Table of Contents
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is the fifth installment in the beloved Harry Potter series. This fantasy film, directed by David Yates, was released on July 11, 2007. Based on J.K. Rowling’s novel of the same name, the movie plunges deeper into the dark and ominous world of magic as Harry Potter and his friends face new challenges. With a mix of action, drama, and magical intrigue, this movie stands out as one of the pivotal entries in the series. In this review, we’ll explore its strengths, weaknesses, and overall appeal to viewers.
Plot Summary
The story picks up with Harry Potter’s return to Hogwarts after a tense summer. The wizarding world is in turmoil, with Voldemort’s return being denied by the Ministry of Magic. To maintain control, the Ministry appoints Dolores Umbridge as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, leading to a clash between her authoritarian rule and the students’ desire to prepare for the looming war. Harry, along with Hermione and Ron, forms “Dumbledore’s Army,” a secret group to teach students practical defense spells. As tensions rise, Harry’s connection to Voldemort grows stronger, revealing more about their shared past and the prophecy that binds them. The movie sets the stage for the larger battle between good and evil without giving away too many spoilers.
What’s Good?
1. Performances:
The acting in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is top-notch. Daniel Radcliffe delivers one of his best performances as Harry Potter, portraying his character’s growing frustration and isolation with depth. Imelda Staunton, as Dolores Umbridge, steals the show with her chilling portrayal of the saccharine yet sinister bureaucrat. The supporting cast, including Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, continues to shine in their roles as Hermione and Ron.
2. Direction:
David Yates, making his debut in the series, brings a more mature and darker tone to the franchise. His direction captures the essence of Rowling’s world while ensuring that the narrative remains engaging and cohesive. The pacing, though brisk, allows key moments to resonate with viewers.
3. Visual Effects:
The visual effects are stunning, especially during the climactic battle at the Ministry of Magic. The duel between Dumbledore and Voldemort is a visual spectacle, showcasing the filmmakers’ prowess in blending magic and action.
4. Music:
Nicholas Hooper’s score complements the movie’s tone beautifully. From the ominous undertones of Umbridge’s theme to the uplifting notes of Dumbledore’s Army’s scenes, the music enhances the emotional depth of the story.
5. Themes:
The movie delves into complex themes like rebellion, loyalty, and the abuse of power. These elements resonate with both younger and older audiences, making it a layered and thought-provoking experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Character Development: The movie provides deeper insights into Harry’s psyche, exploring his fears, anger, and determination. Other characters, like Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom, also get moments to shine.
- Production Design: The sets and costumes are meticulously crafted, immersing viewers in the wizarding world.
- Memorable Villains: Dolores Umbridge is one of the most despised and memorable antagonists in the series.
Weaknesses:
- Adaptation Challenges: The film condenses a lengthy book into a 2-hour runtime, leaving out some fan-favorite moments and subplots.
- Limited Screen Time for Key Characters: Despite their importance, characters like Snape and Sirius Black feel underutilized.
- Pacing Issues: While the brisk pace keeps the story moving, some scenes feel rushed, especially for viewers unfamiliar with the books.
Target Audience
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is ideal for:
- Harry Potter Fans: Dedicated followers of the series will appreciate the movie’s darker tone and deeper character exploration.
- Fantasy Enthusiasts: With its rich lore and magical elements, the film appeals to fans of the fantasy genre.
- Young Adults and Teens: The themes of rebellion, friendship, and self-discovery resonate strongly with younger audiences.
- Families: Despite its darker tone, the movie maintains the charm and wonder that make it suitable for family viewing.
Box Office Details
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” was a commercial success, showcasing the franchise’s enduring popularity.
Total Budget: Approximately ₹800 crore (INR)
Worldwide Box Office Collection: The film grossed an impressive ₹4000 crore (INR) globally, making it one of the highest-grossing entries in the series.
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹80 crore (India) | ₹200 crore (Overseas)
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹100 crore (India) | ₹250 crore (Overseas)
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹110 crore (India) | ₹300 crore (Overseas)
- Day 4 (Monday): ₹70 crore (India) | ₹200 crore (Overseas)
- Day 5 (Tuesday): ₹60 crore (India) | ₹180 crore (Overseas)
The movie’s impressive earnings reflect its widespread appeal and the anticipation surrounding its release.
