The first of the two-part epic fantasy film directed and produced by Peter Jackson based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel of the same name follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature Gollum. Alone with Gollum on the shores of an underground lake, Bilbo not only discovers surprising depths of guile and courage, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities.

In cinemas 13th December 2012

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