Welcome to the fascinating world of Middle-earth! If you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s magical universe, you’ve probably heard about ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.’
This second installment in Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy is a cinematic marvel that brings Tolkien’s intricate storytelling to life.
This blog post aims to delve deep into the fabulous world of ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,’ revealing the in-depth book summary, movie summary, and a parent guide for the film.
We will also explore the film’s setting, the introduction of the characters, provide notable quotes, and look at the enchanting soundtrack by Howard Shore.
As a bonus, we’ll shed light on several hidden gems and curiosities of the film and even share some tips for cosplay if you’d like to dress like your favorite characters!
A Brief Summary of the Book
Before we jump into the movie summary, let’s take a quick stroll through the book’s storyline.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ is a classic fantasy novel that tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving hobbit who embarks on a perilous adventure with a group of dwarves and a wizard named Gandalf.
Their mission is to reclaim the dwarf kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
‘The Desolation of Smaug,’ although not a separate book, constitutes a significant part of ‘The Hobbit.’
It covers their daring voyage through Mirkwood, their encounter with the Wood-elves, their escape in barrels down the river, and their confrontation with the dragon Smaug in the Lonely Mountain.
Movie Summary: From Page to Screen
As we move from page to screen, the movie takes the essence of the book and adds a touch of cinematic flair.
‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ picks up from where the first film left off, with Bilbo, Gandalf, and the thirteen dwarves continuing their journey to reclaim Erebor.
The movie introduces a few additional characters not present in the book, such as Tauriel the elf and Bard the Bowman’s family, which adds a fresh perspective to the story.
The Parent Guide: What to Know Before Watching
As a parent, you might be wondering whether ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ is suitable for your children.
The film is rated PG-13 due to its intense fantasy action violence, frightening images, and thematic elements.
There are several battle scenes involving orcs, spiders, and a dragon that might be scary for younger children.
However, the film also emphasizes themes of courage, friendship, and self-sacrifice, making it a suitable watch for older kids and teenagers.
Unveiling When and Where the Movie Takes Place
‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, a land filled with elves, dwarves, hobbits, and wizards.
The majority of the movie takes place in Mirkwood, the Elvenking’s halls, Lake-town, and the Lonely Mountain, home to the dragon Smaug.
The timeline of the story occurs 60 years before the events of ‘The Lord of The Rings’ trilogy, providing a fascinating prequel to the epic tale.
An Introduction to the Characters: Who’s Who in the Film
In ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,’ we meet a variety of characters, each with their unique traits and roles.
Our protagonist Bilbo Baggins is an unassuming hero who displays courage and wit.
The dwarves, led by their king Thorin Oakenshield, are on a quest to reclaim their homeland.
The wizard Gandalf the Grey provides guidance and support, while the Wood-elves, including their king Thranduil and the warrior Tauriel, add an element of grace and fierceness.
Bard the Bowman and his family in Lake-town provide a human perspective to the story.
Notable Quotes from the Movie
‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the film and its characters.
From Bilbo’s “I found something in the Goblin tunnels” to Thorin’s “I will not risk this quest for the life of one burglar”, these dialogues add depth and emotional weight to the narrative.
The Melodic Journey: Soundtrack by Howard Shore
The soundtrack of ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ is composed by the brilliant Howard Shore.
His music beautifully complements the magical world of Middle-earth, enhancing the film’s dramatic moments with his thematic scores.
From the haunting ‘I See Fire’ by Ed Sheeran that accompanies the end credits to the enchanting melodies of ‘The Forest River,’ Shore’s soundtrack is truly a melodic journey that transcends the cinematic experience.
Hidden Gems: Unveiling Curiosities of the Film
There are several hidden gems and curiosities in ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ that make the film even more enjoyable.
For instance, did you know that Peter Jackson made a brief cameo in the film, or that the design of Smaug was inspired by a variety of real-life creatures?
These tidbits add an extra layer of fascination to the film.
Tips for Cosplay: Dressing Like Your Favorite Characters
For those who want to take their love for ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ to the next level, cosplay is a fantastic option.
This section will provide some tips on how to dress like your favorite characters, from Bilbo‘s iconic waistcoat and scarf to Thorin‘s majestic royal attire.
A Glimpse into J. R. R. Tolkien: Biography and Works
J.R.R. Tolkien, the mastermind behind the Middle-earth universe, had a fascinating life and career. This section will provide an overview of his biography and works, highlighting his immense contribution to the world of fantasy literature.
Ending Explained: Unraveling the Conclusion
The ending of ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ leaves viewers on a cliffhanger, with Smaug leaving the Lonely Mountain to attack Lake-town.
