Back in high school, I remember witnessing the exciting, yet restless, anticipation for the conclusion of the Harry Potter journey. IT ALL ENDS was splashed across every bit of advertising. Who was going to miss this? Part 1 knocked it out of the park but could they stick the landing? As we all know, satisfying a die-hard fanbase is easier said than done.
Unlike the vast majority of franchises out there, every new Potter film managed to succeed at respecting the source material while translating it for the unfamiliar. We all have our opinions but no one can argue its consistency. Every chapter turned out to be a well crafted, character-driven piece of cinema and Part 2 is no exception. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011) is just a great film period whether or not you're a Potterhead. Well done to the cast and crew. I tip my sorting hat to you.
We find Harry, Ron, and Hermione getting close to hunting all of the horcruxes in their attempt to stop Voldemort. Our trio makes their way back home to where it all began: Hogwarts. When Voldemort discovers their intentions, he launches a massive assault on the school with his dark army. Our heroes team up with the Order and Dumbledore's Army to make one final stand to save the Wizarding and Muggle world.
A film of this nature needs to feel important and there is certainly gravitas to spare. The opening scene/credits are some of my favorite in all of cinema because it tonally nails the bittersweet beauty you're about to behold. I still remember the dual feeling of excitement and uneasiness that Alexandre Desplat's deservingly GRAMMY-nominated score evoked. You could hear a pin drop the entire time. Sometimes silent reverence is just as much of a compliment as a round of cheering applause. While this is a serious film, there is still plenty of room for banter between friends and nicely timed one-liners as well.
Let's get this out of the way, shall we...I don't agree that "the book is always better than the movie." Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. Usually, I have a firm opinion on the matter, but in this case, I would argue that the Deathly Hallows novel and two-part film are each perfect for their particular medium. Everyone will have something that they wish the film included or did differently, but I think we can all agree the filmmakers succeeded.
Spoilers for the following paragraph...
There are some moments I think Rowling did better in the novel. Then there are choices made by the filmmakers that are actually improvements. I'll give you some examples. An awesome part I love in the novel is where Voldemort is dueling and beating three wizards all at once. One would think that it would be tailor-made for a film, yet it was absent! Harry's battle with Voldemort, however, is much grander in the film and is more exciting. Another would be that I thought Rowling handled Slytherin's role in the battle better, but the film made Neville's rally cry much more inspiring. The biggest change from the books, Harry snaps the Elder Wand in half, is a great improvement over the novel because it symbolizes Harry no longer needing the chosen one narrative in his life. He realizes the wand could be used for evil so he decides to be the bigger man and destroy it. Being surrounded by his loved ones is more enticing than power. All opinions of course!
Some of it is just a difference in what works in prose versus on-screen. In the novel, there are many more players on the battlefield such as centaurs, elves, and plants. While reading, I felt an earned wave of nostalgia wash over me as I recognized those returning. I was able to use my imagination there, but a film doesn't have that luxury. While the film certainly had the budget for it, the filmmakers didn't want to drag the narrative down by reintroducing these groups. Artistically, it'd be in danger of visually becoming a confusing mess. We've all seen blockbusters that throw so much CGI at the screen that it becomes hard to care when nothing feels alive.
What makes a fictional world feel real? Part 2 is a film that will stand the test of time because it follows the classic "less is more" principle. Anything that could be built practically was. Of course, CGI was utilized but only when necessary. And just like any classic fantasy film, the seamless blend of the two filmmaking techniques makes for a complete picture. It got Oscar-nominated for Makeup, Art Direction, and Visual Effects. The cinematography, costumes, score, editing, and sound design were also critically praised and honored with various guild nominations. The battles, creatures, war wounds, rubble, smoke, spells, fire, sights, and sounds are all fantastic. Go online and watch the special features to see just how many props, sets, costumes and visual effects artists were needed. Every one of the craftsmen working on these categories was at the top of their game.
Once again, director David Yates, the producers, and writer Steve Kloves all deserve a round of applause for exceeding heavy expectations and delivering an intense, moving, and an impressive end to a beloved franchise. The talented actors we grew up should be proud knowing they did right by the characters we have come to know and love. Special shout outs to Alan Rickman, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Maggie Smith, Warwick Davis, and Matthew Lewis.
In the end, we connect to the Harry Potter world because it takes its audience seriously. As we grew older so did these complex characters and the story being told. They matured and changed in ways both good and bad. In other words, these characters are human beings. Snape teaches us that every man is carrying a burden even if you cannot see it. Dumbledore teaches us that even great men still have their faults. Harry teaches us that having something worth living for, such as friends and family, can ease your burdens. Neville teaches us that some people just need more time to grow and blossom. I could go on and on because Harry Potter is serious stuff. Part 2 is not a kid's film and is made for the adults who aged with the series. Death is a part of life. So is heartache, hardship, and loss. In war, innocent people die too. It is not just the heroes and villains. Rowling knows this and wants her audience to realize that war is not something to take lightly. Sometimes you have to fight to make the world a better place but it is worth it in the end. The magical setting is unarguably a fascinating world but we ultimately connect parallels to our own lives and relationships.
Part 2 is a fantasy, war epic that is a technical masterpiece. It is also a beautiful, intricately told story about people we care about. It really feels magical. I'd argue this is the ideal blockbuster that balances both of these worlds. If you want to know how to properly end a franchise, take notes. Bravo. There is a reason critics gave this last film the highest reviews of the series.
I could never write everything I appreciate about this film so I suggest you see it again like I'm going to. And if you've never seen any Harry Potter ever or read the books, get on with it then! The last chapter in the Harry Potter saga ultimately affirms that love triumphs over evil and that is a message that will never die.
My rating is an A+.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1
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