The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) – Full Movie Recap
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first film in Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit novel. It follows the unlikely hero, Bilbo Baggins, as he embarks on a dangerous quest to help a group of dwarves reclaim their lost kingdom and treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
The Beginning of the Adventure: The film opens in The Shire, where an older Bilbo Baggins (played by Ian Holm) reflects on his past adventures. He begins writing about his journey, which takes us back 60 years earlier, to when a younger Bilbo (played by Martin Freeman) lived a quiet and peaceful life in Hobbiton.
Bilbo’s quiet life is disrupted when Gandalf the Grey (played by Ian McKellen), a powerful wizard, visits him unexpectedly. Gandalf offers Bilbo the chance to join an adventure, but the hobbit is reluctant. That night, a group of 13 dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (played by Richard Armitage), arrive at Bilbo’s home for an impromptu meeting. They are planning a quest to reclaim their homeland, the Lonely Mountain, and the treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug. Despite his hesitation, Bilbo is recruited as their “burglar,” and he reluctantly agrees to join the quest.
The Journey Begins: Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarves set off across Middle-earth toward the Lonely Mountain. Along the way, Bilbo begins to bond with the company, though he still doubts his usefulness. Their journey takes them through dangerous territories, including Trollshaws, where they encounter three trolls. Bilbo’s quick thinking delays the trolls long enough for Gandalf to arrive and turn them to stone by exposing them to sunlight.
The group continues to the Elven city of Rivendell, where they meet Elrond (played by Hugo Weaving). Elrond provides them with guidance, showing them a map that reveals the secret entrance to the Lonely Mountain. While in Rivendell, Gandalf consults with other leaders, including Galadriel and Saruman, about the growing darkness in Middle-earth.
The Goblins and the Orcs: The company presses on, but they are soon captured by goblins in the Misty Mountains and taken to the Goblin King’s underground lair. As the dwarves are imprisoned, Bilbo becomes separated from the group. In the goblin tunnels, Bilbo encounters Gollum (played by Andy Serkis), a strange and tormented creature. During this encounter, Bilbo discovers a magical ring that grants him invisibility. This ring, however, is the One Ring, though Bilbo is unaware of its significance.
Bilbo engages in a battle of wits with Gollum, playing a riddle game to escape. By the end, Bilbo outsmarts Gollum and uses the ring to become invisible, allowing him to slip away from the creature. This encounter marks a pivotal moment in Bilbo’s journey, as he begins to gain confidence in his abilities.
Meanwhile, the dwarves manage to escape the goblin lair with Gandalf’s help. They are pursued by a pack of orcs, led by the fearsome orc chieftain Azog the Defiler. Azog is hunting Thorin, seeking revenge for their past battles. The group narrowly escapes the orcs, but they are soon cornered in a clearing, surrounded by wargs (giant wolf-like creatures) and orcs.
The Battle and Rescue: Thorin, filled with pride and anger, confronts Azog but is severely injured in the battle. Just as the situation seems hopeless, Gandalf summons a flock of giant eagles, who swoop in and carry the company to safety. The eagles take the group to a distant outcrop, where they are finally safe from their pursuers.
The Lonely Mountain in Sight: In the final moments of the film, the group catches their first glimpse of the Lonely Mountain in the distance. Despite the challenges and dangers they’ve faced, their destination is now within reach. As the film closes, the camera shifts to the interior of the mountain, where Smaug stirs from his slumber, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead for Bilbo and the dwarves.
Closing Thoughts: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey sets the stage for an epic adventure filled with danger, camaraderie, and self-discovery. Bilbo’s transformation from a reluctant hobbit to a courageous hero begins in this film, as he learns that even the smallest person can make a big difference. With breathtaking visuals, rich world-building, and iconic characters, this first installment draws audiences back into the magical world of Middle-earth.
The Final Battle and the Eagles’ Rescue: In the climax of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and the company of dwarves are pursued by orcs and wargs, led by the menacing orc chieftain Azog the Defiler, who seeks revenge against Thorin Oakenshield. The group is forced to take refuge in trees on a cliffside, but the wargs and orcs close in, setting the trees on fire.
In a desperate last stand, Thorin courageously faces Azog, but is overpowered and gravely injured. Just when all hope seems lost, Gandalf summons the Great Eagles. The majestic eagles swoop in, rescuing the group from certain death and carrying them to safety on a distant mountain outcrop. Thorin, though wounded, survives.
A Glimpse of the Lonely Mountain: As the group recovers, Thorin expresses his appreciation for Bilbo, who, despite his earlier doubts, proves his worth by saving Thorin from danger during the battle. Bilbo is no longer the timid hobbit who left the Shire—he has gained courage and earned the respect of the dwarves.
In the final scene, the company spots the Lonely Mountain on the horizon, signaling the next stage of their quest to reclaim their homeland. As the camera zooms in on the mountain, Smaug, the mighty dragon, briefly stirs from his slumber within, hinting at the looming danger the company will soon face.
Closing Thought: The ending of An Unexpected Journey leaves the audience on the edge of excitement, with Bilbo proving himself as a hero and the group’s ultimate goal—the Lonely Mountain—finally in sight. The film sets up the stakes for the challenges to come, particularly with the awakening of the dragon, Smaug.