This section will unravel the conclusion, discussing its implications and setting the stage for the final installment, ‘The Battle of the Five Armies.’
Future of the Franchise: Remake, Sequel, and Spin-off Speculations
With the immense popularity of ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, fans are eager to know about the future of the franchise.
While there’s currently no official announcement regarding a remake, sequel, or spin-off, this section will delve into speculations and possibilities.
Peter Jackson’s Contributions: Other Media by the Director
Peter Jackson, the director of ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, has made significant contributions to the film industry.
Apart from ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of The Rings’ series, he has also directed several other acclaimed films.
This section will highlight his other works, providing a broader perspective on his cinematic craft.
If You Liked This, You’ll Love These: Similar Media to ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’
If you enjoyed ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,’ you might be interested in exploring similar media.
This section will recommend other fantasy books, films, and TV series that you might enjoy, expanding your entertainment horizons.
Discovering Other Works by J. R. R. Tolkien
Beyond ‘The Hobbit,’ J.R.R. Tolkien has written several other captivating works set in the world of Middle-earth.
This section will introduce you to his other masterpieces, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into his magical universe.
Engaging Your Mind: Popular Book Club Questions
As a passionate fan of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” I’ve often found myself delving into book summary after movie summary, eager to understand every intricacy of the plot.
The parent guide of the movie is a good starting point, giving an overview of when the story takes place and the film locations.
It provides a comprehensive ‘Who’s who’ of characters, famous quotes, and even the enchanting soundtrack by Howard Shore. But as a true fan, I’ve always wanted to go a step further.
This love for the franchise led me to join a book club, where I found other fans who shared my enthusiasm.
It was in this club that I found the joy of dissecting the movie, analyzing the characters, and posing thought-provoking questions.
A few of the popular book club questions include: ‘What was Bilbo’s most significant character development?’ ‘What does the Arkenstone symbolize?’ ‘How does the movie explore the theme of greed?’ These questions not only improve our understanding of the movie but also stimulate engaging discussions.
In our book club, we often delve into the curiosities of the movie, such as the intricate details of the set and costumes.
For the cosplay enthusiasts among us, the book club discussions offer valuable tips for cosplay, inspiring us to dress like the characters.
From Thorin’s majestic attire to Tauriel’s warrior ensemble, each costume tells a story, reflecting the character’s personality and journey.
The Hobbit in Gaming: Video Games Based on the Franchise
I’ve found another way to immerse myself in the world of Middle-earth – through video games based on the franchise.
These games have allowed me to connect with the characters and the story in a more interactive way, enhancing my appreciation for J. R. R. Tolkien’s work.
One such game that I’ve enjoyed is ‘LEGO The Hobbit,’ which is based on the first two films of The Hobbit trilogy.
The game allows me to control the characters, fight the enemies, and even build and explore the film locations. It’s a fun and exciting way to relive the movie’s adventures.
Another game that has captivated me is ‘The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth.’ In this strategy game, I can build and manage my kingdom, forge alliances, and wage wars.
The game beautifully captures the essence of the movie, bringing the characters and the world of Middle-earth to life.
A Travel Guide to Visit ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ Locations
As a Tolkien enthusiast, I’ve always dreamed of visiting the film locations from ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.’
These mesmerizing locations, most of which are in New Zealand, are a testament to Peter Jackson’s cinematic craft. They capture the magic and grandeur of Middle-earth, transporting viewers into a world of fantasy and adventure.
One of the most iconic locations is the Hobbiton Movie Set, located in Matamata. Walking through the lush green Shire, visiting Bilbo’s Bag End, and sipping a pint at the Green Dragon Inn is a magical experience that every fan should experience.
Another location that fascinates me is the Pelorus River, where the thrilling barrel escape scene was filmed.
The stunning river, surrounded by ancient forests, is a sight to behold. Finally, there’s the towering Mount Ruapehu, which served as the backdrop for the Lonely Mountain.
Conclusion
My journey with ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ has been an exciting adventure – from delving into book summaries and movie guides, dressing up for cosplay, playing video games, to planning a trip to the film locations.
This journey has deepened my appreciation for J. R. R. Tolkien’s legacy and Peter Jackson’s cinematic craft.
This experience has also led me to explore other works by J. R. R. Tolkien and similar media to The Hobbit.
I have found a wealth of stories, characters, and worlds that continue to inspire and captivate me. As a fan, I eagerly await any potential remake, sequel, or spin-off.
The journey with ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ doesn’t end here. With every rewatch, every discussion, every game, and every visit to the film locations, I discover something new, something magical. It’s a journey that I invite every fan to embark on, to experience the magic of Middle-earth.
