Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 – Review

It all ends. It all ended. And so did my heart.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2 also known as the movie that tore my heart and soul into oblivion. Never, ever have I been inside a movie theatre and brought this close to tears. The hell with it, I CRIED. And it happened so many times. If you thought goosebumps was the criteria for a good scene, then mix those goosebumps with emotional upheaval, coupled with your hands almost shaking and this is Deathly Hallows part 2 in its entirety.

Harry, Ron and Hermione are still on the pursuit to collect and destroy Voldemort’s horcruxes. They believe the next one is hidden away in Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault in Gringotts, the wizarding bank. But going into the bank is near impossible – unless you know a goblin who worked there, which they do. And so a deal is stricken. At Gringotts, they are discovered to be impostors. Hearts will race as they try to escape with the horcrux and as Harry soon finds out the next one is hidden inside Hogwarts and it’s something that belongs to another founder of the school.
And it is to Hogwarts that he goes. But Hogwarts has changed. Snape is the new headmaster. The Carrow brothers are forcing students to practice the cruciatus curse (torture) on first year students.
But there are many things that Harry doesn’t know, the ultimate secret being one that revolves around his every being. Things are never as it seems. People will show their true colors and they will come out as triumphant even after years and years of hatred.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 is such a beautiful movie that you cannot move your eye off the screen. Checking the time? Dream on, my friend. Dream on. The moment the movie starts, picking up exactly where Part 1 left off, you are mesmerized. It starts abruptly and takes you right into the story. And it doesn’t let you go. It grabs at you with all the force in the world and drags you everywhere the movie goes and you hopelessly go with it like a rag doll.

Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have done the impossible here. They are possibly the only set of actors that you have seen grow up on the big screen and as the actors grew up on a personal level, they added their maturity to their characters. It’s very fascinating to watch them interact. And in Part 2, they bring out the big guns. Their acting is relentless, captivating and charming as it should be now that they have mastered the characters they’re playing. You cannot imagine other actors portraying Harry and Ron or another actress to portray Hermione. It simply doesn’t make sense. And this trio simply proves this beyond doubt.

Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith as Snape and Professor McGonagall respectively gave their all in this movie. You cannot help but be on the edge of your seat whenever any of these two actors are doing their thing. Rickman has a part of the movie entirely dedicated to his character’s personal story. It is also one of my favorite parts of the book. The Prince’s Tale is transferred so magnificently on screen that it WILL bring you to tears. Many times at that, in the space of about five minutes. If you don’t feel absolutely overwhelmed at one point in that sequent of memories, then you are not human. There, I said it.
Professor McGonagall takes a stand – several, actually – in Deathly Hallows as well. She stands up for Harry and when she does, the whole theatre will explode in applause. Maggie Smith fortifying Hogwarts and then cracking a joke to lighten up the mood… Just the way I like it. You cannot but share the pain in Smith’s eyes as she sees her beloved school crumbling around her, as she sees all the work that they’ve done go to waste… absolutely stunning.

So Hogwarts is now fortified. They have one hour before Voldemort’s powers attack. And what better actor to portray this generation’s most bad-ass villain than Ralph Fiennes. People, just give him the Oscar for best supporting actor already. There will be no one more worthy. Him or Alan Rickman.
Ralph Fiennes gives his character an extra dimension in this movie now that he has the room to spread his wings so to speak, seeing as he’s one of the movie’s main pillars. Lord Voldemort is all evil. But in this movie, another side of him shows up: anguish and misery. And yet, there’s this subtlety to the nuances of the portrayal that make up the overall result to be very epic, indeed.

Michael Gambon has one scene in the movie as Albus Dumbledore and to say that his part sticks to the book would be an understatement. They uttered my favorite line. I was on cloud nine. “Of course it’s happening inside your head… but why should it mean it’s not real?” It’s also my twitter bio! And this is truly the world that this movie and the books have created. It is imaginary but it feels so real that you just don’t care that it’s all in your head. Shattering the lines between reality and imaginary is not just for eccentric, high or mentally disturbed people. For two hours, this movie will get you to strut those boundaries as well.

Steve Kloves is the movie’s screenwriter. And what can one say about Steve Kloves and give him enough credit. He captured the movie’s essence perfectly. He presented J.K. Rowling’s work in such a brilliant way that even the slight deviations from the book (and they are very few) do not even matter anymore. He portrays the gravity of the situation to the letter: the deaths, the destruction, the revelations, the build-up…. His version of the story is so well done that it would be incredible not to see an Oscar nod (and a win!) for him in the Screenplay category. He added his touch while keeping Rowling’s magic. Some of the lines from the book are transferred to the movie as they are and for someone who has read the book over and over again, I was ecstatic to hear them on screen. “Look… at…me.” Enough said.

