Recently, while falling in love with Pixar’s new film "Finding Dory," I was reminded of another story I adore, that of J.K. Rowling’s famous fantasy series "Harry Potter." It might not seem like these two stories have anything in common—one’s about a magical school for wizards and the other tells a rather fishy tale, after all—but looks can be deceiving. From similarities in character traits to the presence of “flying” automobiles, "Finding Dory" and "Harry Potter" share more than just the same number of syllables!
1. A Quest for Family
Both protagonists find their parents eventually, although in different ways. Dory is physically reunited with her parents, whereas Harry develops an emotional connection with the deceased Lily and James Potter. Through objects like the Mirror of Erised and old friends of theirs like Lupin and Sirius, Harry is able to foster a stronger memory of his parents that comforts him in his times of need.
2. Two Spheres of the World
Interestingly enough, both of these stories split the world as we know it into two distinct spheres: you have the sea creatures and humans of "Finding Dory" and the magic users and muggles of "Harry Potter." Now, here’s the question: When are we going to have magical fish?
3. Forgetful Characters
Both stories have characters that could definitely benefit from a reminder or two. Of course, Dory suffers from short term memory loss and therefore has difficulties holding long conversations, following directions by herself, etc. Though his case is not nearly as severe, Neville Longbottom in "Harry Potter" is also very forgetful—so forgetful, in fact, that his grandma sends him a Remembrall during his second week at Hogwarts. The poor kid!
4. Dangerous Modes of Transportation
From scary, dark pipes to unpredictable flow powder and flying broomsticks, these stories are filled with unpleasant ways of getting around. Maybe Dory is on to something when she tells everyone to “just keep swimming.”
5. Supportive Parental Figures
Family is an incredibly important component of both of these works, especially the role of supportive parental figures. Charlie and Jenny, Dory’s parents, are everything that parents should be: caring, understanding, encouraging and loving. Though his parents are no longer alive, Harry nevertheless receives the support of several parental figures such as Arthur and Molly Weasley, Lupin and Tonks, Sirius Black, etc. It just goes to show that there’s more than one way to define family!
6. An Inseparable Trio
Harry, Ron and Hermione are famous for their indivisible bond of friendship. However, "Finding Dory" presents another trio that is just as heartwarming: Dory, Marlin and Nemo. Even when they’re apart, you can sense that they are still together in spirit.
7. The Crazy Rescuer
What do Becky the bird and Dobby the house elf have in common? They’re both a little crazy but essential to the plots of their stories. You can always count on these zany creatures to save the day!
8. The Rise of the Underdog
Underdog stories aren’t rare, but these two works convey the rise of the underdog remarkably well. Despite their flaws, both protagonists are able to achieve seemingly impossible feats. For instance, Dory is able to remember and track down her parents even though she suffers from short term memory loss, and Harry defeats Voldemort as a young teenage wizard.
9. Amazing Supporting Pals
Supporting characters are often overlooked, but the secondary characters in these stories have a spotlight all their own. Who doesn’t love grumpy Hank, optimistic Destiny and dorky Bailey in "Finding Dory"? And who can possibly fail to mention Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Ginny, Fred, George, or even Hagrid from "Harry Potter"? No matter the scenario, these friends are always there for one another like the BFFs they truly are.
10. Airborne Vehicles
Two great works of art connected through a single unexpected element: the elusive airborne vehicle. If you recall, Dory and Hank drive a van off a bridge into the ocean, while Harry and Ron use the Weasley’s flying car to get to Hogwarts in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Ah, there’s something about dynamic duos driving stolen property through the air that always warms my heart.
11. The Audience = EVERYONE
What I love about "Finding Dory" and "Harry Potter" is that they can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone, no matter how old you are!
If you haven’t experienced the wonderfulness that are "Finding Dory" and "Harry Potter," then what are you waiting for? These are two masterpieces you won’t soon forget.
