If you have not read parts one and two of this series, make sure to check them out here: Eight days, eight movies: The Harry Potter series from fresh eyes, part one – Common Sense and Harry Potter series from fresh eyes, part two – Common Sense
The distinguished J.K. Rowling “Harry Potter” books are a coming-of-age series that is portrayed through the lens of magic and mystery. While Harry Potter was a staple in most people’s childhoods, it was not for me. Growing up, I had only a mild interest in sci-fi and fantasy, let alone reading, so I never dabbled in the Harry Potter books. I still don’t plan on reading the series; however, I took the time to watch all eight movies.
I was skeptical at first about whether I would truly enjoy the series, but the first six movies did not disappoint. They were filled with action, thriller, and excitement; three elements that kept my eyes glued to the screen for hours. Continuing with my long sleepless nights, here are my thoughts on the last two movies and the series as a whole.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” is a psychological thriller. This movie has a dark theme, so much so that I was skeptical of how much I’d truly like it. The complexity of the film begins when the Minister of Magic pays Harry, Ron and Hermione a visit, and further gifts them each an item that Dumbledore had left to them in his will. The gifting of these items left me wondering how exactly they were going to be used to help defeat Voldemort.
A part of the movie I found particularly intriguing is when Harry, Ron and Hermione are camping out to find one of the Horcruxes, and then it turns into a huge fight, which results in Ron storming off. I had a feeling Ron would return, though I was not sure when, and, to my surprise, he returns when Harry needs him most. It was cool to see how the Sword of Gryffindor presents itself to Harry in the pond, however, he needed the help of a true friend to capture it.
The story of the Deathly Hallows was also interesting, and I was wondering if the three brothers were characters currently in the story or not.
Overall, this movie was a decent watch and left me excited for part two.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Wow, just wow. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is absolutely incredible. I mean it when I say I didn’t look away from the screen for more than a minute. There is so much suspense within this movie, I truly wasn’t sure where it was going. I was under the impression the series was going to end with Harry Potter defeating Voldemort but the events of this movie threw me for a loop. I asked myself: Is the series really going to end with Harry sacrificing himself?
I had a feeling Harry had a stronger connection to Voldemort then the series led on, but I would’ve never guessed he was a Horcrux himself and that he had no way of avoiding his death, so I thought. The Pensieve reveals this message through Snape’s memories and conversations with Dumbledore, which Harry found in Snape’s tears. To me, the craziest part of it all was that Snape was a double agent, working hard for Voldemort but working harder to protect Harry because he was forever in love with Lily Potter, Harry’s deceased mother.
While there are great aspects of this movie I could point out, nothing felt more powerful or significant than when Harry wakes up after being pronounced dead and finally destroys Voldemort once and for all with the help of Hermione and Ron.
Overall, this movie is a great way to end the series. I was impressed and honestly loved it.
The Harry Potter series is such an incredible watch and I cannot believe I hadn’t watched it sooner. Tons of mysteries and clues tied into it, which made it fun and intriguing. I would recommend this series to anyone and everyone who has never seen it, because truly, it is worth watching.
