Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis; Direction: Peter Jackson; Screenplay: Fran Walshm Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro based on the Novel by J.R.R. Tolkien; Music: Howard Shore; Editing: Jabez Olssen; Genre: Fantasy Adventure; Location: Middle Earth; Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures; Running Time: 169 minutes
Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA
Rating :
V14
Sixty years before the
events in the Lord of the Rings, Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) is recruited by
Gandalf, the Grey (McKellen) into becoming the “burglar” for Thorin and his
company of 12 dwarves as the latter set out to reclaim their kingdom, the
Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo at first is reluctant, but
curiosity and desire for adventure takes over so he sets out and runs after the
Company of Dwarves. On the way, they are attacked by trolls, meet the wizard
Radagast, the Brown where they are hinted that the Necromancer has risen,
chased by the Orcs and are almost killed by Azog, the Orc war-chief who lost
his arm to Thorin in a previous battle. Bilbo also has an encounter with Gollum
and manages to keep the ring of power after he wins in a game of riddles. The
film ends with the group seeing Lonely Mountain in a distance and the dragon
Smaug waking up.
The
Hobbit successfully recreates the visual tone
of Lord of the Rings. This naturally
means cinematography, art direction and special effects are stunning. (We watched
the movie in 3D, hence there was this added quality of depth of detail and
clarity of images). However, the animation, although still an outstanding feat
was a bit too sharp and felt more like a video game losing a little of its
mystique. Story wise, it tried to be faithful to the details of the novel but
catering more to the adult viewers instead of children readers as the author
originally intended. Needless to say for non-Tolkien fans, the movie will feel
too long and dragging with all the characters, encounters and exchanges of
lengthy words. Jackson is still a superb story-teller because even for a heavy
narrative-based film, he has intelligently inserted animated suspense and
heart-stopping action without going over-the-top or drawing too much attention
to it. The Hobbit is an epic
experience visually and mentally but does feel a bit stretched too much for
comfort. A tighter editing and trimming down of repetitive scenes are needed.
There are several
quotable quotes which translates also into great moral reminders. For instance,
Gandalf telling Bilbo that courage is not knowing when to take a life but when
to spare one. This is a philosophy that needs to be emphasized these days when
the value of life is negated. Another quote and lesson is delivered by Bilbo as
he returns to aid the Dwarves even though he could have turned back and
returned home because he empathizes with them for losing theirs. Again, this is
a timely reminder for people to be heroes and saviors, especially to those who
have lost so much or own so little. The challenge it to extend help when they
can even if it inconveniences them.
The values of
teamwork, courage and defending one’s self without killing are reiterated
throughout the movie. The characterizations are inspiring and redemptive
emphasizing self-sacrifice, honor, kindness and bravery.
