15 July 2011 Volume: 21 Issue: 13 North Korea's ... - Eureka Street

Volume 21 Issue: 1315 July 2011the filmmakers have attempted to jam as much action as possible in order to ensure the seriesgoes out with a bang.Perennial nasties get their comeuppance. A few beloved ‘good guys’ are dispatchedunceremoniously, ensuring the film packs an emotional punch. Several other favourites aregiven ‘hero moments’ that, in the screening I attended, prompted dutiful applause from somefaithful audience members. In this, director Yates ticks a lot of boxes. But he also robs many ofthese moments of dramatic impact.Importantly though, while the messianic dimensions of Harry’s final victory are oddlyunderstated, the redemptive revelations about the series’ most enigmatic villain powerfullyreinforce the themes of love, faith and self-sacrifice, and ensure that the import of these eventsis not lost. Thematically and narratively, this is the most satisfying element of book and filmalike.The conclusion of the Harry Potter film franchise marks the end of an era. The boy wizardhas been with us for nearly a decade and a half, since the publication of Harry Potter and thePhilosopher’s Stone in 1997. Contrary to the predictions of wowsers, the series has not ledgenerations into paganism.Instead they have enjoyed and been inspired by an unforgettable story containing a simplebut profound message lifted straight from the gospels. Amen.©2011 EurekaStreet.com.au 8