The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey directed by Peter Jackson, is the first installment in the film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit. The story follows Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), a humble hobbit from the Shire, who is unexpectedly recruited by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to join a group of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). Their quest is to reclaim the lost Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo faces trolls, goblins, and other dangers, discovering his own courage and resourcefulness. He also finds a mysterious and powerful ring that will have significant implications for Middle-earth’s future. The film blends epic adventure, rich world-building, and character development, setting the stage for the subsequent parts of the trilogy.