'I never wanted any of you to die for me'
No doubt one of the most memorable (and highly profitable) movie series of all time, the last instalment: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) showcases the true magic of cinema and filmmaking. Directed by David Yates, (who also directed the previous 3 films) the movie sees the end to the epic collection of films whose production spanned over a decade. The film evoked mass-hysteria from fans eager to see the final movie to a much beloved literary adaptation film series, but who were also sad that this would be the final chapter.
Now that the film has been out for over 2 years, if you ask anyone who knows the series (and who doesn’t?) what their favourite films of the franchise were, it is almost a guarantee that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 will be on their list. It’s clear that the last film was so popular partly because the people watching it ‘grew up’ with the films and therefore the last release marked the end of an era for many, and will forever remain highly significant to them.
As many will know, the film is the second part of the two-part film adaptation of the final book from JK Rowling’s infamous series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, follows Harry, Ron and Hermione (played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson respectively) in their quest to find the remaining horcruxes, in order to defeat Lord Voldemort, (who I’m sure is merely tormented by the fact he hasn't been able to breathe for most of the series, due to his lack of a nose) and save pretty much everyone in the film who hasn’t already died. The final film differs a little from the final book in some aspects, however these minor adjustments are expected, and they don’t greatly affect the overall worth of the film, and don’t take away from the fact that this is a superbly made piece of cinema.
The acting in the last instalment sees significant improvements and advancements from the younger actors; Radcliffe sheds the skin of his wooden teen years and proves his skill as an actor, portraying the wizard who like himself, has grown up. Radcliffe manages to express the determined nature of the character who doesn't back down when faced with difficult situations, but still manages to convey his more empathetic side in a delightfully sweet scene with Watson's Miss Granger and Grint's Ron Weasley, whilst they say tearful goodbyes before Harry's departure to the forest. Emma Watson reprises her role as Hermione Granger and delivers an always pleasing and engaging performance as the studious best friend of Harry and promising love interest of Ron, whilst Rupert Grint brings the comical side of Ron back through his dramatic use of the term 'bloody' when Goyle sets a room on fire.
Being one of the very few films which feature an almost completely British cast, the movie includes some of the very best talent Britain has to offer, and some particularly memorable moments come from Alan Rickman in his performance as seemingly cold and calculative Professor Severus Snape (who has now become the Headmaster). Rickman is exceptionally impressive and emotive as his character; I don't think anyone can say so little and yet have such a great impact on a scene. Most notably, one of the scenes towards the end of the film in which we are privy to the former potions master's memories is both touching and tragic and captures the versatility of the actor perfectly.
Reprising her role as the sadistic mad-woman, Bellatrix LeStrange, Helena Bonham Carter is able to not only portray the role of a woman who harbours deeper romantic feelings for a more mentally disturbed individual than herself, but also emulate the persona of Watson playing Hermione Granger, playing Bellatrix. Confused? For the scene at Gringotts, Bonham Carter is able to recreate the physical mannerisms of Watson/Granger strangely accurately, capturing Watson/Granger's hesitation and self-doubt while trying to imitate a person she has no connection to. It's quite interesting to behold and is truly a highlight of the sequence (that, and the epic dragon break-out that commences afterwards). Contrastingly, in later parts of the film she is back to her usual crazy self, laughing manically and teasing her opponents, which comes across as suitably dark and disturbing.
The acting in the last instalment sees significant improvements and advancements from the younger actors; Radcliffe sheds the skin of his wooden teen years and proves his skill as an actor, portraying the wizard who like himself, has grown up. Radcliffe manages to express the determined nature of the character who doesn't back down when faced with difficult situations, but still manages to convey his more empathetic side in a delightfully sweet scene with Watson's Miss Granger and Grint's Ron Weasley, whilst they say tearful goodbyes before Harry's departure to the forest. Emma Watson reprises her role as Hermione Granger and delivers an always pleasing and engaging performance as the studious best friend of Harry and promising love interest of Ron, whilst Rupert Grint brings the comical side of Ron back through his dramatic use of the term 'bloody' when Goyle sets a room on fire.
Being one of the very few films which feature an almost completely British cast, the movie includes some of the very best talent Britain has to offer, and some particularly memorable moments come from Alan Rickman in his performance as seemingly cold and calculative Professor Severus Snape (who has now become the Headmaster). Rickman is exceptionally impressive and emotive as his character; I don't think anyone can say so little and yet have such a great impact on a scene. Most notably, one of the scenes towards the end of the film in which we are privy to the former potions master's memories is both touching and tragic and captures the versatility of the actor perfectly.
Reprising her role as the sadistic mad-woman, Bellatrix LeStrange, Helena Bonham Carter is able to not only portray the role of a woman who harbours deeper romantic feelings for a more mentally disturbed individual than herself, but also emulate the persona of Watson playing Hermione Granger, playing Bellatrix. Confused? For the scene at Gringotts, Bonham Carter is able to recreate the physical mannerisms of Watson/Granger strangely accurately, capturing Watson/Granger's hesitation and self-doubt while trying to imitate a person she has no connection to. It's quite interesting to behold and is truly a highlight of the sequence (that, and the epic dragon break-out that commences afterwards). Contrastingly, in later parts of the film she is back to her usual crazy self, laughing manically and teasing her opponents, which comes across as suitably dark and disturbing.
Also reprising their roles for the film are Maggie Smith as firm but fair transfiguration teacher Minerva McGonagall, Michael Gambon as dearly departed former Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Jason Isaacs as shunned and desperate death-eater Lucius Malfoy, David Thewlis as member of The Order of the Phoenix and former teacher Remus Lupin, and Julie Walters as the brave and defensive mum of seven, Molly Weasley. Additionally, Ralph Fiennes is back to feature as the dastardly (but struggling) evil dark lord himself, Voldemort. It would be impossible to highlight individual moments from everyone, considering the high-quality of acting and performance from the cast, but all actors and actresses deliver stellar performances, marking this film as a piece of cinematic gold. Subsequently, when Bonham Carter and Fiennes feature we arguably receive the best visual and emotional experiences of the film, in the form of epic lightning battles, crumbling pieces of school architecture, dying characters and awkward hugs involving Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton.)
The overall visuals and thematic of the film are darker, and have progressed as the series has moved on and in a way ‘grown up’ with the avid audience who follow. We are able to marvel in the gorgeous colour and tone of the film; the cinematography by Eduardo Serra is striking and dazzling, entrancing viewers with large scale battle scenes, magical imagery and unbelievably intricate detail, showcasing the overall construction between good and evil superbly. Yates makes sure that the overall message and sentiments of the books are not forgotten in this piece of milestone cinema and touches on the key themes of the film; offering resolution to the often unclear lines between right and wrong. In the immortal words of Sirius Black: 'We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.'
In conclusion, this final piece in the long standing wizard chess game that is ‘Harry Potter’ is presented well and in-keeping with the sentimentalities and messages from the book of which it came from, and Yates ‘does the books justice’ as much as he, or anyone else possibly could with an adaptation to a lengthy final book. The dialogue is unforgettable, the pace frenetic and the scenes and sequences are breath-taking and magical, aligning quite nicely with the overall premise of the film. Entertaining and touching, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 achieves what some series fail to do, add a suitably satisfying conclusion to a much loved decade of cinema.
5 stars.
Reviewed by Mel.
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