The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
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The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) is the third and final installment in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic fantasy novel. It is an action-adventure fantasy film that culminates in a massive conflict over the treasure of Erebor. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and the company of dwarves as they face the dragon Smaug's wrath, the greedy obsession of Thorin Oakenshield, and the looming threat of Orc armies. The film is targeted at teens and adults, particularly fans of the previous Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films, and is characterized by its extensive battle sequences and fantasy elements. It explores themes of greed, friendship, sacrifice, and the fight between good and evil.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains extended and intense sequences of fantasy action violence, mass destruction, and multiple deaths. While blood and gore are generally minimal, there are disturbing scenes of death, including impalement, decapitations (of Orcs), and stabbings.
The movie features widespread killing with medieval weapons and implements. Examples include characters (human and fantastical creatures) impaling, decapitating, stabbing, slicing, throwing, pounding, and drowning foes. The dragon Smaug attacks Laketown, spewing flames and incinerating a large section of the town, implying many perished. Orcs and trolls are depicted as brutal and often disfigured enemies, with scenes showing arrows through bodies and bodies crushed by falling objects.
Scary & Intense Content
The movie contains frightening images, scary characters, and an overall sense of dread due to intense fantasy violence and the depiction of grotesque creatures.
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Romance and Sexual Content
Romantic content is mild, limited to displays of affection and kissing between a male and female character, and hand-holding between an Elf-warrior and a dwarf. There is no explicit sexual content or nudity.
Witchcraft & Occult
The film includes elements of fictional magic, primarily through the character of Gandalf, who is a wizard. There is a brief mention of a 'spell reference'.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The film portrays a greedy, unlikable character who is selfish and steals, and there are conflicts that could be interpreted as acts of defiance or rebellion against established norms or leadership.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The movie does not feature explicit LGBTQ+ characters or relationships. However, some scholarly and fan interpretations discuss 'queer readings' of male relationships, such as between Bilbo and Thorin, and actors involved in the film (Ian McKellen, Lee Pace) are openly gay. There is a scene where a man disguises himself as a woman for comedic effect.
Substance Use
There is minimal substance use depicted, limited to a character smoking a pipe.
Anti-Christian Themes
The film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes. Instead, it is described as having an inspiring and redemptive moral center, celebrating virtues that align with biblical values.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies presents a worldview rich in themes that resonate with Christian values. Core messages include the destructive nature of greed, exemplified by Thorin Oakenshield's gold-sickness, and the importance of selflessness and sacrifice for the greater good. The film clearly champions courage, friendship, and unity against evil, aligning well with biblical principles of love for one's neighbor and standing against injustice. Characters like Bilbo Baggins embody humility and integrity, often acting as the moral compass amidst the chaos and power struggles, suggesting that virtue is ultimately rewarded or upheld, even when facing dire consequences. The moral accountability is evident as characters face the natural consequences of their choices, particularly Thorin's struggle with his obsession and eventual repentance. The worldview presented leans towards a transcendent view of life, with a clear distinction between good and evil and the notion of a greater purpose beyond material wealth. While not explicitly Christian in its depiction of faith, the narrative's emphasis on fighting for what is right, forgiveness, and ultimately sacrifice (seen in the heroic deaths) echoes redemptive themes found in Christianity. Family relationships, especially the bonds between the dwarves and their loyalty to Thorin, are portrayed as significant, though Thorin's leadership is tested by his greed. The overarching narrative underscores that true strength and victory come not from power or riches, but from moral character and self-sacrificial love, providing a compelling moral framework for Christian parents to discuss with their children.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Not recommended for children under 13, with parental guidance strongly recommended for the 13-15 age group due to extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, frightening images, and disturbing scenes of death.
Good to Know
The film has an MPAA rating of PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images. The Australian rating is M, not recommended for children under 13. While the violence is extensive, it is often directed at non-human or dehumanized fantastical creatures (Orcs, trolls), and blood/gore is frequently minimized.
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