Writer/Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint
‘A Magnificfent 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. In reflection, I have gained a greater appreciation for JK Rowling’s books that gave me a lifelong love for reading. Given its massive fan following, it’s no surprise that the famous book series has been adapted countless times into memorable movies. Each adaptation has offered a strong interpretation of the classic source material.
I’m a big fan of Harry Potter and adore all the films that have brought the novels to the big-screen. However, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” definitely stands out the most. Ever since its release in 2007, David Yates’ film has stood the test of time as a fantasy classic. Packed with breathtaking production design, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best Harry Potter films ever made. At the centre of it all is a superb performance by Gary Oldman, who portrays the personality of Sirius Black. Ultimately, what makes “Order of the Phoenix” stand out in the fantasy series is its universal themes. The film tackles strong themes of adolescence which everyone would relate to. Unlike most movies in the franchise, it tackles strong themes which would resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing adaptation of a beloved book, there are several reasons why “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is a film worth seeing.
Set in Harry’s fifth year of Hogwarts, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” follows the journey of the boy who lived to discover identity. Daniel Radcliffe plays Harry Potter, the tormented wizard struggling to cope with the turmoil of adolescence. Haunted by the tragic death of Cedric Diggory, Harry feels a heavy responsibility. Harry is excited by the prospect of reuniting with his beloved friends at his favourite school. However, Harry’s life changes when he discovers the presence of a strict teacher. Professor Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) is a reprehensible teacher seeking to discipline students through abuse. Angry at the new school system, Harry decided to take a stand against Umbridge. Forming a student organization called Dumbledore’s Army, Harry seeks to defeat evil villains causing tragedies. Facing a dilemma, Harry questions whether he can defeat a despicable villain causing him to face trauma.
David Yates is a newcomer towards the stories of wizards. Before he made “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, Yates hadn’t made a Harry Potter film before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a beloved fantasy book on the book-screen, but he succeeded. Using captivating cinematography, Yates captures a magical teenager embarking upon a journey to discover identity. Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes. Yates successfully uses camera angles to capture evil teachers in positions of authorities. Throughout the movie, Professor Umbridge is shot from low angle to showcase her position of power. For instance, the camera angles enhance the I Must Not Tell Lies scene. During this intense scene, Professor Umbridge asks Harry to repeatedly write I Must Not Tell Lies on his skin during detention. One admires low camera angles showcasing professors in a position of power. Camera angles are a tricky technique to use in movies. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Yates captures lives of magical wizards facing obstacles which are frightening.
Another admirable aspect of “The Order of the Phoenix” worth praising is the production. The movie is extremely well made and successfully captures the enduring appeals of JK Rowling’s book. Yates expertly uses symbolism to stage thrilling action sequences. Throughout the film, the prophecy orb serves as a precious part of Harry’s fate. It symbolizes Harry’s destiny as a wizard destined to face tragedy. For instance, the symbolism of the prophecy enhances the Ministry of Magic fight scene. During this tense scene, Harry and his friends embark upon a mission to retrieve the prophecy orb from the Ministry of Magic. One admires the symbolism of the orb showcasing destinies of wizards in catastrophe. Symbolism is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring” did suggest clearly, symbolism elevates fantasy adaptations about precious rings. However, it works immensely in this movie. Moreover, the musical score is marvellous. Nicholas Hooper’s music is integral towards success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the burden wizards bear. Through phenomenal production-design, Yates celebrated a fantasy series capturing wizards whose lightning bolt scars shine.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is a book adaptation that’s compelling. The film is really well-written, and effectively uses flashbacks to capture the struggles endured by a wizard with trauma. It isn’t easy to adapt a dense book to the big-screen, but Yates succeeded tremendously. Yates’ screenwriting strength is ability to capture the trauma faced by wizards which are haunted by violence. Throughout the film, Harry is haunted by frightening memories of Cedric Diggory’s painful death. For instance, flashbacks elevate the bullying scene. During this unforgettable scene, Harry is taunted by Dudley and his group of friends about talking to himself in his sleep regarding Cedric. One admires flashbacks capturing the hardships of commemorated wizards facing catastrophes. Flashbacks are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” suggested clearly, flashbacks enhance historical dramas. That being said, it works immensely in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Yates honours a legendary book about magical wizards that is regarded as a classic today.
One admires astonishing performances.
Daniel Radcliffe delivers one of his greatest performances as Harry Potter. Radcliffe first gained appreciation for playing the boy who lived in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. With “Order of the Phoenix”, however, he took upon his most emotional role. It isn’t simple to portray a teenage wizard enduring anxieties of adolescence but Radcliffe pulls it off successfully. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase emotional range which he hasn’t shown in his career before. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and vulnerable in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he embodies angst, courage and determination of the magical wizard embarking upon a journey to find his identity. It’s a powerful performance from one of the best actors working in the film industry today.
The supporting cast is spectacular and also worthy of recognition. Gary Oldman is terrific, capturing the determination of Harry’s caring godfather embarking on a mission to prevent destruction. Imelda Staunton is extraordinary, bringing charisma to an evil professor which seeks to change the wizarding world causing trauma. Finally, Michale Gambon is dazzling. As Dumbledore, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “The Order of the Phoenix” will please everyone for capturing the struggles faced by adolescents facing tension. Unlike most movies in the commemorated Harry Potter franchise, it tackles universal themes that everyone will relate to. The film tackles universal themes including identity, marriage and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the commemorated book series to appreciate it. It delivers a universal message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Order of the Phoenix” is one of those rare book adaptation everyone would adore.
Fans of the Harry Potter franchise will definitely appreciate “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A mesmerizing fantasy masterpiece, it celebrates a legendary fantasy book series that audiences regard highly.
Nearly 30 years following the introduction of a groundbreaking piece of literature about magical wizards embarking on a journey to form armies casting powerful spells that are spellbinding, it’s a riveting reminder about a legendary book series that has accomplished a huge fan following earning worldwide recognition which definitely deserves to be celebrated for inspiring children to pursue passions for reading.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 