The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Overview
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a 2012 fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson, based on the 1937 novel of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien. The movie is the first installment in a trilogy, followed by The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. This film is a prequel to Jackson’s earlier trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.
Storyline
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. The story begins with Bilbo, approaching his 111th birthday, writing down the full story of his adventure 60 years earlier for his nephew Frodo.
Early Events
Long before Bilbo’s involvement, the Dwarf king Thrór brought an era of prosperity for his kin under the Lonely Mountain until the arrival of the dragon Smaug. Smaug destroyed the nearby town of Dale and drove the Dwarves out of their mountain, taking their hoard of gold. Thrór’s grandson, Thorin Oakenshield, sees King Thranduil and his Wood-elves on a nearby hillside, and is dismayed when they leave rather than aid his people, resulting in Thorin’s everlasting hatred of Elves.
Bilbo’s Recruitment
In the Shire, 50-year-old Bilbo is tricked by the wizard Gandalf the Grey into hosting a dinner for Thorin and his company of Dwarves. Gandalf’s aim is to recruit Bilbo as the company’s burglar to aid them in their quest to enter the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo is unwilling to accept at first but has a change of heart after the company leaves without him the next day, racing to join them.
Journey Through Treacherous Lands
The company, consisting of Bilbo and thirteen Dwarves (Balin, Dwalin, Fíli, Kíli, Dori, Nori, Ori, Óin, Glóin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur), travels through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. They are captured by three Trolls, Tom, Bert, and William, but Bilbo stalls them from eating them until dawn, when Gandalf exposes the Trolls to sunlight, turning them to stone.
Encounters with Radagast and Elrond
The company encounters Radagast the Brown, a Wizard who lives in the forest of Greenwood. He tells them of a strange presence he encountered at Dol Guldur and how it is poisoning the forest. The group is then chased by Orcs on Wargs, with Radagast drawing them off with his Rhosgobel Rabbits-pulled sled. Gandalf leads them through a stone passage to Rivendell, where they are rescued by Elves who chase the Orcs away. Elrond discloses a hidden indication of a secret door on the company’s map of the Lonely Mountain, which will be visible only on Durin’s Day.
The Riddle Game with Gollum
Bilbo becomes separated from the Dwarves and falls into a crevice where he encounters Gollum. Gollum accidentally drops a golden ring while killing a stray Goblin to eat. Pocketing the ring, Bilbo finds himself confronted by Gollum. They play a riddle game, wagering that Bilbo will be shown the way out if he wins or eaten by Gollum if he loses. Bilbo eventually wins by asking Gollum what he has in his pocket, noticing his ring is lost and that Gollum suspects him of having it. Chased by the furious Gollum, Bilbo discovers that the ring grants him invisibility and evades him, deciding out of pity not to kill him despite having the chance to do so.
Ambush by Azog and Rescue by Eagles
The company is ambushed by Azog and his hunting party and takes refuge in trees. Thorin charges at Azog but is knocked to the ground. Bilbo saves Thorin from the Orcs just as the company is rescued by eagles, who fly them to the safety of the Carrock. In the distance, the company sees the Lonely Mountain, where the sleeping Smaug is awakened by the knocking sound of a thrush.
Cast and Crew
Directors and Producers
Peter Jackson: Director and producer of the film.
Fran Walsh: Producer.
Carolynne Cunningham: Co-producer.
Zane Weiner: Co-producer.
Main Cast
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins.
Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey.
Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield.
Elijah Wood (cameo) as Frodo Baggins.
Andy Serkis as Gollum.
Hugo Weaving as Elrond.
Cate Blanchett as Galadriel.
Benedict Cumberbatch (voice) as Smaug.
Lee Pace as Thranduil.
James Nesbitt as Bofur.
Ken Stott as Balin.
Stephen Hunter as Dwalin.
Dean O’Gorman as Fíli.
Aidan Turner as Kíli.
Manu Bennett as Azog.
Movie Poster
The movie poster for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey features a dramatic illustration of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) standing at the edge of a cliff, looking out at the Lonely Mountain in the distance. The poster includes iconic characters like Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch), as well as the Dwarves and Gollum. The artwork is reminiscent of traditional fantasy art, with intricate details and vibrant colors. The title of the film is prominently displayed in bold, adventurous font, while the tagline In a world of wonder, the journey begins hints at the epic adventure that unfolds within the movie.
Framed Print and Canvas Print
Fans of the film can enjoy their favorite scenes from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in various forms of media, including framed prints and canvas prints. These prints can be customized to include specific quotes or scenes from the movie, making them unique pieces of art for any fan’s home or office. The framed prints and canvas prints are available in different sizes, allowing viewers to choose the perfect fit for their space. They can also be personalized with special messages or names, making them even more meaningful.
Conclusion
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a captivating film that sets the stage for an epic adventure. With its rich storyline, memorable characters, and stunning visuals, it has become a beloved addition to the fantasy genre. The movie poster, framed prints, and canvas prints all contribute to the immersive experience of the film, allowing fans to bring a piece of Middle-earth into their homes. Whether you are a seasoned fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works or new to the world of Middle-earth, this film is sure to captivate and inspire.
Keywords: Fantasy Adventure Film Peter Jackson Martin Freeman Ian McKellen Richard Armitage Andy Serkis Hugo Weaving Cate Blanchett Benedict Cumberbatch Lee Pace James Nesbitt Ken Stott Stephen Hunter Dean O’Gorman Aidan Turner Manu Bennett Gandalf the Grey Bilbo Baggins Thorin Oakenshield Gollum Smaug Elrond Galadriel Thranduil Azog Framed Print Canvas Print Movie Poster Film Poster The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
