Harry Potter VII, Part I: Making us grow up too quickly
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The second scene is far removed from adolescent butterflies. The horcux scene with its hints of voyeurism was inappropriate and unnecessary. I don't think "brief sensuality" as stated by the official Motion Picture Rating accurately conveys the shock many will feel when they watch an unclothed Harry and Hermione reach second base. This scene incorrectly insinuates that the two have more than a platonic relationship. I might be exaggerating by comparing this scene to the images in Hieronymous Bosch's masterpiece, The Garden of Earthly Delights, but one can only imagine what goes through Ron's mind when he watches his two best friends betray him. Yates could have chosen a different subject matter to convey the evil and feelings of animosity engendered by a horcrux. After all, when did Hollywood receive permission to introduce the "Birds and the Bees" to young children, a topic traditionally reserved for parents and schools? I might be more socially conservative than many my age in the States, but I believe most people, especially parents, would agree that this new film should have come with some warning label about this particular scene.
Now, all of this in no way implies I did not enjoy the movie. Unlike most Hollywood films these days, the seventh installment was well worth my time and money despite two scenes that should have been cut in the final edit. I particularly liked the scene in which Harry's friends and supporters drink polyjuice potion to bring him to safety. Additionally, the Harry and Hermione dynamic are saved when the two visit the cemetery in Godric's Hollow. These demonstrations of love and loyalty are just what we need in our world today. Overall, Yates achieves his purpose of maturing Rowling's characters and forcing us to come to terms with the reality that just like the rest of us, Harry and his friends have grown up. While the aforementioned scenes certainly coerce us far too quickly into this realization, the movie is ultimately saved by the essence and excitement of becoming young adults in a complicated world.
The author is a Chinese American who currently works and lives in Beijing.
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