Analyzing The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies: A Critical Review

Kenji Nakamura

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.5

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Spectacle vs. Substance: The Battle's Visuals and Narrative Impact

The Visual Feast

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is undeniably a visual masterpiece. The CGI is breathtaking, particularly during the titular battle sequence. The sheer scale of the conflict, with thousands of warriors clashing amidst a breathtaking landscape, is truly awe-inspiring.

• Stunning Visual Effects: The film showcases impressive use of CGI in depicting the various armies, from the dwarves and men to the elves and goblins. The creation of Smaug's fiery destruction is particularly noteworthy.
• Dynamic Battle Sequences: The choreography of the battle scenes is expertly executed, utilizing slow-motion shots and dynamic camera angles to heighten the tension and excitement. The aerial shots of the battle are particularly impressive, showcasing the vast scale of the conflict.
• Cinematic Techniques: The use of slow-motion and wide shots effectively emphasizes the chaos and scale of the battle, creating a truly immersive experience for the viewer.

However, the visual spectacle’s effectiveness in serving the narrative is debatable. While visually stunning, some argue that the sheer scale of the battle diminishes the impact of individual character moments and sacrifices.

Narrative Coherence

While the battle scenes are visually stunning, the film's narrative suffers from pacing issues. The rapid succession of events and the sheer number of characters involved sometimes leads to a sense of narrative overwhelm.

• Pacing Issues: The film feels rushed in places, particularly in the build-up to the final battle. Several plot points feel underdeveloped, leaving the audience with unanswered questions.
• Character Motivations: The motivations of some characters, especially in the thick of the battle, are not always clear. This makes it difficult to fully engage with their actions and decisions.
• Plot Holes: Certain plot points feel contrived or lack sufficient explanation, undermining the narrative's overall coherence. The resolution of some character arcs feels somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying.

The film struggles to balance the large-scale action with meaningful character development and thematic exploration. The visual spectacle, while impressive, ultimately overshadows the narrative in places.

Character Development and Arcs in The Battle of the Five Armies

Thorin Oakenshield's Descent and Redemption

Thorin Oakenshield's journey from greedy king to selfless leader is the film's central character arc. His struggle with dragon sickness and his eventual self-sacrifice provide emotional weight to the story.

• Transformation Scenes: Scenes depicting Thorin's transformation are powerful, showcasing his internal conflict and eventual acceptance of his fate. His interactions with Bilbo, in particular, demonstrate his growing remorse and eventual redemption.
• Dialogue and Actions: His dialogue, especially in his final moments, effectively conveys his regret and the weight of his choices. His sacrifice underscores the film's themes of redemption and the cost of war.
• Faithfulness to Source Material: While adapted, Thorin's arc remains largely faithful to Tolkien’s portrayal of his character, highlighting the importance of family and loyalty despite the corrupting influence of gold.

However, some may argue that his redemption arc feels somewhat rushed, given the drastic shift in his behavior in the film's climax.

Supporting Characters and Their Roles

While Thorin's arc is central, the development of supporting characters is less consistent. While some, like Bilbo, have significant moments, others are relegated to supporting roles with limited development.

• Bilbo's Role: Bilbo’s journey continues to parallel that of Thorin, showcasing his own transformation as he navigates the challenges of the battle and the loss of his companions.
• Gandalf's Influence: Gandalf's role is largely that of a guide and strategic leader, maintaining his composure amidst the chaos.
• Legolas and Tauriel: The expanded roles of Legolas and Tauriel, while visually impressive, raise questions about narrative focus and their impact on the overall plot. Their relationship adds a romantic subplot that some viewers find distracting.

The overall balance within the ensemble cast is uneven. Some characters feel underutilized, which detracts from the emotional investment in their fates.

The Film's Fidelity to Tolkien's The Hobbit

Additions and Omissions

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies deviates significantly from Tolkien's source material, adding new characters and storylines while omitting others.

• Significant Additions: The expanded roles of Legolas and Tauriel, along with the addition of several battle sequences, are examples of significant deviations.
• Narrative Changes: The film streamlines and condenses events from the book, changing the pacing and emotional emphasis of the story. Certain significant elements of the book are omitted, potentially impacting the depth of character development.
• Justification for Changes: These changes are arguably made to enhance the cinematic experience, making the story more visually appealing and action-packed.

Themes and Interpretations

The film explores themes present in Tolkien's The Hobbit, such as greed, loyalty, and the cost of war. However, its interpretation is arguably simplified.

• Exploration of Themes: The film effectively highlights the destructive nature of greed, as demonstrated in Thorin's arc, and the importance of loyalty and courage in the face of adversity. The battle sequences visually represent the cost of war.
• Simplified Interpretation: The film's narrative streamlining and focus on spectacle arguably sacrifices the nuanced exploration of themes present in Tolkien’s work. The complexity of Tolkien's characters and world is somewhat diminished in favor of action-driven storytelling.
• Comparison to Tolkien's Themes: The film does capture the essence of Tolkien's major themes, but the depth and complexity are reduced in favor of a more straightforward narrative.

Conclusion

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is a visually stunning film with impressive battle sequences and a compelling central character arc in Thorin Oakenshield. However, its narrative suffers from pacing issues, inconsistent character development, and significant deviations from Tolkien's source material. While the film delivers on visual spectacle, its narrative coherence and thematic depth are compromised. The balance between spectacle and substance is ultimately uneven. The film succeeds in delivering a thrilling conclusion, but some may find its simplification of Tolkien's complex themes unsatisfying.

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