is turned upside down by the arrival of the wizard Gandalf the Grey and a company of thirteen dwarves. Led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield, the dwarves are on a perilous quest to reclaim their ancestral homeland, the Lonely Mountain (Erebor), and its vast treasure, which was seized by the fearsome dragon Smaug decades ago.

Bilbo, much to his initial reluctance, finds himself swept into an epic adventure across Middle-earth. Along their journey, the company encounters a myriad of dangers, including hungry trolls, cunning goblins, monstrous Wargs, and the pale Orc chieftain Azog the Defiler. During a desperate escape in the Misty Mountains, Bilbo becomes separated from the group and stumbles upon a mysterious golden ring and its former owner, the creature Gollum, forever changing his destiny and the fate of Middle-earth.

Keywords: The Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey, 2012, Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Fantasy, Adventure.

Plot:

The story begins with an elderly Bilbo Baggins, on the eve of his 111th birthday, reflecting on his past adventures while writing his memoirs, "There and Back Again," at Bag End. He recounts the glorious history of the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor under King Thrór, a land of immense wealth and artistry, which was tragically brought to ruin by the arrival of Smaug, a monstrous fire-drake. The dragon decimated Dale, a nearby human settlement, and drove the dwarves from their mountain home, hoarding their vast treasures for himself. The surviving dwarves, led by Thrór's grandson Thorin Oakenshield, embarked on a long, arduous exile.

The narrative then shifts to a younger Bilbo, living a content and orderly life in the Shire. His peaceful existence is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of the wizard Gandalf the Grey, who seeks a "burglar" for an adventure. Bilbo, a hobbit who values comfort and predictability, firmly rejects the notion. However, Gandalf secretly marks Bilbo's door, leading to the boisterous arrival of thirteen dwarves: Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and their leader, Thorin Oakenshield. The dwarves proceed to feast and sing, much to Bilbo's dismay, before Thorin reveals their true purpose: a quest to reclaim Erebor and its treasure from Smaug. Gandalf presents a map of the Lonely Mountain and a key, passed down from Thorin's grandfather, which indicates a secret side-door into the mountain. Bilbo, despite his initial protests, is convinced to join the company as their "burglar," primarily due to Gandalf's persuasive nature and a deep-seated, though suppressed, adventurous streak.

The company sets off, facing immediate challenges. They are ambushed by three hungry Trolls – Tom, Bert, and William – who capture the dwarves and intend to cook them. Bilbo, attempting to prove his worth, tries to pick their pockets but is caught. Gandalf, arriving just in time, uses his magic to trick the trolls into arguing until dawn, at which point they are turned to stone by the rising sun. The company then discovers the trolls' hoard, where Gandalf and Thorin find ancient Elvish blades, Glamdring and Orcrist respectively, while Bilbo acquires a small, glowing sword he names Sting. They also find a warning sign: the presence of Azog the Defiler, a monstrous Orc chieftain who famously severed Thorin's father's arm and was thought to be dead after Thorin himself cut off Azog's arm at the Battle of Azanulbizar.

Continuing their journey, they seek refuge in Rivendell, the hidden valley of the Elves. Here, they are welcomed by Lord Elrond, who is able to read the moon-runes on Thorin's map, revealing that the secret door can only be opened on Durin's Day. While in Rivendell, Gandalf attends a meeting of the White Council, comprised of Elrond, Galadriel, and Saruman the White. They discuss the growing darkness in the Necromancer's fortress of Dol Guldur, which Gandalf suspects is tied to a greater evil. Saruman dismisses Gandalf's fears, attributing the Necromancer's power to a minor sorcerer, but Galadriel offers Gandalf her support and a subtle warning about the path ahead.

Leaving Rivendell, the company journeys through the treacherous Misty Mountains. A violent thunderstorm erupts, revealing ancient Stone-giants battling amongst the peaks, narrowly missing the dwarves. Seeking shelter in a cave, they are ambushed by Goblins, who have found a secret entrance. Bilbo is separated from the company during the chaos, falling deep into the mountain's depths. The dwarves and Gandalf are captured and dragged before the grotesque Great Goblin, who mocks Thorin and interrogates them about their quest. Gandalf, however, manages to break free and, with Orcrist, slays the Great Goblin and leads the dwarves in a desperate escape through the labyrinthine tunnels of Goblin-town, fighting off hordes of Goblins.