Director David Yates has helmed the last four Potter movies and while I had my doubts about him at first (Order of the Phoenix was not exactly great), he more than surpassed my wildest expectations in this. The pace he sets for the movie never dies down. It keeps on building up and up like a beautiful orchestral crescendo. He guides his actors and actresses with confidence. He’s working with a marvelous script based on a terrific book. And he has the green light to give it all out. What do you expect from a very talented director with those options? Something not less than magical.

And throughout the movie, you listen to this satisfyingly rich and haunting score by French composer Alexandre Desplat, who also composed the score for the first part. As the score opens with the epic “Lily’s Theme,” you are captivated by the music on top of the visuals. The score doesn’t let down as well. It fuses itself into the movie perfectly and grows as the characters advance with the plot. It incorporates elements from all previous Harry Potter scores, giving homage to all previous composers. And what better way to end this than to salute those who worked on the series before you?

On top of all that, the movie is such a nice sight to see that it’s ridiculous at times how perfect the cinematography, the make-up and all other technical aspects are. They are so well-done that they are simply the cherry on top of this marvelous cake. Summer blockbusters usually rely on these elements as their forte. Not with this movie. While any other movie would dream to have this quality on it, Deathly Hallows Part 2 has these coming with the territory of being the movie that it is.

Critics and fans alike are raving about this. I had posted earlier about the early reviews the movie was getting and they set my expectations so high that I was afraid the movie would not meet them. It not only met them, it shattered them and rendered them useless dust. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 is magical, magnificent, elegant, pure, heart-breaking, eye-popping, insanely brilliant, enchantingly captivating and sensationally grandiose. It is one of the best – if not THE best – cinematic experience you could hope for. It’s a perfect movie, if there ever was such a thing.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 provides you with a sense of catharsis as it ends. It lets your senses go. It lowers your inhibitions more than alcohol. You cannot help but see your hands automatically clap at some points in the movie. You shout in desperation without even controlling your voice and you root for your characters like they’re really in front of you. Tears flow down your face without any power of you to stop them. There isn’t any better way to end the epic series that was Harry Potter. If only it weren’t ending…

I was going to start putting a grade to movies that I review, based on requests. So let me attempt this now:

13/10

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72 thoughts on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 – Review”

  1. Pingback: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 2

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  7. OMG I am so excited now! Great review! I hope this time the movie finally gets some Golden Globe or Oscar love. It is high time!

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  11. It was amazing.
    The scene,the music,the characters.
    Everything was perfect
    Definitely the movie of the year and definitely something worth watching for 2-3 times
    Great review

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  13. Oh, wow. ;__;

    I have yet to see the movie – will at Midnight tonight! 😀 – but this sounds so amazing. I’ve read every single review, every spoiler there is, just so I could be prepared for the changes and love the film no matter what surprises are thrown my way. I am adamant that I will love this movie. I will bawl like a baby, and I will shake and laugh and just… AHH. And because I read all those spoilers, nothing, NOTHING could make me NOT love this movie. I’ve loved all the books and all the films, and there is no reason whatsoever that could make that change now.

    Excellent review!

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    • It is! Truly, a movie for the ages. It’s such a brilliant way to end the series that people will forever remember Harry Potter by its collective work, topped by this awesomeness!
      The movie won’t surprise you. In a few hours, just sit calmly and enjoy the ride.

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  15. I CANNOT wait to see it!!! Only 10 more hours 🙂
    Great review, now I am even more excited. And believe me, I was already extremely excited. I’ve been running around my house screaming all day.

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  17. Well I just have to say Alan Rickman as Snape was amazing! So much emotion that we’ve never seen from this man. So much energy. You can’t but love him because you’re in his head. In the book it was great but seeing it with your own eyes was a whole other experience. Like you said Professor McGonagall aka Maggie Smith was amazing as well- she was so strong and emotional and I loved when she became happy to perform a certain spell. I know I’ve read the books and everything but I felt like watching the movie was a whole other experience. Everyone knew the end but we were still at the edge of our seats. People laughed, cried, applauded, screamed, shouted, sang, and woo’d from noon to 3 am. It was an experience shared my millions of people. No one can take that away and that’s why these books, movies and characters will love on forever.

    I no longer need to write a review or anything. I’ve said my bit 😛

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    • Exactly. When he was holding her and weeping? My heart, what happened to you! Oh God, the epicness!
      And Maggie Smith, when she stood up for Harry. *chills*
      This is a movie for the ages. It is one that I will be watching again.
      And what happened to the audience over there in Canada happened to the audience here. It’s an international reaction apparently. Such a glorious cinematic experience.

