The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

About The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first installment in Peter Jackson's three-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel 'The Hobbit.' The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit, who is unexpectedly swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Joined by a group of thirteen dwarfs, led by the brave Thorin Oakenshield, and the wizard Gandalf, Bilbo embarks on a dangerous journey through treacherous terrains, facing goblins, orcs, and other deadly threats.

Making / Production

This movie, directed by Peter Jackson, was shot in New Zealand with the post-production process taking place at Jackson's own facilities. The production underwent several complications before its ultimate realization, including director changes and financial uncertainties related to the MGM bankruptcy.

Actors

• Martin Freeman played the timid yet brave character of Bilbo Baggins and transmitted his insecurities and courage convincingly to the audience.
• Ian McKellen reprised his iconic role as Gandalf, bringing his wisdom and magic to the ensemble cast.
• Richard Armitage portrayed Thorin Oakenshield, the Dwarf king, capturing his nobility and steadfast determination.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie brought back several Lord of the Rings actors, even those whose characters did not appear in the original book.
• The film is the first to be shot at a high frame rate of 48 frames per second, double the standard 24.
• The film made use of cutting-edge technology to create the character of Gollum.

Awards

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey received several nominations at the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Visual Effects Society Awards, with a particular note for its visual effects, production design and makeup.

Quotes

• "I'm going on an adventure!" - Bilbo Baggins
• "True courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one." - Gandalf

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack was composed by Howard Shore, who also composed the music for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
• The song 'Misty Mountains' sung by the dwarf cast became a notable element of the film's score.
• Neil Finn, from the band Crowded House, contributed to the end-credit song 'Song of the Lonely Mountain'.