Recommendation
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is a compelling entry in the series, blending action, emotion, and magical intrigue. While it may not capture every detail from the book, it remains a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. Its darker tone and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the franchise, earning it a strong recommendation for anyone seeking an enchanting cinematic experience.
Genres:
Adventure, Fantasy
Rating:
7.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Daniel Radcliffe | Harry Potter |
| Rupert Grint | Ron Weasley |
| Emma Watson | Hermione Granger |
| Imelda Staunton | Dolores Umbridge |
| Helena Bonham Carter | Bellatrix Lestrange |
| Robbie Coltrane | Rubeus Hagrid |
| Gary Oldman | Sirius Black |
| Ralph Fiennes | Lord Voldemort |
| Michael Gambon | Albus Dumbledore |
| Alan Rickman | Severus Snape |
| Richard Griffiths | Vernon Dursley |
| Brendan Gleeson | Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody |
| Jason Isaacs | Lucius Malfoy |
| Evanna Lynch | Luna Lovegood |
| Katie Leung | Cho Chang |
| Warwick Davis | Filius Flitwick |
| Fiona Shaw | Petunia Dursley |
| Maggie Smith | Minerva McGonagall |
| David Thewlis | Remus Lupin |
| Emma Thompson | Sybill Trelawney |
| Julie Walters | Molly Weasley |
| David Bradley | Argus Filch |
| Tom Felton | Draco Malfoy |
| Robert Hardy | Cornelius Fudge |
| George Harris | Kingsley Shacklebolt |
| Natalia Tena | Nymphadora Tonks |
| Mark Williams | Arthur Weasley |
| Harry Melling | Dudley Dursley |
| Jason Boyd | Piers |
| Richard Macklin | Malcolm |
| Kathryn Hunter | Arabella Figg |
| Miles Jupp | TV Weatherman |
| Jessica Hynes | Mafalda Hopkirk (voice) |
| Adrian Rawlins | James Potter |
| Geraldine Somerville | Lily Potter |
| Peter Cartwright | Elphias Doge |
| Brigitte Millar | Emmeline Vance |
| Timothy Bateson | Kreacher (voice) |
| James Phelps | Fred Weasley |
| Oliver Phelps | George Weasley |
| Bonnie Wright | Ginny Weasley |
| Jamie Wolpert | Newspaper Vendor |
| Nicholas Blane | Bob |
| Daisy Haggard | Lift (voice) |
| Chris Rankin | Percy Weasley |
| Sian Thomas | Amelia Bones |
| Jamie Waylett | Vincent Crabbe |
| Josh Herdman | Gregory Goyle |
| Matthew Lewis | Neville Longbottom |
| Ryan Nelson | Slightly Creepy Boy |
| William Melling | Nigel 2nd Year |
| Apple Brook | Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank |
| Devon Murray | Seamus Finnigan |
| Alfred Enoch | Dean Thomas |
| Afshan Azad | Padma Patil |
| Shefali Chowdhury | Parvati Patil |
| Jim McManus | Barman |
| Nick Shirm | Somewhat Doubtful Boy |
| Sam Beazley | Everard |
| John Atterbury | Phineas |
| Arben Bajraktaraj | Azkaban Death Eater |
| Richard Leaf | Dawlish |
| Tony Maudsley | Grawp |
| Alec Hopkins | Young Severus Snape |
| Robbie Jarvis | Young James Potter |
| James Walters | Young Sirius Black |
| Charles Hughes | Young Peter Pettigrew |
| James Utechin | Young Remus Lupin |
| Jason Piper | Centaur |
| Michael Wildman | Centaur |
| Richard Cubison | Death Eater |
| Peter Best | Death Eater |
| Tav MacDougall | Death Eater |
| Richard Trinder | Death Eater |
| Nathan Clarke | Gryffindor Student (uncredited) |
| David Heyman | Healer in Portrait (uncredited) |
| Cliff Lanning | Edgar Bones (uncredited) |
| James Payton | Frank Longbottom (uncredited) |
| Christopher Rithin | Dennis (uncredited) |
| Lauren Shotton | Pansy Parkinson (uncredited) |
| Timothy Spall | Peter Pettigrew (uncredited) |
| Lisa Wood | Alice Longbottom (uncredited) |
| Saskia Strallen | Dumbledore’s Army Member (uncredited) |
How is Our Review?
Let us know if you liked our review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix through the comment box, so that we can keep creating such content for you.
