Analyzing The Epic Conclusion: The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Battle's Visual Spectacle and its Effectiveness

The battle scenes in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies are undeniably visually impressive, a whirlwind of CGI and practical effects. However, the effectiveness of this spectacle is a point of contention amongst viewers.

CGI and Practical Effects

The film employs a significant blend of CGI and practical effects to bring the massive battle to life. While the sheer scale of the conflict is breathtaking, the overuse of CGI in certain moments detracts from the realism.

• Successful Moments: The warg attacks, particularly the initial charge, were effectively rendered, creating a sense of chaotic urgency. The dragon's fiery breath also showcased impressive visual power.
• Less Successful Moments: In some instances, the CGI characters and environments lacked the detail and texture of their practical counterparts, resulting in a somewhat artificial look, especially noticeable in some of the background elements. The sheer number of CGI combatants occasionally made individual actions difficult to discern.

Choreography and Clarity

The battle's choreography is ambitious but occasionally suffers from a lack of clarity. The sheer scale of the conflict, while visually stunning, sometimes obscures the individual actions and strategic maneuvers of the combatants.

• Effective Choreography: Certain individual duels, particularly those involving Legolas, were well-executed and visually striking, enhancing the emotional impact. The strategic movements of the armies were also, at times, clearly conveyed.
• Confusing Moments: The sheer density of combatants often made it difficult to follow specific characters or understand the flow of the battle. Rapid cuts and chaotic camera angles, while aiming for intensity, occasionally hindered clarity.

Character Arcs and Resolutions

The battle serves as a crucial climax for several key characters, shaping their destinies and bringing their arcs to a close.

Bilbo's Journey

Bilbo Baggins' journey throughout The Hobbit trilogy culminates in the Battle of Five Armies. The experience forces him to confront his own courage and capacity for unexpected acts of bravery. However, the battle ultimately underscores his desire for a quiet life back in the Shire.

• Key Moments: Bilbo's rescue of Thorin and his defiance in the face of danger demonstrate his personal growth. Witnessing the devastating consequences of war solidifies his longing for peace.
• Satisfying Conclusion?: His return home feels earned, illustrating the transformative effect of his adventure while emphasizing the importance of choosing one's path, even if it’s different from the expected one.

Thorin Oakenshield's Fate and Legacy

Thorin Oakenshield's death is a pivotal moment in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. His arc showcases his struggle with greed, his redemption through sacrifice, and the profound impact of his choices.

• Emotional Impact: Thorin's death scene is emotionally resonant, highlighting the tragic cost of war and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
• Effectiveness: Though a dramatic end, some viewers felt that the hasty reconciliation with Bilbo could have been more developed. Alternative approaches might have explored more nuanced aspects of his death and legacy.

Other Key Characters' Destinies

The battle significantly impacts other characters, albeit often in less developed ways.

• Gandalf: Remains a powerful figure, guiding events and reinforcing the themes of the narrative.
• Legolas: His acrobatic feats serve as a spectacle, but his personal arc remains relatively unchanged.
• Tauriel: Her relationship with Kili adds a romantic subplot, but her role in the larger battle is relatively minor.
• The Dwarves: The surviving dwarves find a new home, but their individual journeys beyond this are largely left unexplored.

Thematic Resolution and Narrative Cohesion

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies attempts to tie together several overarching themes.

Themes of Greed, Loss, and Redemption

The battle serves as a crucible for the themes of greed, loss, and redemption, central to the Hobbit trilogy.

• Greed: Thorin's initial obsession with the Arkenstone, and its consequences, are central to the narrative.
• Loss: The battle showcases the devastating cost of war, both in lives lost and the destruction of the landscape.
• Redemption: Thorin's final act of selflessness, although it cost him his life, provides a path to redemption. The battle underscores the capacity for change and forgiveness.

Comparison to the Book

The film's battle significantly diverges from the book's more concise and less visually spectacular depiction.

• Key Differences: The scale and scope of the film's battle are greatly expanded. The character arcs, particularly Thorin's, are more developed.
• Impact of Changes: These changes appeal to modern cinematic sensibilities but ultimately create a significantly different narrative experience, straying from the book's core themes.

A Final Verdict on The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies's Conclusion

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies offers a visually stunning but narratively uneven conclusion to the trilogy. While the battle's spectacle is undeniable, the clarity of the choreography and the depth of some character arcs are lacking compared to the original novel. The film effectively explores themes of greed, loss, and redemption, even if somewhat underdeveloped in relation to the book. Ultimately, whether the conclusion is deemed successful depends largely on individual preferences and expectations.

What aspects of the battle's conclusion resonated most with you, and what could have been improved? Share your thoughts on The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies's ending in the comments below and let's continue the discussion on this epic battle and its impact on the wider Lord of the Rings universe!