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  18. Agreed to all the above.
    I’d like to add I loved Molly Weasly. Loved the one and only kissing scene- EPIC- there were more but only one EPIC one. I loved Draco Malfoy. I loved everything.
    And I also love that Lebanon is filled with Potterheads!
    Finally, I’m glad I have this space to throw my emotions otherwise people I know would hate me 😛

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    • “NOT MY DAUGHTER, BITCH!” EPIC 😀
      And I think I know which kissing scene you mean. Giggles afterwards, right? :p

      Lebanon’s Potterheads came in wearing Hogwarts uniforms, Gryffindor scarfs, lightning bolt scars on their foreheads… great stuff :p
      And if people are gonna hate you for loving Harry, then they need help 😀

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  19. No cauz if you haven’t seen it you don’t want to be around me. It’s all Im thinking about and clearly talking about :P.
    And yes indeed. that scene exactly. Everyone was applauded and whistled and screamed.
    I’m proud of my Lebanese Potterheads!

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  21. Pingback: [Poster] Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 « A Separate State of Mind

  23. EXCELLENT review. I just can’t wait to watch the finale. It’s already breaking my heart to say “It all ends” but I just can’t help. And all those actors and character with whom we’ve grown up, you just can’t let them go.

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  24. Brilliant Review! Thank you so much! Made me *run* to the iTunes store & rent Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 for .99 cents! I’ve gotta watch these back to back! I’m gonna hopefully let the first rush of little kids go to see this movie this weekend…then my GF & I will go see it in a matinee next week! Whoohoo! (and I’ll be sure to bring lots of tissues!) Oh what a wonderous ride this has been!
    If only the Hunger Games producers had taken a page from HP and cast newbies to the main roles rather than try and get teen names…that’s why this has been so brilliant..because these young actors became for us each of the characters! (though why they couldn’t throw in green contacts into Danny’s eyes I’ll never know!)
    I’m gonna mourn the loss of this franchise but I’m gonna celebrate it’s triumphant end!

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    • Thank you! And you’re welcome 🙂
      Part 1 is great as well. But compared to this? NOTHING! You will most definitely enjoy this. And you know what, leaving the initial annoyance I felt at having kids with me in the theatre aside, you don’t feel them being annoying once the movie starts. You applaud, shout, cry and laugh with them.
      For two hours, HP will transform you into a little kid again even though it’s far from being a kid’s movie.
      And yeah, I need to read The Hunger Games. They have Jennifer Lawrence though. Love her!

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  25. I am a big harry potter fan,and i look forward to watch it asap,just wanted to ask,is it better in 3D or it makes no difference

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  26. I wish I was as attached to these films as the rest of you seem to be. I’ve seen 3 or 4 at the theater and the rest on dvd. I can’t say I loved them but I definitely don’t hate them. I’ll see the final installment-just not sure where or when.

    Here are some films which get my highest recommendation…

    The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
    The Lives of Others
    OldBoy
    Mother
    Rivers and Tides

    enjoy!!

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    • In all fairness, other Harry Potter movies wouldn’t have gotten such a review from me. This one is playing on a whole other level.
      And thank you for the suggestions 🙂

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  27. Pingback: Harry Potter Shattering Box Office Records! « A Separate State of Mind

  28. I stumbled across a link to your review on Twitter so I clicked on it and reading it blew me away. Your writing is phenomenal. I loved every second of the movie and am sure I will watch it many many times. However, I was slightly disappointed that at the end the older versions of them did not seem all that great. They looked almost strange. But that aside this is the best movie I have seen in a LONG time.

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    • Thank you! I really appreciate it 🙂 Twitter can be useful!
      You know, I agree they looked weird in the epilogue. But I thought it served its purpose. This weirdness was refreshing. You know what I mean?

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  29. “Slight deviations from the book”…you’re joking, right? Did you actually read the book? There were even deviations from the other movies. Other than that, good review.

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  33. Thanks alot, now i cant even wait to see the movie!
    I got all the dvds to re-watch the series to prepare myself for the movie, and ur review just got me even more impatient!
    It’s awesome!:D

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    • I’m glad you liked my review! It’s a great movie, I’m 100% sure you’ll like it.
      Let me know what you think when you eventually go to the movies to see it.

      Thanks for your comment on the Glee post as well. Appreciate it 🙂

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  35. i wish i had a potterhead to go with 😦 the movie was phenomenal though, epic is am understatement. I don’t know how it’s possible but it was even better than lord of the rings. I watched it more than 30 times now ( found a torrent with a half decent quality).
    I hope they release these movies again so we can watch them n cinemas once more

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  36. Pingback: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Begins Oscar Campaign « A Separate State of Mind

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