(DVD 791.437 Har)
Absolutely charming and nostalgia-filled visit with many of the actors from the Harry Potter films, as they gathered in 2021 for interviews and private conversations to discuss the experience of being part of the Harry Potter film universe on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone‘s 2001 release.
To make things even more special,
the interviews/conversations were filmed on the standing sets from the films,
which have been available for tourists to visit since around 2013. In addition
to the interviews/conversations, this documentary features a ton of
behind-the-scenes footage from the filming of all 8 movies, as well as “home
movie” footage and media-sourced coverage. Most of the primary cast are here —
of course Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who share what it was
like growing up relying on each other’s friendship, but also under the eyes of
the worldwide media. Directors Chris Columbus (#1 and #2), Alfonso Cuaron (#3),
Mike Newell (#4), and David Yates (#5-8) offer their fascinating takes on the
making of the movies. And a huge cast of other significant Harry Potter actor
also offer their memories as well — Gary Oldman, Jason Isaacs, Ralph Fiennes,
Helena Bonham Carter, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Evanna Lynch, Matthew Lewis,
Toby Jones, James and Oliver Phelps, and Robbie Coltrane, in his last on-screen
appearance before his passing in 2022. The producers also pay tribute to the
many Harry Potter actors who’ve passed away in the intervening years —
including Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Richard Griffiths and Helen
McCrory.
For anyone who isn’t a Harry Potter
fan or who hasn’t seen all the films in the series, this is not for you. But if
you grew up on the Potter films and novels, and feel close to the actors and
characters, this 102-minute documentary reassures you that these performers all
still love each other and realize how important this series of films is to so
many people all around the world.
I loved this program, and only
subtract 1 point from a perfect “10” rating for the unfortunate absence of
several of the film actors who weren’t able to participate in the making of the
documentary, like Maggie Smith.
(If you enjoy this, you may also
wish to try all of the Harry Potter films in the 8-film series)
( Internet Movie
Database entry for this documentary )
Recommended
by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service
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