Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Overview
Release Date: June 13, 2007 Director: David Yates Writers: Michael Goldenberg Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Robbie Coltrane Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, Heyday Films, and 1492 Pictures
Storyline
Inciting Event: The movie begins with Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and his cousin Dudley (Harry Melling) being attacked by Dementors while staying with the Dursleys. Harry repels the Dementors using the Patronus Charm, but this incident leads to him being expelled from Hogwarts by the Ministry of Magic for using magic outside of school property.
First Plot Point: Harry learns that he will have a trial to determine his fate. The Order of the Phoenix, a secret society founded by Albus Dumbledore, intervenes and informs Harry that the Ministry is in denial about Lord Voldemort’s return. Harry is exonerated and returns to Hogwarts for his fifth year.
First Pinch Point: Upon his return, Harry discovers that Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) has been appointed as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Umbridge refuses to teach defensive spells, instead focusing on a textbook-only curriculum. This leads to a clash between Harry and Umbridge, who forces him to write lines on a magic quill that etches the words into his hand.
Midpoint: Harry experiences a series of visions and nightmares, including one where he sees himself as Voldemort attacking Arthur Weasley. Dumbledore orders Severus Snape to teach Harry Occlumency to defend his mind from Voldemort’s influence. This connection between Harry and Voldemort further isolates him from his friends.
Second Pinch Point: Umbridge discovers the secret room where Harry and his friends are practicing defensive magic, leading to her reporting Dumbledore to the Ministry. Dumbledore is falsely accused and escapes as Fudge orders his arrest. Harry believes Cho Chang (Katie Leung) betrayed Dumbledore’s Army, ending their budding relationship.
Third Plot Point: Harry has a vision that Voldemort is torturing Sirius Black (Gary Oldman). He, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) rush to Umbridge’s office to alert the Order via the Floo Network. However, they are caught, and Hermione claims Dumbledore has hidden a secret weapon in the Forbidden Forest. The centaurs confront them, and Umbridge is kidnapped by the centaurs.
Climax: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), and Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) fly to the Ministry of Magic on Thestrals to save Sirius. They enter the Department of Mysteries and recover a bottled prophecy labeled with Harry’s name. Death Eaters, including Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs) and Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter), ambush them. The Death Eaters overpower the students, forcing Harry to surrender the prophecy. Just as Sirius is killed by Bellatrix, Voldemort appears, and a violent duel ensues between him and Dumbledore.
Cast and Crew
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore
Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge
Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange
Gary Oldman as Sirius Black
David Yates as Director
Michael Goldenberg as Writer
Movie Poster
The movie poster for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix features a dramatic image of Harry Potter standing in front of Hogwarts Castle, with a dark and ominous background hinting at the return of Voldemort. The poster includes the tagline It’s Not Just Magic and highlights the key characters and themes of the film. The design is typical of the Harry Potter franchise, blending fantasy elements with a sense of adventure and danger. The poster is often framed as a print or canvas for fans to display in their homes, making it a popular item among collectors and enthusiasts.
Reception
The movie received generally positive reviews from critics, with an 7.5/10 rating on IMDB. It was nominated for two BAFTA Awards and won several other accolades. The special effects, particularly the depiction of the Thestrals, were praised by critics and fans alike. The performances of the cast, especially Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge and Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange, were also highly commended.
Media and Framing
Fans of the Harry Potter series often seek out framed prints or canvas prints of the movie posters to decorate their homes. These framed prints can be customized with various sizes and frames, making them a unique addition to any room. The posters are also popular among collectors who seek to complete their Harry Potter collection. Additionally, the movie’s themes and characters have inspired numerous fan art pieces, which can be found online or in art books dedicated to the series.
Awards and Nominations
Nominated for 2 BAFTA Awards
17 wins & 50 nominations total
Conclusion
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a pivotal installment in the series, exploring themes of denial, resistance, and the struggle against darkness. The film’s storyline is rich in detail, with memorable characters and intense action sequences. The cast and crew delivered outstanding performances, making the movie a must-watch for both fans of the series and newcomers alike. The movie poster, with its dramatic imagery and tagline, captures the essence of the film perfectly, making it a sought-after item among fans and collectors. Whether framed as a print or displayed digitally, the movie poster serves as a testament to the enduring magic of the Harry Potter franchise.
