The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

About The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The second instalment in the epic film adaptation of the beloved fantasy series The Hobbit brings us "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug". Released in December 2013, this film continues the quest of the protagonist Bilbo Baggins and the party of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield to reclaim their homeland, Erebor, from the fiery dragon Smaug. This journey sees them venture through dangerous lands and face menacing enemies, climaxing in a face-off with Smaug himself inside the Lonely Mountain.

Making / Production

The film, directed by Peter Jackson, was produced by New Line Cinema, WingNut Films and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was filmed in New Zealand and the production employed groundbreaking visual effects technology to bring J.R.R. Tolkien's world to life. Smaug was notably brought to life using motion capture technology with Benedict Cumberbatch's movements and voice.

Actors

• Martin Freeman brilliantly plays the character of Bilbo Baggins, bringing an everyman's charm and bravery to the character.
• Ian McKellen flawlessly portrays the wise and powerful wizard Gandalf the Grey.
• Richard Armitage infuses the character of Thorin Oakenshield with a regal bearing and a fierce determination.
• Benedict Cumberbatch provided the chilling voice and movements for the dragon Smaug, making the character all the more menacing.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the first time in The Hobbit film franchise that the Elven city of Thranduil is seen in full glory.
• Laketown, a key location in the film, was entirely built on a sound stage.
• The film has a run time of 161 minutes, making it the shortest in The Hobbit trilogy.

Awards

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug received several nominations at the Academy Awards and the BAFTAs, including Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Editing.

Quotes

• "Truly, tales and songs fall utterly short of your enormity, O Smaug the Stupendous" - Bilbo Baggins.
• "I will not risk this quest for the life of one burglar." - Thorin.

Music and Soundtrack

• Howard Shore composed the magical and foreboding score for the film.
• "I See Fire", an original song by Ed Sheeran, plays over the end credits and became a popular hit.