Release: 2013-12-11
Runtime: 2h 41m (161 minutes)
The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.
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Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Cate Blanchett, more
Benedict Cumberbatch
as Smaug / Sauron
Evangeline Lilly
as Tauriel
Cate Blanchett
as Galadriel
Ian McKellen
as Gandalf the Grey
Orlando Bloom
as Legolas
Martin Freeman
as Bilbo Baggins
Peter Jackson
as Albert Dreary (uncredited)
Luke Evans
as Bard / Girion
Richard Armitage
as Thorin Oakenshield
Lee Pace
as King Thranduil
Manu Bennett
as Azog the Defiler
Terry Notary
as Goblin (uncredited)
The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.
Beyond darkness... beyond desolation... lies the greatest danger of all.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is an epic fantasy adventure film that was released in 2013. Directed by Peter Jackson, the movie is based on J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 novel The Hobbit. It serves as a sequel to 2012's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and is the second part of a trilogy that leads into Jackson's acclaimed The Lord of the Rings series.
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman, who joins Thorin Oakenshield and a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Meanwhile, the dark forces of the evil orc Azog and his son Bolg chase them, while Gandalf uncovers a sinister force threatening the realm.
The movie boasts an impressive cast, including Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Evangeline Lilly. The film effectively combines high-quality visual effects with a compelling story and character development.
Release and Reception
The Desolation of Smaug premiered on 2 December 2013 in Los Angeles and was released in New Zealand on 12 December and in the United States on 13 December. It was produced by New Line Cinema and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film received largely positive reviews from audiences and critics alike, grossing approximately $959 million worldwide, making it the fourth highest-grossing film of 2013.
The film's critical acclaim stems from its stunning visuals, strong performances, and engaging story. It was nominated for three Academy Awards at the 86th Oscars, including Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects. Review aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes scored the film with a 75% approval rating, while Metacritic gave it a score of 66, indicating generally favorable reviews.
Key Elements of the Plot
Musical Score and Legacy
The score for The Desolation of Smaug was composed by Howard Shore and performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. The soundtrack includes the song "I See Fire" by Ed Sheeran, which plays during the film's end credits.
This film marks a significant chapter in the cinematic adaptation of The Hobbit, contributing to its legacy and paving the way for the final installment, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, which was released in 2014.
In summary, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a visually stunning and engaging film that builds on the foundations laid by its predecessor, enriching the Middle-earth saga with thrilling adventures and rich character arcs.
