I think that the Harry Potter films are probably better suited to slightly older kids. There may be parts that are a bit too intense for very young kids and they may not understand them too well. I don't think that they are too scary, the whole theme is about friendship, love and doing the right thing.
The great "good triumphing over evil" situations which are at the heart of all good childrens stories. It would probably be a good idea to read the books with the children first, if they are too young to read them on their own, then when they are a little older, let them watch the films. Parents know their own kids best and will be able to judge what is an appropriate age.
Don't forget that some of the great childrens stories can be scary, remember Hansel and Gretel?
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.