Frequently Asked Questions About The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, released in 2014, is the concluding installment of Peter Jackson's cinematic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved fantasy novel. This article addresses some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this epic film, providing insights and answers to help both newcomers and fans of the series navigate the complex story and characters.

Overview of the Questions

This article covers a variety of questions related to the film, including character motivations, plot elements, directorial choices, and fan discussions surrounding the movie's reception and legacy.

Questions About Pre-View Recommendations

Q: What should I watch first before watching The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies?

Before delving into the final chapter of the Hobbit saga, it's best to start with the beginning. Watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug first. These films lay the groundwork for the plot and introduce the main characters, making the experience in Five Armies more enjoyable and comprehensible.

Questions About Specific Elements of the Film

Q: What is your review of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 2014 movie?

As the capper to the Hobbit trilogy, The Battle of the Five Armies is intended to tie up loose ends and provide a final resolution to the characters' journeys. Fans have varied opinions. Some appreciate the attention to detail and the culmination of the sagas, while others find it rushed and thematically unsatisfying. Overall, the film is visually stunning and emotionally charged, though it may leave some viewers unsatisfied due to its pacing and certain narrative choices.

Q: What are the five armies in The Battle of the Five Armies?

The Battle of the Five Armies centers around the conflict between a variety of forces:

The Dwarves: Led by the defiant Thorin Oakenshield and his allies. The Elves: Represented by Thranduil and his Wood-elves. The Men of Lake-town: Supported by Bard and the people of Laketown. The Eagles: Omni-present in the skies, aiding the just. The Orcs and other monstrous creatures: Represented by Thrór's line of orcs and other dark forces.

Questions About Characters and Their Motivations

Q: Is Hobbit 2 ok for kids?

While The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies caters to the adult audiences, younger viewers may find it intense due to its mature themes and action sequences. It can still be a fun and engaging experience for older kids, provided they are mature enough to handle the content.

Q: What motivates Thorin and his dwarves? Are they noble or just ambitious, vengeful, and greedy?

Thorin and his dwarves are driven by a mix of motivations. They seek to reclaim their homeland, Erebor, from Smaug and the position it offers them with wealth and power. Thorin's greed and insistence on taking the Arkenstone can also be seen as an overly selfish desire to control everything, while his quest for vengeance against Smaug and his past grievances reflect a deep-seated pain and ambition.

Questions About Directorial and Production Choices

Q: Do you feel that Peter Jackson jumped the shark by adding a superfluous Elven character in The Hobbit 2? She appears to exist only to add a love element.

Questions about inclusion and character development are common in film analysis. Tauriel, an elven ranger, was introduced in The Desolation of Smaug to bridge the gap between the human and elven realms and add depth to the story. Her character development and relationship with Kili add a unique perspective to the Hobbit saga, though some argue that her romance with Kili detracts from other narrative threads.

Q: The Tauriel / Kili romance seemed like a weak point in the movie. Do others agree with that? What was the point of including it?

While some viewers may feel the Tauriel / Kili romance is a less compelling storyline, others appreciate it for its development of characters and emotional depth. In the context of the expansive Tolkien universe, this romance provides an interesting relationship that involves themes of trust, growth, and the potential for deeper connections in Middle Earth.

Questions About Specific Plot Points and Features

Q: What is the importance of Smaug in the book The Hobbit?

Smaug is a pivotal character in the original story. As the dragon hoarding treasure in the Lonely Mountain, he serves as both a symbol of greed and a central antagonist. His destruction of Laketown adds urgency to the quest and underscores the characters' motivations for reclaiming their tombs.

Q: Why did the Dwarves build Erebor with wide hallways big enough for dragons to fit in?

The design of Erebor includes wide hallways to accommodate the dragons. In the original book, Smaug can fly through these tunnels to great intrigue, underscoring the unique nature of his presence. The wide hallways are also practical for the dwarves to explore and navigate their cavernous home. In the film adaptations, this design choice remains and helps to preserve the iconic feel of the location.

Final Questions About the Film's Reception and Legacy

Q: Why is 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' the worst Peter Jackson Hobbit movie?

Whether the final installment lives up to its predecessors is a matter of personal opinion. Some cite its rushed pace, complex subplot lines, and its departure from the source material, while others see it as a grand spectacle that pampers to action and visual effects fans. It's a diverse opinion, and the overall answer hinges on individual preferences.

Q: Will Peter Jackson revisit Tolkiens Middle Earth after the film?

Though The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings constitute the first complete cinematic adaptation of Tolkiens works, many fans hope for a 'Retelling' of parts of Middle Earth to explore untold stories. While the definitive answer lies with the director, many believe a deep dive into lesser-known tales could be an exciting prospect.

Q: How does it feel to know you will probably never see Middle Earth again? After 6 films and a decade and a half are you gutted to say goodbye?

For many fans, saying goodbye to Middle Earth represents the conclusion of a beloved saga. While the films have provided an epic journey, many still hold onto the hope that Tolkien's world will continue to be explored in other media. The sense of bittersweet joy and nostalgia, however, is a testament to the enduring power of Tolkien's creation.