Writer/Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
‘A Fantastic Fantasy Masterpiece’
Few books ever written about magical wizards in danger are as beloved as Harry Potter. Ever since it was first created by J.K. Rowling during the 1990’s, the Harry Potter series has gained a massive fan following. With its larger than life characters, spellbinding themes and powerful messages, the Harry Potter series has stood a test of time as a legendary piece of literature. Readers have come to appreciate the beloved book series casting a magical spell with strong stories to tell. The story of the misunderstood boy who lived has always been a pivotal part of my children. I remember growing up reading the series about magical wizards that I came to treasure. I immediately fell under the spell of a celebrated book about wizards with powerful stories to tell. Looking back in nostalgia, I have grown to adore a series that shaped my love of reading in the modern era. Given its huge fan following, it’s no surprise that the famous book series has been adapted countless times into movies. Each film adaptation has provided an authentic interpretation of the classic source material.
I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter series and admire all films that have brought the books to the big-screen. However, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is definitely the most emotional. Ever since its release back in 2011, Daniel Radcliffe’s movie has stood the test of time as a fantasy classic. Packed with strong production-design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best Harry Potter movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Daniel Radcliffe, who embodies a magical wizard in grave danger. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a true masterpiece is its strong appeal. Unlike most films in the Harry Potter franchise, it discusses powerful themes that everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing fantasy masterpiece, there are several strong reasons why “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is a movie which is worth watching.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” follows Harry Potter embarking upon his final journey to destroy Horcruxes. Daniel Radcliffe portrays Harry Potter, the boy who lived going on his final journey. Assisted by his friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Harry embarks on his final journey to destroy Horcruxes which cause catastrophe. However, when he discovers shocking secrets about his connection with Voldemort Harry’s life is put in grave danger. Embarking upon a journey to protect Hogwarts, Harry begins to question whether he will ever be able to save a school that has shaped his well-being. Faced with a painful prospect of death, Harry begins questioning whether he would ever be able to deal with the responsibilities of being the boy who lived.
David Yates is fascinated with the Harry Potter franchise. Before he had made “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two”, Yates was well regarded for his movies in the Harry Potter franchise. With “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2”, however, Yates created his first conclusion to the franchise. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to bring the beloved Harry Potter franchise to a satisfying conclusion, but he pulled it off very well. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes as stunning as Horcruxes that Harry endeavours to idolize. Through gorgeous cinematography, Yates captures the journey of a wizard to face his mortality. Yates expertly uses cross-cutting to capture the tensions faced by a wizard on his final journey. Throughout the Harry Potter series, Harry has always shared a connection with Voldemort. Yates effectively uses cross-cutting to capture a strong connection which Harry has always shared with Voldemort. For instance, cross-cutting elevates the dragon scene. During this unforgettable scene, Harry feels a strong connection to Voldemort who is murdering civilians. One admires cross cutting capturing the strong bonds that Harry shares with his enemy. Cross-cutting is a complicated technique to employ in movies. As Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” suggested, cross cutting enhances science fiction films. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through strong visuals, Yates celebrated a classic book about hardships wizards go through.
Another commendable aspect of “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” worth praising is production-design. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well-made. Yates has always excelled at staging the action sequences in the fantasy series, and “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is definitely no exception. For instance, slow-motion enhances the final battle scene at Hogwarts. During this intense scene, Harry and Voldemort engage in a tense duel which involves tension in Hogwarts. One admires the slow motion action capturing the tense conflict between wizards. Slow-motion is a tricky technique to employ in fantasy movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Alexandre Desplat’s music is integral towards the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the burden that wizards bear. Through engrossing production-design, Yates celebrates a book series about wizards that shine.
Storytelling is one of the key reasons why “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is a fantasy film that’s engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses symbolism to capture a bond that Harry Potter shares with his professors in school. Yates’ finest screenwriting strength is capturing the positive impact of teachers upon Harry Potter’s identity through symbolism. The role teachers have played in shaping identity of Harry Potter has always been a key theme in the franchise. In “The Deathly Hallows Part 2”, this theme is explored through symbolism of Snape’s memory. For instance, the symbolism enhances the Snape’s memory scene. During this unforgettable scene, Harry discovers the shocking truth about Snape’s identity which he has always misunderstood through his tragic memories. One appreciates symbolism which captures the positive impact which Snape has had on shaping Harry’s identity. It’s an incredible scene that did an extraordinary job of bringing one of the most important moments from the book series to the big-screen. Symbolism is a complicated technique to use in movies. As Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” series suggested, symbolism elevates fantasy movies about rings. Nevertheless, it works extremely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Yates celebrates the legacy of one of the most beloved books today.
One admires astonishing performances.
Daniel Radcliffe delivers one of his best career performances as Harry Potter. Radcliffe first earned appreciation for playing the boy who lived in 2001 in “The Philosopher’s Stone”. With “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2”, however, the actor brought vulnerability to the boy who lived that audiences hadn’t seen before. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him in the past before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most transformative role. With spellbinding expressions, Radcliffe captures the courage, determination and resilience of a wizard on a journey to find his identity. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the greatest actors in Hollywood today.
The supporting cast is exceptional and also deserving of appreciation. Emma Watson is excellent, bringing a strong determination to Hermione that’s dedicated to accomplish a mission to destroy dangerous Horcruxes that cause destruction. Alan Rickman is amazing, bringing heartfelt humanity to Snape as a misunderstood hero seeking an escape at which it’s hard to not gape. Lastly, Ralph Fiennes is remarkable. As Lord Voldemort, Fiennes brings palpable terror to his final role as the despicable villain.
Finally, “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” would earn everyone’s appreciation for capturing hardships wizards go through. Unlike most films in the Harry Potter franchise, the movie tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses recognizable themes such as identity, adolescence and death which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the commemorated book series to admire the movie. It delivers a universal message concerning adolescence which would definitely resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is one of those rare adaptations everyone would adore.
Fans of Harry Potter will definitely appreciate “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” and so will movie-goers seeking emotional entertainment. A fantastic fantasy masterpiece, it celebrates a legendary book series that’s iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the publication of a groundbreaking novel about wizards casting powerful spells searching for Deathly Hallows that are frightening, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a legendary book series that forever changed the world inspiring children to develop a love for reading through discussing themes of adolescence which has created a lasting legacy in popular culture that is definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 