Signis

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

(JPEG) (UK, 2007, d. David Yates)

This is Harry Potter time. With the release of the last book in the series (and sales of millions) and the fifth film in the series, Harry Potter is a worldwide phenomenon.

Six years ago, when the first film came out, there was a great deal of heated discussion. Children and adults who were content to move into a fantasy world that looked at times a little like ours but was vastly different enjoyed the opportunity to make believe. What if...? On the other hand, a number of fervently religious people were alarmed at the words ‘magic’ and ‘spells’ and ‘wizard’ and interpreted the story as being against some of the literal injunctions of the Old Testament.

We hope that this discussion has been resolved, realising that J.K.Rowling was just inventing a world that was another fairy tale place with some adolescent epic touches. This is not a world to be taken literally. It is more like the imaginative world that J.R.R. Tolkein invented for the Lord of the Rings or that George Lucas invented for the Star Wars series. In fact, it is a useful comparison to make between Harry Potter and Frodo as well as with Luke Skywalker. They are young heroes who bear some of the burdens of evil in the world and receive a mission to combat evil.

This mission is becoming clearer as the books and the films continue. Harry started as a young boy. We have seen how he has changed as he moved through the early years of adolescence. Last time, Harry came face to face with the personification of evil, someone who had chosen to ‘go over to the dark side’, Voldemort. This film is literally darker as Voldemort now moves in on Harry to create an evil world. Harry has to draw on inner resources to be able to live up to his mission.

This time he has the support of his parents’ friends, the Order of the Phoenix (with its name of hope for rising again) and of his godfather, Sirrius Black. He also has to learn that he is not alone and rely on the support of Ron and Hermione (even if it means listening to lectures from Hermione).

This is a film for adolescent audiences. The classification is 12A or its equivalent which means that parents have to decide whether they want their younger children to see the film. If young children have started with the other books and films then they will know what to expect. Otherwise it could be puzzling and frightening.

Most of the familiar cast have returned, even if some of them have only a few moments. Adults will regret that there is not more of Emma Thompson, Maggie Smith and Robbie Coltrane. However, there is a new character who leaps off the screen at us as she tries to control Hogwarts and impose her kind of order. This is Dolores Umbridge, sent by the ministry to correct what are considered Dumbledore’s mistakes. She flounces around in pinks and mauves completely self-satisfied. Imelda Staunton gives a wonderful performance.

There are plenty of special effects that are amazing to watch, a delight that technology can create so much magic.

This is a review of the film, not the book - readers always find that the filmmakers have left out characters and incidents that they really wanted to see. But, as a Harry Potter film, the Order of the Phoenix should satisfy.

Peter Malone