A long-standing and unfortunate truth for any film franchise is that it’s difficult to create a sequel that’s as strong and as beloved as its predecessor. Combine that with basing a movie on an extraordinarily successful book series with a rabid fan base, and you can imagine the pressure for excellence that was stacked against Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Like a wizard casting a spell, the movie managed to debunk the second installment curse, and ingrain itself in pop culture, and fans’ hearts, for the last 20 years.
Released on November 15th, 2002, Chamber of Secrets was an instant box office hit, earning $88 million on opening weekend alone in the U.S., and proving the franchise’s enormous popularity and staying power. It surpassed the earnings made by Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and received just as positive critical acclaim. It solidified the star power of the young cast, particularly that of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who play Harry, Hermione, and Ron, whose success would only continue to evolve.
RELATED: 20 YEARS LATER: THE ENDURING MAGIC OF ‘HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE’
Where the magic lies with this adaptation is complex, and genuinely deeper and more meaningful than some may give it credit for. Not only does it set in motion pivotal events that pertain to the overall main plotline of the entire series, but it touches on much more weighty thematic elements. The charm and allurement that was felt so immensely in the first film is still evident, but it was the first time fans were given a glimpse of the trials that were to come.
The enchantment that the films are so well known for, (particularly the first two) is largely thanks to Director Chris Columbus, who lovingly stayed as loyal as possible to the novels. The rich, absorbing set design and spellbinding score from John Williams that made Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone so famous is again prevalent in this sequel, re-capturing the captivation that was originally felt so strongly.
We’re also introduced to one of the most beloved and fan-favorite characters of the entire series within the first few moments, with Dobby the House Elf. While at first appearing troublesome and, frankly, slightly annoying, Dobby’s actions are later revealed to be pure and well-intended as he tries desperately to warn Harry of the dangers that lie ahead.
Those dangers, we soon learn, center largely around the fact that the notorious Chamber of Secrets has once again been opened. The chamber, originally constructed by Salazar Slytherin, one of the founding members of Hogwarts, was rumored to harbor a monster that could only be controlled by one of his heirs. Who his heir is, and what the monster is meant to do, are the nuts and bolts that hold the story together, and the impetus for more serious plot points.
This is the first time we begin to learn the prejudice and divide against those who aren’t born from two magic-using parents. Those who are born from both a magic-using and non-magic-using (referred to as Muggles) parent are considered half-blood, and deemed not as special. Those born from two Muggles, however, are cruelly called Mudbloods, and therefore have the greatest negative bias against them. It’s a surprisingly heavy and complicated manner for a children’s story to touch on, but Chamber of Secrets does so with careful and delicate precision.
Salazar Slytherin’s intent in creating the Chamber was to wipe out all students who were Mudbloods, and thus creating what he considered a “pure” alumni who would eventually go out into the wizarding world. The repercussions of this are felt in various ways, and against multiple characters. Hermione herself is the child of two Muggles, and subsequently not only feels the weight of discrimination from some of her peers, but also is in danger once the Chamber is open and attacks on Mudbloods begin to take place.
RELATED: ‘FRAGGLE ROCK: BACK TO THE ROCK’ HOLIDAY SPECIAL DEBUTS ON APPLE TV+
The inclusion of such heavy subject matter nestled within the crevices of a largely endearing and joyous tale was a surprise to some, but one that is nonetheless crucial and respected. The Harry Potter franchise is, at its core, a story about the strength and bravery of those who have been overlooked by society. While Harry is broadly regarded as a hero due to his legacy, it’s also made clear that he’s nothing without his friends; even those who are looked down upon and criticized. The notion of tolerance towards others, particularly those who are different, rings strong, showcasing that it’s about a lot more than just witchcraft and wizardry.
Harry also is faced with an internal struggle that will stay with him throughout the remainder of the series: the similarities between himself and Voldemort. Noting that the Sorting Hat nearly placed him in Slytherin, a house known for producing more dark wizards than any other, he fears that he may possess more evil than good. There’s a deep focus on the duality of dark and light, and where on the spectrum Harry, and the other characters, fall.
He laments this fact with Dumbledore after emerging from the Chamber and battling Tom Riddle, Slytherin’s true heir. Offering the sage wisdom he is known for, Dumbledore tells Harry, “It is not our abilities that show us who we really are. It is our choices.”
Words that we all could live by, no matter our background. And what would become a worldwide phenomena all started with the Boy Who Lived.
