Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2

UK Release Date. 15 July 2011
Certification. 12A
Running Time. 2 hours 10 mins
Director. David Yates
Cast. Helena Bonham Carter, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Rupert Grint, Evanna Lynch, Kelly Macdonald, Daniel Radcliffe, David Thewlis, Emma Watson, Bonnie Wright.
Rating. 75%

Review.

If Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 demonstrated the problems in splitting J.K. Rowling's final book into two instalments, then Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 roundly justifies that decision. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 was almost entirely setup, but Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is all action and hits the ground running from the very first frame. 

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is almost operatic in nature, as the film builds to a dramatic climax at the place where it all began, Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Not only are the set pieces spectacular, but they're anchored by characters we've grown to love over the course of seven films (over 10 years). 

Eduardo Serra, the director of photography in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 renders the once majestic, wondrous castle in austere grey and muted tones, to match the ominous opening shot of Hogwarts Castle encircled by an enclave of dementors.

Equally, the score has always been an integral component of the films. John Williams scored the first three, then Patrick Doyle and Nicholas Hooper. Alexandre Desplat was responsible for Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. And while John Williams may have penned the now iconic Harry's Wondrous World and Hedwig's Theme, Alexandre Desplat ends on a high note with the haunting lament, Lily's Theme and the stirring Statues.

But undoubtedly David Yates' most difficult challenge was to establish Professor Snape as a hero. Perhaps, the real hero of the piece? Yates, along with screenwriters Steve Kloves and J.K. Rowling herself, and, of course, the magnificent Alan Rickman, rise to the challenge in front of them. The finale hinges on Rickman's ability to convince the audience of the idea that his love for Harry's mother, Lily was so strong that he accepted the impossible task of assuming the role of a double agent. Beneath the outward expression of supercilious contempt lies a character driven by devotion and ultimately, Snape's demise delivers a knockout emotional blow. Alan Rickman meticulously enunciated his way through eight impenetrable performances as Severus Snape, but this is the one he'll be remembered for. 

Unsurprising perhaps, in a series based around spoken spells, but never has the power of words been so prominent as in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Consider, 

• Professor Dumbledore as he ponders the importance of words, "Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it." 
• or, Professor McGonagall who instructs Professor Flitwick, "And his name is Voldemort, Fillius. You might as well use it, he's going to try and kill you either way." 

Similarly, in the final confrontation, Harry makes a point of referring to Lord Voldemort as Tom in a blatant attempt to humanise his adversary and rob him of the language that fuels fear.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 closes in glorious fashion with a film that not only serves as a superb conclusion to the saga, but also as a wholly satisfying entry in itself. Sleeker, leaner and meaner than most of the preceding films. If Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 centred on the themes of isolation and loneliness, then when Harry, Hermione and Ron return to Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 the entire array of established and much-loved characters return once more to the fold.

David Yates had, some would say, the unenviable task of wrapping up one of the most popular film franchises ever in a way that would satisfy even the most rabid of fans. Yates delivers. In spades.