Tolkien

Tolkien

Year: 2019

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Echo Score: 64

Budget: $20M

BiographyDramaWar

During World War I, a young J.R.R. Tolkien finds camaraderie with a group of outcasts, seeking refuge in art and romance. As he falls in love with Edith Bratt and experiences the horrors of war, these formative experiences profoundly influence his imagination and contribute to the creation of his beloved fantasy stories, "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."

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Timeline – Tolkien (2019)

Trace every key event in Tolkien (2019) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Childhood Struggles

J. R. R. Tolkien and his sibling face difficulties growing up in a challenging environment. Their single mother works tirelessly to provide for them, relying on support from Father Francis during tough financial times.

Birmingham
2

Life-changing Tragedy

Tolkien's life takes a heartbreaking turn when he returns home from school to find his mother has passed away. This devastating event forces Father Francis to take on guardianship of the boys.

Birmingham
3

New Beginnings

Father Francis helps Tolkien and his brother find a new home with a kind, wealthy woman who offers them the stability they need. Here, Tolkien first meets Edith Bratt, who becomes a significant figure in his life.

4

Blossoming Friendship

As Tolkien and Edith settle into their new lives, their friendship flourishes. Tolkien is enchanted by her musical talent, and they share many meaningful moments together, laying the foundation for a deep bond.

5

Academic Challenges

At school, Tolkien's talent for languages becomes evident, drawing the attention and eventual ire of a classmate named Robert. After a physical altercation, they are mandated to spend time together, which leads to unexpected camaraderie.

School
6

Growing Bonds

Tolkien becomes part of Robert's social circle, forming close friendships with Geoffrey and Christopher. As they embark on their university journeys, the group’s bond deepens, providing Tolkien with a supportive network.

School
7

Love Complications

While Tolkien's relationship with Edith deepens, Father Francis fears their romance is hindering Tolkien's studies. He forbids their relationship, forcing Tolkien to confront the potential loss of his educational support.

8

Heartbreak and Struggle

With Edith ending their relationship, Tolkien faces overwhelming sadness and academic challenges. His scholarship is revoked, pushing him to the brink of leaving Oxford while grappling with heartbreak over Edith's engagement to another man.

Oxford
9

Renewed Hope

During this dark period, Geoffrey offers Tolkien much-needed support. Fortunately, Professor Joseph Wright recognizes Tolkien's exceptional talent and helps him regain his scholarship, allowing him to flourish academically once again.

Oxford
10

Enlistment in War

As World War I breaks out, Tolkien and his friends enlist in the British Army. Before his departure, he and Edith reaffirm their love for each other, marking a significant moment in their relationship.

11

Tragedy of War

The reality of war hits hard during the Battle of the Somme, where Tolkien contracts trench fever. In the chaos, he loses consciousness while searching for Geoffrey, making the experiences even more traumatic.

Battle of the Somme
12

Devastating Loss

Waking up in a hospital weeks later, Tolkien is confronted by Edith and receives the heartbreaking news of Geoffrey and Robert's deaths. This loss leaves a profound impact on him during his recovery.

Hospital
13

A New Chapter

In the aftermath of the war, Tolkien marries Edith and they begin to build a life together, raising a family. His academic career flourishes as he secures a professorship at Oxford, paving the way for his writing.

Oxford
14

Literary Legacy

The film concludes with Tolkien poised to write *The Hobbit*, a project that would change his life and secure him international fame. This literary journey is inspired by his life experiences and love for storytelling.

Published in 1937
15

End of an Era

J.R.R. Tolkien lives a full life, passing away in 1973, just two years after Edith's death. His legacy, however, as a beloved author and storyteller, endures through his works.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:55

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a biographical or fictionalized arc where a creative individual endures significant loss and trauma, often during wartime. This period of suffering becomes a defining, formative experience that directly fuels their imagination and leads to the creation of their masterpieces. The journey is heavy but culminates in a resonant artistic legacy.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a linear, steady progression through a subject's youth and early adulthood. Key relationships—a found family of friends and a central romance—provide joy and support, but are often tested or shattered by external forces like war or societal pressure. The ending acknowledges both the achievements born from these experiences and the enduring pain of the losses suffered.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific emotional mix: a heavy, melancholic tone balanced by moments of warmth and hope, a steady pacing that allows for deep character connection, and a conclusively bittersweet feeling that honors both triumph and tragedy.

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Tolkien Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Tolkien

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Tolkien

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Tolkien Spoiler-Free Summary

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