Release: 2014-12-10
Runtime: 2h 24m (144 minutes)
Immediately after the events of The Desolation of Smaug, Bilbo and the dwarves try to defend Erebor's mountain of treasure from others who claim it: the men of the ruined Laketown and the elves of Mirkwood. Meanwhile an army of Orcs led by Azog the Defiler is marching on Erebor, fueled by the rise of the dark lord Sauron. Dwarves, elves and men must unite, and the hope for Middle-Earth falls into Bilbo's hands.
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Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Cate Blanchett, more
Benedict Cumberbatch
as Smaug / Sauron (voice)
Evangeline Lilly
as Tauriel
Cate Blanchett
as Galadriel
Ian McKellen
as Gandalf the Grey
Orlando Bloom
as Legolas
Ian Holm
as Old Bilbo Baggins
Martin Freeman
as Bilbo Baggins
Thomasin McKenzie
as Astrid
Christopher Lee
as Saruman the White
Hugo Weaving
as Elrond
Peter Jackson
as Painting of Bungo Baggins (uncredited)
Luke Evans
as Bard
Immediately after the events of The Desolation of Smaug, Bilbo and the dwarves try to defend Erebor's mountain of treasure from others who claim it: the men of the ruined Laketown and the elves of Mirkwood. Meanwhile an army of Orcs led by Azog the Defiler is marching on Erebor, fueled by the rise of the dark lord Sauron. Dwarves, elves and men must unite, and the hope for Middle-Earth falls into Bilbo's hands.
Witness the defining chapter of the Middle-Earth saga
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, released on 17 December 2014, is the third and final film in Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved story, The Hobbit. Directed by Jackson, the film showcases a screenplay co-written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Guillermo del Toro. The film ties up the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves, focusing on the fierce conflict over the treasure inside the Lonely Mountain.
The plot unfolds as Bilbo and Thorin Oakenshield's band of dwarves claim the gold, igniting a fierce struggle among dwarves, elves, and men. Meanwhile, the ominous figure Azog the Defiler and his orc army threaten their newfound peace. The film features an impressive cast, including Martin Freeman as Bilbo, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, and Richard Armitage as Thorin, among others.
The film's story kicks off with the dragon Smaug wreaking havoc in Laketown. Bard, a local hero, arises to confront this menace and ultimately slays the dragon, leading to a power vacuum that incites conflict over the treasure in the Lonely Mountain. As various factions gather to claim their share, Thorin becomes increasingly obsessed with finding the Arkenstone, a symbol of his rightful claim to leadership.
In the meantime, Gandalf has been rescued by Galadriel, Elrond, and Saruman from the dark clutches of Dol Guldur. They battle the Nazgûl and confront Sauron, showcasing their strength and unity against this ancient evil. As the tensions rise, Azog's forces march towards the Lonely Mountain, setting the stage for a climactic battle.
When the dwarves, elves, and men finally clash in battle, alliances shift, and loyalties are tested. Bilbo, attempting to broker peace, sneaks out with the Arkenstone, presenting it to Bard and Thranduil in hopes of avoiding bloodshed. However, Thorin's greed leads to devastating consequences, including the loss of lives and friendships.
The film culminates in an epic battle where sacrifices are made. Thorin faces Azog, the battle’s main antagonist, leading to a personal and symbolic showdown. As the dust settles, the surviving characters find themselves transformed by their experiences, marked by both loss and redemption.
Released to mixed reviews, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies grossed approximately $962.2 million worldwide, making it a commercial success, though it was the lowest-grossing film in the Hobbit trilogy in the US and Canada. Critics acknowledged the film's impressive visuals and emotional moments but noted it felt overwhelmed by its own spectacle.
The film garnered one Academy Award nomination for Best Sound Editing and was appreciated for its music composed by Howard Shore. The final chapter of this cinematic journey provides a fitting end to Tolkien's world, encapsulating themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the struggle against greed.
With its release, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies not only marked the conclusion of a trilogy but also solidified its place in the cultural landscape of fantasy filmmaking.
