By: Gabrielle Marcelo
The 2022 movie Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore was a much-awaited film for numerous reasons. First, we welcome back another movie from the Harry Potter franchise. Second, fans got to see the new Gellert Grindelwald – Mads Mikkelson in action, and we get to indulge in the magical world of fantastic beasts. Though it is a movie targeted towards children and young adults, there were some serious political reflections we can learn from it too.
But first, did you know that the wizarding world uses a unique creature called a “Qilin” to choose their leaders? Yeah, these amazing beasts can sense those who have a pure heart and good intentions, thus are trusted to select capable leaders!
So, let’s take a dive at the top five reflections we can learn from, the elections scenario in Fantastic Beasts: Secrets of Dumbledore *Oh, beware of spoilers!*
Premeditated Plans for Success
Well, planning during election season is nothing new. Campaigns are well though out even before the campaign period to be able to deliver the candidate’s message to their supporters and potential voters. In the movie however, Grindelwald knew the birth of a new Qilin, so he sought to capture it to bewitch the creature and ensure his success in the elections.
Such a wretched guy!
Playing the Game for Power
It’s no question many individuals running for the top positions in the country have a genuine heart for public service. Many have their own visions on how to help raise society and level the opportunities for all. However, not all candidates running have this in mind. Some intend to make their way to top position just for power. In this movie, Grindelwald can be seen euphorically listening to his supporters scream his name, even running out into the crowd of overly enthusiastic supporters wanting to touch him.
Grindelwald’s supporters rushing to greet him. Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures
His expression and pure ecstasy cannot deny his power obsession to be in power and decide the fates of both wizarding and muggle world.
Wizards and Muggles similarities? The Right to vote
Even in the wizarding world, supporters of candidates act like us muggles. Carrying banners and poster of their candidates and yelling chants of their name during campaign season. In addition, wherever their candidates were, swarms of people gather to show their support. This is because everyone has the right to give support and vote for who they wish to be elected as their leader. Though some choices may be questionable, no one can take away this right.
“Let the people vote – when he loses then the people will have spoken but deny them their voices then those streets will run with blood,” said Anton Vogel
Despite the current leaders’ hesitancy to allow Grindelwald to stand as a candidate they are aware that they cannot silence the masses rights to vote.
Walk of the Qilin – selecting the worthy leader from the crowd (non-candidates)
During the election scene, the Qilin had to make a decision between three candidates to see who has a pure heart and most qualified to be their leader. However, instead of choosing from the existing pool, the Qilin deviated from the standing candidates and walked towards the audience – sensing a worth leader in the crowd.
This scene reminds us that though we think we are not capable, there is a public servant in all of us. Through our little ways, we can contribute to the progress of our countries. *Qilin bow*
Qilin bow. Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures
Electing a qualified leader
In the end, the Qilin chooses the most qualified leader out of the candidates which all throughout the movie displayed capability and character. The only female running for the position, Vicência Santos.
This should be the main reflection from the movie. Who should we elect other than those who showed their heart for public service even outside of the campaign period? A candidate with a pure heart – one truly deserving of a Qilin bow.
Do you think the Qilin would bow for you? What did you think of the movie? We’d love to know! Share your thoughts in the comments section below!