Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

“Neither can live while the other survives” The prophecy that started it all is finally being fulfilled.

In the epic finale, Harry confronts his fate and faces Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), once and for all. Part 2 picks up at Shell Cottage where Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) plan to find the last of the Horcruxes, which eventually leads them back to Hogwarts, where it all ends. Filled with action, heart, and an epic conclusion, Part 2 is one Potter film fans don’t want to miss.

Morality Issues

As with most of the HP films, cussing and sexuality are, for the most part, non-existent. There were a handful of curse words: h*ll, d*mn, bloody, and b*tch. There were two brief kissing scenes, but they didn’t come off as sex-crazed, it was more so that the characters knew they would probably die and were saying goodbye. There is also a scene when Harry, Ron and Hermione jump into a lake and need to change, so you can see Harry and Ron shirtless, but again, it’s not sexual, they just need to put dry clothes on.

Violence can be seen throughout most of the movie, most of it is what you would typically see in a PG-13 super hero movie, but there are, at least, two instances where it was a little gruesome. Good vs. Evil is a huge theme, in this movie especially, and good morals (such as, sacrifice, true friendship, bravery, not compromising, etc.) are displayed.

Spiritual Issues

This movie, like all the other Potter films has magic in it; in my opinion, this magic is used as a tool (for good or evil), but I do know (from previous reviews and personally) that people feel very strongly about the issue of magic. The Christian community is divided, some think it goes against Scripture and others either think it’s a different type of magic than the Bible mentions, or since it’s fiction and doesn’t directly glorify it, it’s acceptable. To me, this issue is not cut and dry, and those for or against it should not be condemned; it’s a personal matter, like those who do not think drinking is wrong, but some think it’s a sin—everyone has their own struggles and liberties. So for those of you that are against magic, then do not see this film, it will only stumble you, for those of you that are fine with it, then enjoy it.

Another prominent spiritual issue that many Christians before me have written or spoken about is the similarities that Harry shares with Christ—whether these similarities are purposeful or accidental, many believe they are there. ***SPOILER ALERT*** Harry willingly lays down his life, without hate or fear, he knows his fate and accepts it bravely. When his friends offer to go with him, he refuses, and basically tells them that he has to go alone. Most of the students and teachers at Hogwarts help Harry, Ron and Hermione fight the Death Eaters (the bad guys) even though they know they’re outnumbered and will probably be dead by morning. Also, at one point, Neville (Matthew Lewis) is tempted by Voldemort to join him and live, but he refuses and is determined to not go down without a fight.

But the best display of good prevailing over evil is finding out that Snape, although thought to be purely evil and hateful, did everything in his power to protect Harry, and, in the end, lays his life down for his cause. ***END OF SPOILER***

Whether these are reaches or not, it’s what I saw in the characters, and I really appreciated the morality portrayed. John 15:13 definitely rung a bell: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (KJV). A good chunk of the characters spend most of the movie doing this very thing.

Author Stephen King made a comment regarding Harry Potter that I thought sums this up well, “Harry Potter is about confronting fears, finding inner strength and doing what is right in the face of adversity.”

Quality of the film

The actual quality of the film is spectacular, the actors are very believable, the action is breathtaking, and the battle sequences are awesome. They did an amazing job bringing the book to life, and, although some fans may be disappointed that they leave out certain things in the book, it’s just not possible to fit a 700-page book into two hours. The books, for the most part, are usually much better than the movies, because authors don’t have a page limit or time constraint. Part 2 is a good, quality, action-packed film, and I highly recommend seeing it in IMAX 3D—it’ll blow you away!

My Recommendation

If this film didn’t have magic in it, I honestly believe that there wouldn’t be any reservations for people seeing this film—cussing, sexuality and violence are all kept at bay. You may have noticed above that I rated this film Average, even though the other films have been rated Offensive; I did this because, as stated above, people are split on the issue, and neither side should be condemned. So if you are okay with the above reservations, then you will enjoy the last installment, you will laugh, cry, be on the edge of your seat, and feel satisfied at the end. Mischief is managed, and all is well.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Mild / Sex/Nudity: Minor

Is the Harry Potter series truly harmless? Ever since the popularity of JK Rowling’s first book took hold, the debate rages. What is a Christian to think of the Harry Potter worldview and philosophies? Is there anything to be concerned about?