Harry Potter: This Unpopular Opinion Would Have Improved the Movies

Fans of Harry Potter tend to fiercely protect their beloved series, and some of their constructive criticisms could enhance the franchise if implemented. One such suggestion surfaced on Reddit this week in a thread about unconventional views on Harry Potter. User u/British_Historian presented a compelling argument for why J.K. Rowling should have imposed restrictions on the “killing curse,” Avada Kedavra, to foster more intricate spellcasting during combat while reserving the most devastating act for climactic scenes. Instead, overuse of this spell often transformed fights into displays of laser-like spells.

In “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” the lethal spell known as Avada Kedavra, or “the killing curse,” is unveiled among the three Unforgivable Curses. When effectively deployed, it swiftly claims its victim’s life without any physical harm to their body. This spell cannot be deflected by a skillfully timed protective shield charm, but can be dodged or obstructed using solid barriers such as walls. The spell is said to necessitate “a powerful surge of magic,” implying the presence of genuine malicious intent. There are also suggestions that employing it may inflict damage on the caster’s spirit, a phenomenon linked to the creation of Voldemort’s Horcruxes; however, the specific repercussions of this spiritual harm remain unclear.

Many users supported u/British_Historian’s viewpoint, noting that earlier incidents hinted at more thrilling and spectacular duels. For instance, in the second novel, Malfoy summoned a snake to attack Harry. Throughout their years of study, characters learn numerous spells, but by the end of the series, most battles often boil down to Avada Kedavra (a killing curse), sunshine spells, and disarming spells, all appearing as beams of light.

This could be because, as u/WuPacalypse noted, the focus on the appropriate audience played a role. The books and movies were intended for children and young adults, with a PG rating. To make it suitable for them, it was wiser to portray death subtly, such as a flash of green light without any blood, loud noises, or explicit violence. If villains had been casting spells like Sectumsempra frequently, parents might have hesitated before taking their children to the cinema.

Instead of using numerous lethal spells that sometimes missed their targets, enchantments to disable opponents could have been employed more often. It would have added an extra layer of tension if characters attempted and failed to cast the deadly Avada Kedavra spell, perhaps due to the intense pain it inflicted or their inability to muster the necessary willpower. This would have effectively highlighted the moral differences between truly wicked antagonists like Voldemort and cowardly, insecure villains such as Malfoy and Peter Pettigrew.

The Harry Potter series has several issues, and excessive use of the killing curse might not be a major concern for many fans. However, it’s worth discussing as we get ready for the new TV series adaptation on HBO and Max, due in 2026.

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2025-01-23 01:39