Meanwhile, Bilbo, disoriented in the darkness, stumbles upon a small, plain gold ring. Shortly after, he encounters Gollum, a withered, ancient creature who lives deep beneath the mountains. Gollum, who has lost his "precious" ring, believes Bilbo has stolen it and challenges him to a game of riddles. If Bilbo wins, Gollum will show him the way out; if Bilbo loses, he will be eaten. Bilbo, through a mixture of luck and cleverness, wins the game by asking, "What have I got in my pocket?" Gollum, furious at being outsmarted and realizing Bilbo has found his Ring, attempts to attack him. Bilbo instinctively slips on the Ring, discovering it grants him invisibility. He follows Gollum, who is frantically searching for his lost treasure, to an exit. As Bilbo approaches the exit, he overhears Gollum's desperate cries for his "precious" and, for a moment, contemplates killing the creature. However, a newfound sense of mercy prevails, and he steps over Gollum, invisible, escaping Goblin-town.

Bilbo eventually reunites with the dwarves, who are still fleeing the Goblins. They escape to a mountainside clearing, but their reprieve is short-lived as they are ambushed by a pack of Wargs, led by Azog the Defiler, who has been hunting Thorin. The company takes refuge in a cluster of pine trees on the edge of a cliff. Thorin, driven by a desire to avenge his ancestors and confront Azog, charges at the Orc chieftain but is quickly overpowered and injured. As Azog prepares to deliver a killing blow, Bilbo, witnessing Thorin's peril, rushes forward, bravely defending the fallen dwarf despite his fear, demonstrating his growing courage and loyalty. Just as the Wargs are about to overwhelm them, Gandalf summons giant Eagles, who carry the company to safety, flying them away from the burning trees and the pursuing Orcs.

The Eagles deposit the company on the Carrock, a great rock overlooking the valley. From this vantage point, they can see the Lonely Mountain in the distance, a stark reminder of their daunting quest. Gandalf tends to Thorin's wounds, and the dwarves, having witnessed Bilbo's bravery, finally begin to accept him as a valuable member of their company. Bilbo, looking towards the distant mountain, understands that his unexpected journey has only just begun, and he is no longer the same hobbit who left Bag End. The film ends with the company continuing their journey towards the perilous lands beyond, with Azog still alive and determined to hunt them down.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
• Ian McKellen as Gandalf
• Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
• Graham McTavish as Dwalin
• Ken Stott as Balin
• Aidan Turner as Kili
• Dean O'Gorman as Fili
• Mark Hadlow as Dori
• Jed Brophy as Nori
• Adam Brown as Ori
• John Callen as Oin
• Peter Hambleton as Gloin
• William Kircher as Bifur
• James Nesbitt as Bofur
• Stephen Hunter as Bombur
• Sylvester McCoy as Radagast the Brown
• Andy Serkis as Gollum
• Hugo Weaving as Elrond
• Cate Blanchett as Galadriel
• Christopher Lee as Saruman
• Barry Humphries as Great Goblin
• Manu Bennett as Azog

Crew:

• Director: Peter Jackson
• Producers: Carolynne Cunningham, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Zane Weiner
• Screenplay: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro
• Based on the novel by: J.R.R. Tolkien
• Music: Howard Shore
• Cinematography: Andrew Lesnie
• Editing: Jabez Olssen
• Production Design: Dan Hennah
• Costume Design: Bob Buck, Ann Maskrey, Richard Taylor
• Visual Effects Supervisor: Joe Letteri

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: December 14, 2012 (United States)
• Language: English
• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
• Running Time: 169 minutes (Theatrical Cut)
• Accolades: Nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Visual Effects); Nominated for 3 BAFTA Awards (Best Production Design, Best Makeup & Hair, Best Special Visual Effects).