Movie Review: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

+

J.M.J.

This is another one of those movies that I wouldn't normally watch, except on matter of principle. I had watched every single one of the Lord of the Rings movies, and had seen the first two Hobbit movies in theatres. How could I not finish the series? Since this isn't a go-to genre for me, I have to stop and think: what is it that motivated me to see this? I'll try to answer this at the end. For now, please keep reading if you'd like. Please be warned that there are quite a few spoilers below.

The special effects were amazing, except when Legolas was climbing up some makeshift stone steps as they were falling to the ground in slow motion. (This prompted laughing from the audience, not awestruck amazement.) On the other hand, I have to admit to a real sense of horror when I saw an enemy quite realistically floating beneath the ice whom I had previously thought was well on his way to death.

It almost goes without saying that this film was chock-full of violence. All of these films have this element in abundance. In this one, there wasn't so much the blood-and-guts variety, but the raw effect that comes from seeing so much killing during a war that it doesn't seem quite real and the shock value is reduced as a result. Seriously, though, I didn't see a whole lot of blood. There was definitely a significant amount shed, but it wasn't unbearable to watch because it wasn't graphically detailed for each scene (and believe me, I don't relish the sight of blood!)

The part of the film that touched me most deeply was a small scene that occurred after Kili died and Tauriel was weeping next to him. She said,

"If this is love, I don't want it. Take it away, please! Why does it hurt so much?"

I think that anyone who has loved someone and then lost that person has at some point felt what Tauriel was feeling at that moment. Real love requires sacrifice, and sacrifice hurts. Kili had been trying to defend Tauriel. The pain doesn't make it bad, it makes it...wait...let Thranduil answer Tauriel's question:

"Because it was real."

Yes indeed, real love is worth it because it is genuine and the gift of love comes from Love Himself, God. 

Speaking of which, let me wrap up this post with reminding you that God sent His Son down to earth on Christmas over 2,000 years ago. Mother Mary cooperated with this mission and St. Joseph protected them both. Please take all you have and offer it to Jesus on this holy day. Merry Christmas to my readers!

Don't worry, I didn't forget about my promise to reveal why I watched six movies that weren't really my favorite! Here's why (it's not that earth-shattering): I started watching these movies and what drew me to them was the journey. These characters are always going on a journey of some kind! I started watching their journey and I felt compelled to see the end of it. I did. And now I feel accomplished. And now I need a new mission. If you have a new idea for my next mission, please comment! Also, let me know what you thought of this movie!

God bless you!

Stephanie