Saturday, July 16, 2011

harry potter and the order of the phoenix

"Teacher vs. Student"

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a 2007 fantasy film.

Directed by: David Yates.

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson, Michael Gambon, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, David Thewlis, Helena Bonham Carter,Evanna Lynch and Imelda Staunton.

After Voldemort's return, Harry is haunted by his demons and no one accepts his parables of the dark lords return to be true. The Ministry of Magic out of fear begin to take over Hogwarts.

While all the films generally focus on Harry Potter, the fifth year tends to dwell more into a darker place in his life. With the loss of a student by the hands of his enemy, he has been reduced to a liar. His own classmates discard him as an individual out for fame and blame him for the death of Cedric. Fear takes over the soul and makes it believe what it wants to rather than seek reason. All part of Voldemort's plan, which gives him far more control then ever in his wildest dreams.

The first taste of his power is where he sends two Dementors to attack Harry, forcing him to use his magic and maybe eliminate Hogwarts from the equation. Unexpectedly we see Potter protect Dudley from the Dementor, when at one point it seemed like he hesitated. Maybe others wouldn't see what I saw but that's my opinion. Though it's the character's duty to protect those in danger, nice to see he cares somewhat for his cousin.

As later, the Order of the Phoenix makes its introduction to take Harry for asylum. This scene displays a very interesting form of magic, where their secret headquarters appears from the walls of a neighboring building like a the prison chest that held Moody confined. Another interesting character would be the servant of Black manor, Kreacher who doesn't seem to be as lovable as Dobbey but obeys commands. His mumbling against the people living in the house hints us that Black's life in his family must have been filled with drama and dysfunction. The Phoenix members were founded by Dumbledore to counter the dark forces of Slytherin's heir and harry feels as if he should fight with them, but as usual, he's shielded for his protection. This presents a problem in our hero's character development. He's the supposed prophecy to defeat Voldemort yet is still treated as a child and not recognized. Truthfully he does have much to learn, but it makes him feel further shadowed from everyone else. Keeping Harry in the dark go on the entire film until the long awaited climax.
The Visuals:

The battle between the headmaster and student had great visual effects. The cinematography through the movie's dark tone really made it for me. The costume selection was perfect and the halls of the Ministry divine.

The Bad:

The relationship between Harry and Cho was too awkward and not well developed. I've heard they have more interactions in the book. A few plot holes here and there. Harry's father tormenting Snape wasn't explained to detail, forcing me to guess. Hard to believe Rowling approved of the script with many questions. What about the Veil? What about Padfoot? why did Black refer to Harry as James? was it because he reminded him of James Potter or because of Harry's middle name? And why didn't Voldemort get wet?

Overall:

A darker chapter, vile antagonists and a prophecy yet to be told.

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