Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

Directed by: David Yates | 138 minutes | drama, adventure, family, fantasy | Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Helena Bonham-Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Imelda Staunton, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, Tom Felton

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is ​​the fifth installment in the popular Harry Potter series. Even after the four previous successes, this part also manages to surprise again, thanks in part to the possibility to view a part in 3D (IMAX).

Like the book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix starts off dark and foreboding without any buildup. You can’t let go of that gut feeling that something radical is about to happen, which is one of the reasons why the film is probably not suitable for the little ones. The film – just like the characters and actors – is on its way to the climax, a lot more mature, more menacing and more serious than previous parts. In part this will mean that the ‘magic’ of Hogwarts is gone; it is by no means all nice and nice with sometimes a saying. Although there is still room for a joke here and there, the black undertone clearly determines the atmosphere – as many readers and fans can attest. The story, as well as the characters, has grown with its original fans, and will continue to enchant young and old alike.

As said: Harry, Ron and Hermione are older, but also wiser. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are not only more mature, but are increasingly proving themselves as serious actors. Especially in Watson lurks a megastar in the making. Unfortunately, the role of their schoolmates has shrunk even more, although it is a lot less bad this time that the story is mainly focused around Harry Potter and Voldemort.

What is striking is that quite a few new people are introduced this time, including one of the most hated people – who is still on the ‘good’ side. Namely: Dolores Umbridge, a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and Secretary General to the Minister of Magic. In her candy-pink outfit, neatly coiffed hair and pouted lips, this cat lover doesn’t seem to hurt a fly. But looks can be deceiving and this sour lady can be quite feisty; especially to Harry and anyone else who stands by him. Scarily persuasive, Imelda Staunton gets the blood under your fingernails with the horrible cough she lets out when she doesn’t like something. To stay in the “bad guys” category; Also ‘new’ is Bellatrix Lestrange, a niece of Harry’s godfather Sirius Black. Helena Bonham Carter is perfect as the crazy witch who manages to escape from Azkaban. She knows how to use her experience working under a director who likes morbid movies (Tim Burton) to give just that twist to Bellatrix that makes her even scarier.

Not exactly scary, but special, is Grawp; Hagrid’s half brother and also a huge giant. Actor Tony Maudsley spent a long time in the recording studios bringing him to life. Grawp is now a combination of special effects and motion capture, yet Maudsley somehow manages to bring to life this innocent, naive soft-hearted – who can’t concentrate on anything for ten seconds. Unlike the Dementors who suck the soul out of your body… A full-size head was recreated before shooting so the actors had something to play against, which helped make everything look as natural as possible.

But of all, the most notable newcomer is Nymphadora Tonks (the unknown discovery Natalia Tena). Not only her giftedness to transform (she is, after all, a ‘transformer’) stands out, also her beautiful appearance and talent. Unfortunately, her role in part five remains modest – but when she is seen she splashes off the screen. Natalia Tena is definitely an actress you will see more of in the future!

‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ becomes truly spectacular as the end is in sight and the climax approaches. The gut feeling gets stronger and stronger and when the time for confrontation comes, the audience is treated to breathtakingly magical fight scenes (especially if you get it in 3D). The special effects get better with the film, more spectacular and surpass everyone’s wildest dream.

So you can actually say that ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ is a film of only superlatives. But good actors and an exciting and entertaining story are of course nothing without a director. That’s why a lot of praise for David Yates, who has not very much talked about films to his name. No wonder he was also allowed to sign ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ for part six. One thing is for sure: if it comes anything close to this fantastic film adaptation, the fan will be pleased.