CLIP The full Gollum sequence with Bilbo starts at 1 hour 52 minutes and 13 seconds (chapter 24 on the DVD) and lasts until 2 hours, 5 minutes and 6 seconds. The shorter version starts at 1 hour 54 minutes and 4 seconds and lasts until 2 hours and 6 seconds.
If you know your Hobbit then you’ll be pleased to know that we get to see up to the Goblin King escape with Bilbo meeting Gollum, the three trolls and Rivendell along the way. Fans will also be pleased to know that along with the excellent returning talent (Ian McKellen feels like he’s never stopped being Gandalf), Martin Freeman’s casting as Bilbo is as inspired as we’d all hoped it would be.
The clip we are looking at (and to be honest there’s a fair few to choose from in the 163 minute running time!) is the finest sequence of the film and sees Bilbo engaged in a battle of wits against Gollum as he tries to avoid being eaten. Here we see Bilbo delve deep to discover the courage that he never knew existed. After watching the clip, discuss the following questions in small groups:
• What emotions do you think Bilbo would be feeling during this clip? Have you ever felt similar emotions? What was the situation?
• How do you respond in situations where you feel afraid?
• What qualities are needed in a hero?
• How can we use these skills in our everyday lives? After the discussions, read through Joshua 1:1-9 together. This passage looks at Joshua being installed as Moses’ successor as leader of Israelites. After reading the passage, return to your groups and discuss the following questions:
• What sort of qualities is Joshua told to have, and what sort of reassurances is he given?
• How do you think Joshua would have felt at this time?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve had to show courage? What happened?
Advanced discussion question:
• Is verse 8 still applicable to us today?
It may take a few youth work sessions, but watch the whole of The Hobbit if you get the chance - it’ll be worth it! If you want to give a full picture of Bilbo’s interaction with Gollum, skip forward to 2 hours 12 minutes and 30 seconds to see Bilbo choose to spare Gollum’s life. A heroic action - but with the knowledge of what is to come in The Lord of the Rings - was it the right choice?
