The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) is an epic high fantasy adventure film helmed by director Peter Jackson and written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro, and Jackson himself. Adapted from J. R. R. Tolkien’s novel of the same name, it serves as a prequel to Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. As he approaches his 111th birthday, Bilbo Baggins takes on the task of recording his adventures from 60 years ago for his nephew Frodo. However, long before Bilbo’s involvement, Dwarf king Thrór had brought great prosperity to his kin living under the Lonely Mountain. This all changed when the dragon Smaug arrived and destroyed nearby Dale town, forcing the Dwarves out of their mountain and stealing their precious gold hoard. While Thorin, Thrór’s grandson, watches from afar as King Thranduil and his Wood-elves refuse to help in their time of need, he harbors a deep hatred towards Elves that never fades away.

In the Shire, 50-year-old Bilbo is convinced by Gandalf the Grey to host a dinner for Thorin and his company of Dwarves: Balin, Dwalin, Fíli, Kíli, Dori, Nori, Ori, Óin, Glóin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur. Gandalf’s plan is to recruit Bilbo as their ‘burglar’ to assist them in their mission to enter the Lonely Mountain. Initially hesitant, Bilbo has a change of heart when he wakes up to find the company has left without him and rushes to catch up. As they continue on their journey, they are taken captive by three Trolls. Using his wit and cunning, Bilbo delays the Trolls from devouring them until daybreak when Gandalf exposes them to sunlight, turning them into stone. While exploring the Trolls’ cave looking for supplies, the company discovers a great treasure and Elven blades. Both Thorin and Gandalf take one each – Orcrist and Glamdring – while Gandalf presents an Elven dagger to Bilbo as a gift.