TheRemembrall.org Review - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The final piece in the eight part jigsaw is put firmly in place with Harry Potter And the Deathly Hallows: Part Two, satisfyingly completing the ten year saga. From unknown child actors to world wide household names, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint do not fail to impress. Director, David Yates said that “it has been a privilege to work with the worlds best cast and the worlds best story”, and undoubtedly the success of the films is ultimately reliant on the success of JK Rowling’s books. When asked about the lack of awards, Yates said that “the dedicated fan base is enough compensation”. The thousands of fans who camped and waited in the rain to catch a glimpse of their favourite wizzarding stars proved this to be the case on Thursday at the films London premier.
Without a doubt the darkest film in the series, Part Two deals effectively with numerous moral and emotional issues that perhaps enhance the climatic effect of the final showdown between Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and Lord Voldemort (Ralph Finennes). A film with no expense spared, the visual and technical effects are outstanding, and would most certainly be awarded an E for exceeding expectations. From hovering Dementors outside the grounds of Hogwarts, to the school’s guards springing to life to defend their students, a visual masterpiece is always around the corner. A notable scene and one that seems particularly poignant is when Harry Ron and Hermione fly out of Gringotts, the wizarding bank, and over the sky line of London, on the back of visually enhanced Dragon. A number of parallels with previous films are present as the three leads visit a number of notable locations such as The Chamber of Secrets, Hogsmead and Gringotts, reminding the viewer of the events that led up to the climatic finale.
The first scene sees Voldamort clasping the Elder Wand, the most powerful in the world, as he saunters above its previous owner, the late Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon). It must be said that a previous knowledge of the wizarding world and indeed of the Harry Potter saga is essential to fully comprehend the action, although issues of morality and hard hitting emotion are ever present. The story develops slowly at first, with Harry sitting by the grave of Dobby the house elf, allowing the viewers to remember the action and conclusions drawn in Part One. After a some what quiet and calm start, the pace quickens as the real action of the film begins to take place. It is clear why the director chose to split the final story in the series into two parts as the action could not be abridged In order for it to make any sense. A thorough understanding of Death Eaters, Dementors, spells, Muggles and magical creatures is really essential to enjoy the film as a story, however the visual and cinematic quality can be appreciated by all. This being the case, some aspects are perhaps unsuitable for young children and I even found myself wanting to look away at moments of particular gore. The scene where Voldemort sacrifices Snape (Alan Rickman) in order to become the true owner of the Elder Wand is without a doubt the most emotionally touching in the film. After a particularly gruesome moment where Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), sit against the other side of the translucent wall as Snape’s limp body is gnarled by Nagini, the performance of the film occurs. Harry enters the room and finds Snape close to death, wounded beyond recovery. Rickman gives what Radcliffe referred to as “the performance of his career”, as he looks at Harry with deep sorrow stating, “you have your mothers eyes”. The next scene which shows Harry delving into Snape’s memory reveals the answers to many of the entire saga’s questions, a hard hitting array of scenes from the past which trigger every emotion. Other notable performances come from Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) and Julie Walters (Molly Weasly), who produces one of the films most memorable and out of character lines, “not my daughter you bitch!”.
Although slightly slow in places, it is a must see and a fitting ending to the most successful film franchise in history. Having said this, director David Yates preferred not to regard the series as a franchise, but as a testament to the fans dedication to the saga over the past 10 years. Anyone who has contemplated running into the wall between platforms 9 and 10 at Kings Cross Station, or who is still patiently waiting for their letter from Hogwarts will not be disappointed by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, as it provides a satisfyingly fitting ending to a story that will never be forgotten.
By: Briony Lammas
